Serious Fun

Serious Fun

The Knack attempted a comeback as a power pop band for the '90s, with drummer Billy Ward filling in for Bruce Gary (who was busy as an in-demand session drummer) and producer Don Was adding a modern kick to the rhythm section and a crisp, sharp tone to the drums. While several of the songs are overproduced and a bit cloying (the moderately successful single "Rocket O' Love," "I Want You," "Shine"), others recall the crackling Knack of old. "Serious Fun" throws together the group's familiar harmonies. "One Day at a Time" adds a mature rhythmic pulse that's halfway to Don Henley's "The Last Worthless Evening." "River of Sighs" kicks up a dirty, hard rock funk with guitarist Berton Averre guiding the attack, while singer Doug Fieger tries to muster enough dirt to be convincing. Was' production transforms The Knack into a hard rock band in spots ("I'll Be Your Mau Mau," "Doin' the Dog") where it should've jangled. Knack fans, however, should still find much to love in the flawless playing and execution. 

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