Search - Frankie & The Knockouts :: Sweetheart Collection

Unforgettable songs from an outstanding band

02/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Franke and the Knockouts, on the surface, look like one of those "here today, gone tomorrow" bands of the '80s. Sadly, they are gone now, but it is not for lack of quality music. This collection, a compilation of the best songs from their three albums plus two bonus tracks you will be surprised with, is a must-have for all fans of melodic pop, unforgettable hooks, and great lead and harmony singing and blistering guitar.Franke and the Knockouts only had one big hit - "Sweetheart". There is so much more here, however, that is nothing short of fantastic, exhilirating music. Check out, for example, great rockers like "Come Back", "She's A Runner", "Never Had It Better", "Keep On Fighting", and especially "You're Just What I Want". The latter track is incredible, with top-notch singing, guitar, drums, and surprises throughout. In the liner notes, Franke Previte says that this song represents the Knockouts as they saw themselves. Like pop? Try out the undeservedly minor hit "Without You", as well as a song you have to sing along to, "You're My Girl". "Come Rain Or Shine" is a great tune also. The surprises here include the songs "Hungry Eyes" and "Time Of My Life", both of which were written by Previte. In fact, Previte won an Oscar for the latter tune. Please, take a chance, slap down eleven dollars and chance it with this one. It is just outstanding. And a true "five-star" CD. I only wish Franke would start writing again and recording. I just got this CD in the mail tonight. I immediately went out and played the whole thing with the windows down. And I want to go back out. Now!"

'MOR' is not always a dirty word

D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 04/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Franke and the Knockouts were part of a singularly 80's genre of pop rock (Chris Rea, The Sherbs, Donnie Iris, Toy Matinee, etc.) that wasn't quite heavy enough to appeal to Big Hair Rockers, not quite jangly or angsty enough to appeal to New Wavers or college radio, yet still not necessarily 'sellout' or formulaic enough to end up as Top 40 fodder. "The Sweetheart Collection" is a fine assortment of well-crafted songs, from the anthemic rock of opening track "Come Back" to the original versions of the Franke-penned ballads "Hungry Eyes" and "(I've Had)The Time Of My Life" from the "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack. Ironically, the latter two songs were in fact big radio hits, but only as covered by Eric Carmen and Bill Medley, respectively. The track-by-track annotations by band leader Franke Previte are down-to-earth and amusingly self-effacing. A good investment at a midline price."