Franke & The Knockouts

Franke & The Knockouts were an American rock band best known for their early-’80s run of radio-friendly, hook-heavy tunes that straddled new wave, power pop, and straight-ahead rock. Fronted by songwriter and vocalist Franke Previte, the group broke through with the hit single “Sweetheart” in 1981, followed by another charting favorite, “Girl in the Park,” which helped cement their reputation as a sharp, melodic singles band during the era.

The band released a handful of albums in the early 1980s—including *Franke & The Knockouts* (1981), *Below the Belt* (1982), and *Makin’ the Point* (1984)—and their catalog has since been revisited through compilations and remastered editions like *The Complete Collection* and expanded anniversary releases. While they’re often remembered as a classic “soundtrack of the airwaves” act from that period, their tight songwriting and punchy arrangements have kept their best-known tracks in steady rotation for fans of ’80s pop-rock.

Genres

Aor

Yacht Rock

Arena Rock

Latest Release

The Hits - Anniversary Edition (Bonus Tracks)

Franke & The Knockouts

Album - 13 Tracks - Released February 13, 2026