"Knocked It Off" is a song by Scottish musician BA Robertson, released in October 1979 as the third single from his debut album Initial Success. It became his second Top-Ten hit in the UK, peaking at number 8 on the Singles Chart.[1] The song features a sarangi by Neil Sorrell.[2] The title "Knocked It Off" means, in this context, to become a success somewhat unexpectedly. The lyrics criticise celebrity life, making references to pop and football fame.

"Knocked It Off"
Single by BA Robertson
from the album Initial Success
B-side"Sci Fi"
ReleasedOctober 1979 (1979-10)
StudioMayfair Studios, London
GenreNew wave
Length3:24
LabelAsylum
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Terry Britten
BA Robertson singles chronology
"Bang Bang"
(1979)
"Knocked It Off"
(1979)
"Kool in the Kaftan"
(1980)

Reception edit

Reviewing the song for Record Mirror, Robin Smith wrote "The Bruce Forsyth of rock 'n' roll has done it again. This single is so annoying because it's full of some of the most ridiculous lyrics ever committed to paper. But it's so well crafted and stuck to that infectious tacky back beat that it's guaranteed to evade your ears. The only safe place to be will be the outer Hebrides".[3]

Charts edit

Chart (1979) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[4] 8
UK Singles (OCC)[1] 8

References edit

  1. ^ a b "B.A. Robertson: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  2. ^ Initial Success (liner). B. A. Robertson. Asylum. 1980.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  3. ^ "Singles". Record Mirror: 8. 13 October 1979. Retrieved 15 November 2020 – via flickr.com.
  4. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Knocked It Off". Irish Singles Chart.