This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Franke & the Knockouts' "Sweetheart"

Here's one of those disorienting songs that always has me wavering on several issues when I hear it or think of it, namely the following burning questions:

• 1) Was this an '80s or '70s tune?

Judging by its Michael McDonald yacht rock sound, which straddled those decades so smoothly and indistinguishably, I can never remember exactly when it was popular. Turns out this is a flashback special from 1981, but damned if I can hear anything but 1978 in its pleasant strains.

• 2) Was it a Top 10 hit or more of a bottom-feeder on the Billboard pop charts?

Based on the rare occasions on which I hear this tune on the radio or in the grocery store, I would think it really didn't make much of a splash, but to my surprise it actually peaked at No. 10, a pretty respectable chart position for a song and a New Jersey band known for - if anything - anonymity. Without a doubt, the song's confectionary status certainly tends to sweep it quickly from a listener's brain. What was I talking about again?

• 3) Do I like this song, or do I generally find it only mildly and fleetingly listenable?

If you're wondering, based on my conflicted description of this tune, why I'm spotlighting it as a gem of any kind, you bring up a good point. The fact is, from listen to listen, I never quite know what to expect in terms of my personal reaction. Will I smile, shrug, chuckle or not even notice? This ambivalence may partially explain why I still don't own this song even though I've considered seeking it out probably a dozen times. Well, I guess the verdict's still out.