My Sharona

The harmony of 'My Sharona' is deceptively simple — anchored by the G power chord riff in the verses, then opening up with the I–IV–bVII–IV progression. The flat seventh (Bb) borrowed from the mixolydian mode is the key harmonic color, giving the song its rock edge. The power comes from rhythmic drive and the iconic riff pattern rather than harmonic complexity.

Doug Fieger claimed 'My Sharona' was written in just 15 minutes. He and guitarist Berton Averre worked out the structure and melody together. Averre was initially reluctant to use Sharona Alperin's real name in the song, but Fieger insisted it be a direct expression of his feelings, and Averre ultimately agreed.

"My Sharona" burst onto the charts in 1979, spending six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the best-selling single of the year. Written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre and produced by Mike Chapman, the song channels raw romantic obsession through a driving guitar riff and stuttering vocal delivery that became instantly recognizable. It remains a defining anthem of the power pop genre and one of the most enduring rock singles of the late 1970s.