The Romantics are an American power pop and new wave band formed in Detroit on Valentine’s Day 1977 by Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Rich Cole, and Jimmy Marinos. Drawing from British Invasion rock, Detroit garage energy, and straightforward three-chord hooks, they signed with Nemperor Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1980.
Their breakout track “What I Like About You,” written by Palmar, Skill, and Marinos (with Marinos on lead vocals), became a high-energy party anthem despite peaking only at No. 49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song later exploded in popularity through heavy use in commercials, sports events, and media, cementing its status as a classic rock staple.
- The band’s biggest chart hit was actually “Talking in Your Sleep” (No. 3 in 1983).
- “What I Like About You” reached No. 2 in Australia and remains a go-to feel-good rocker.
- The group faced management and licensing lawsuits in the late 1980s but has continued performing for decades.
More than 40 years on, “What I Like About You” still delivers pure, infectious fun every time it plays.