[Western Music] Start Here First! A Roundup of Classic, Popular Power Pop Songs
Suddenly, but what bands or sounds come to mind for you when you hear the genre “power pop”? Those who are well-versed might immediately name Badfinger and Raspberries—the originators of power pop—as well as bands from the punk and new wave era onward.
However, interpretations vary from person to person, so many may be wondering, “Which ones actually count as power pop?” Its roots trace back to 1960s bands like The Beatles and The Who, but in this article we introduce a curated selection of classic tracks—spanning from the genre’s heyday in the 1970s through the ’90s and 2000s—that we especially recommend for newcomers to power pop.
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[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic Power Pop Hits (1–10)
My Best Friend’s GirlThe Cars
It’s a single released by the American band The Cars in October 1978, opening with a rockabilly-style guitar riff and handclaps, and marked by a catchy melody and ironic lyrics.
Included on the band’s debut album, The Cars, the track became a major hit, reaching No.
35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
3 in the UK.
Its universal theme—painfully discovering that your best friend’s current girlfriend is actually your ex—has enduring appeal, and combined with its innovative blend of new wave and power pop, it continues to captivate listeners today.
Featured on the soundtrack of the 1979 film Over the Edge, this song is recommended not only for anyone nursing a broken heart, but also as great driving music.
The Kids Are AlrightThe Who
A song released as a single by The Who in 1966.
Written by Pete Townshend, it is an anthem paying tribute to the Mods, the trendy and rebellious British youth of the time.
It has been covered by Goldfinger and Green Day.
SurrenderCheap Trick
A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses power-pop elements with a hard rock sound, this is one of the signature songs by Cheap Trick from Illinois, USA.
The lyrics—expressing a teenager’s confusion over generational differences with humor and irony—are another major highlight.
Released as a single in June 1978 and serving as the opener of the album Heaven Tonight, it reached No.
62 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It was also featured in the films Small Soldiers and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.
2, and continues to be loved to this day.
The combination of powerful performance and catchy melodies makes it a must-listen when you’re feeling down or need a lift.
[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic Power Pop Favorites (11–20)
New MistakeJellyfish
This is an epic power pop piece included on Jellyfish’s 1993 album Spilt Milk, from the San Francisco, California band.
Built on lush harmonies and lavish orchestration reminiscent of Queen, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys, the song distills the appeal of melodic power pop.
It reached a peak of No.
55 on the UK Singles Chart.
Amid a music scene then dominated by grunge and alternative rock, the band’s polished sound stood out.
It’s essential listening not only for pop music devotees, but also for anyone who appreciates grand arrangements and meticulous melodies.
Modern KicksThe Exploding Hearts
A vital, life-affirming track that showcases new possibilities for power pop by The Exploding Hearts opened their 2003 studio album Guitar Romantic.
With its simple yet striking guitar riff, driving chord progression, and irresistibly catchy hooks, the song brilliantly fuses elements of 1970s British punk and power pop.
Though based in Portland, Oregon, the band crafted a distinctive world of their own—strongly influenced by The Buzzcocks and The Jam—through youthful energy and refined sensibilities.
The track continues to receive high acclaim, having been ranked among Pitchfork’s “Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s.” It’s highly recommended not only for fans of punk rock and power pop, but also for anyone seeking a catchy, immediate tune.
Black and WhiteThe dB’s
This is a track from the milestone debut album Stands for Decibels by The dB’s, a New York band that epitomized early ’80s American power pop.
Featuring catchy guitar riffs and energetic playing from members originally hailing from North Carolina, the song was released as a single by Shake Records in 1980.
Peter Holsapple’s light, breezy lead vocals and the band’s tight performance deliver a wonderfully satisfying power-pop sound.
Covered by Nada Surf in 1998, it’s a song that has remained beloved by music fans for many years.
It’s also a great recommendation for anyone curious about power pop and unsure where to start.
Dirty Little SecretThe All-American Rejects
When it comes to essential power pop groups of the 2000s, The All-American Rejects from Stillwater, Oklahoma, are a must-mention.
The piercing track lifted from their 2005 album Move Along vividly portrays the turmoil of a secret relationship, resulting in a striking power pop song where edgy guitar work intertwines with Tyson Ritter’s powerful vocals.
Achieving triple platinum sales, the song was featured in numerous works including the films Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo and She’s the Man, and was also included in the Rock Band video game series.
Packed with the allure of power pop, it stands as a youthful anthem—perfectly suited as background music for an exhilarating drive or to elevate the energy at a party.