[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 Favorites (11–20)
Starry EyesThe Records
The supreme debut single by the British band The Records—renowned as key figures of power pop’s golden era—has continued to captivate music fans since its 1978 release.
Though centered on tensions with their manager, John Wicks’s melodic lines and Will Birch’s deft lyrics fuse beautifully.
The thrilling guitar riffs and crystalline harmonies still shine with undimmed brilliance.
In the United States, the song appeared on the 1979 album “Shades in Bed,” achieving the notable feat of reaching No.
56 on the Billboard Hot 100.
If you’re looking for a quintessential power-pop track in Western music, this is one you should hear at least once.
Buddy HollyWeezer
Set to a bright, melodious rock sound, frontman Rivers Cuomo pens a bold declaration of love to his Asian girlfriend, invoking legendary musicians of the 1950s—one unforgettable scene.
Released as a single from the 1994 album “Weezer,” the track became a breakthrough for the American alternative rock band Weezer.
The music video collaborated with the hit TV show “Happy Days,” won four MTV Video Music Awards, and even appeared on the Windows 95 installation CD, drawing worldwide attention.
As a gateway to alt power pop, it’s a perfect entry point for rock fans.
Its refreshing melodies and fiery guitar tones are sure to lift your spirits.
Couldn’t I Just Tell YouTodd Rundgren
A song by American multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Todd Rundgren.
It is included on the double album “Something/Anything?” released in 1972.
The album reached No.
29 on the U.
S.
charts.
Teenage KicksThe Undertones
A song by The Undertones, a Northern Irish punk band fronted by Feargal Sharkey.
It was released as a single in 1978.
It has been covered by many artists, including Ash and Green Day, and Busted performed the song at the 2003 Brit Awards.
American GirlTom Petty & The Heartbreakers
One of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ most popular songs with enduring appeal.
Guitarist Mike Campbell has described it as “a really beautiful love song with a Florida vibe.” It has been used in many films and TV shows, including Chasing Liberty and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Golden BlundersThe Posies
A song released as a single in 1990 by the American alternative rock band The Posies.
It reached No.
17 on the U.
S.
charts.
Ringo Starr, the drummer of The Beatles, covered the song on his 1992 solo album Time Takes Time.
[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic, Popular Power Pop Songs (21–30)
Shake Some ActionThe Flamin’ Groovies
The title track from the San Francisco rock band The Flamin’ Groovies’ fourth album, released in 1976.
It’s a power pop song featuring introspective, reflective lyrics and a “call to action” chorus.
It was covered in 1995 by the American alternative rock band Cracker and used in the teen movie Clueless.