[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, Popular Power Pop Songs (21–30)
Break The RulesCharli XCX
An angry anthem embodying defiance and a longing for freedom was released in August 2014 by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX.
Brimming with resistance to authoritarian school systems and a youthful sense of liberation, the track stands out for its innovative fusion of electropop and punk rock.
Selected from the album Sucker, it climbed high on charts around the world and earned gold certification in Australia and Canada.
Embraced as a song symbolizing youthful rebellious spirit, it also drew attention for its music video set in school life and party scenes.
A rebellious, energetic track that everyone feeling stressed in the classroom or workplace should hear.
I’m On FireDwight Twilley Band
The debut single released in 1975 by the Dwight Twilley Band, led by American pop-rock singer-songwriter Dwight Twilley.
Alongside his 1984 hit “Girls,” it is one of his best-known songs.
The track reached No.
16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
HackensackFountains of Wayne
A song about a girl with whom he spent his youth, who later moved to LA and became famous.
The track was used in the 2005 film “Just Friends” starring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart.
It was covered by Katy Perry on MTV Unplugged in 2009.
The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em)The Greg Kihn Band
A power pop rock song released as a single in 1981 by the American rock band The Greg Kihn Band.
It became their first hit song, reaching No.
15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.
5 on the Top Tracks chart.
Behind the Wall of SleepThe Smithereens
A song about strong feelings for a woman who is out of reach.
It was released as a single in 1986 by the American alternative rock band The Smithereens.
It reached No.
8 on the UK charts and was selected for “The All-Time Top 100 Singles” by editor and writer Colin Larkin.
Fox On The RunSWEET
A song by the British band Sweet, produced by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn.
It was released as a single in 1975.
Featuring a bright chorus and bold echo, it reached No.
1 on the charts in Germany, Denmark, and Australia.
Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)The Buzzcocks
A song by Buzzcocks released as a single in 1978.
It was inspired by dialogue from the 1955 musical film Guys and Dolls.
It became a hit in countries such as Ireland and the United Kingdom.
It has been covered by many artists, including Fine Young Cannibals.