[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.
- [Western Music] Start with this one! Classic and popular songs of alternative rock
- [Western Music] Both Speed and Bittersweetness! Recommended Melodic Hardcore (Melodic Punk) Bands [2025]
- Must-Listen Now! Classic and Hit Western Rock Songs from the 2000s
- [UK Music] A Britpop masterpiece. One recommended album.
- Enduring popularity! Classic emo songs in Western music
- [2025] A Collection of Classic Piano Rock/Pop Songs (Western Music)
- Classic punk songs from Western music. Recommended popular tracks.
- The lineage of garage rock: the footprints left by the mavericks from abroad
- Summary of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to famous pop songs from overseas.
- [Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western pop songs for concerts: timeless classics from every era
- Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic, Popular Power Pop Songs (21–30)
Pulling Muscles (from the shell)Squeeze
A song released as a single by Squeeze in 1980.
Chris Difford was inspired by holidays spent with his parents at a seaside resort in Kent.
The piano part on the track is played by former member Jools Holland.
Til I Hear It From YouGin Blossoms
A song released as a single in 1995 by the American rock band Gin Blossoms.
The lyrics were written by lead singer Robin Wilson, and the music was composed by guitarist Jesse Valenzuela and Marshall Crenshaw.
The track reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic Power Pop Favorites (31–40)
Just The GirlThe Click Five
A track released in 2005 by the American power pop band The Click Five.
It was certified Gold in the United States.
The music video features actor Christopher Knight and model Adrianne Curry, who were dating at the time.
I Can’t Let GoThe Hollies
A song written by Al Gorgoni and Chip Taylor, originally recorded in 1965 by Brooklyn singer Evie Sands.
This version by The Hollies was released as a single in 1966, reached No.
1 on the UK charts, and became a hit in countries such as Norway and New Zealand.
Cruel To Be KindNick Lowe
A song about a lover’s hostile attitude.
It became Nick Lowe’s highest-charting hit.
Its music video was one of those aired on MTV’s first day of broadcasting, featuring Rockpile guitarist Dave Edmunds as the driver.
Do Anything You Wanna DoEddie&The Hot Rods
A song released as a single in 1977 by the English pub rock band Eddie & The Hot Rods.
It is their most famous track, produced by their manager Ed Hollis and guitarist Graeme Douglas.
It reached No.
9 on the UK charts.
I’ll Feel A Whole Lot BetterThe Byrds
A song written and sung by Gene Clark, a former member of The Byrds.
It features complex harmonies and a guitar solo influenced by country music.
It was released as a single in 1965, and shortly thereafter Gene left the band.