[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 (31–40)
Whole Wide WorldWreckless Eric
A song written by the British rock singer-songwriter Eric Goulden and released as a single in 1977.
It was inspired by encouraging words from his mother.
The track was used in the 2006 film “Stranger Than Fiction” and has been covered by the American rock group Cage the Elephant.
I Only Want to Be with YouDusty Springfield
A song written by Mike Hawker and Ivor Raymonde.
It was the first single released in 1963 by Dusty Springfield, who was 24 at the time, as a solo artist.
The song is about a girl who has found the man of her dreams.
It has been covered by acts such as the Bay City Rollers and The Tourists.
Red Rubber BallThe Cyrkle
A song written by Paul Simon of Simon & Garfunkel and Bruce Woodley of The Seekers.
It was the first hit for the American rock band The Cyrkle and was released as a single in 1966.
It has been covered by many artists, including Neil Diamond and Cliff Richard.
Southern GirlsCheap Trick
A song released as a single in 1977 by the American rock band Cheap Trick.
It was inspired by a woman from southern Canada.
The track has been covered by many artists, including Bangs, Everclear, Mike Doughty, and Gilby Clarke.
I Got YouSplit Enz
A song released as a single in 1979 by the New Zealand rock group Split Enz.
It was written by Neil Finn, who later formed Crowded House.
The track topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand and was also a hit in the United Kingdom, Canada, and elsewhere.
[Western Music] Start Here! A roundup of classic, popular power pop songs (41–50)
Please Please MeThe Beatles
A song released in 1963 as The Beatles’ second single in the UK and their first single in the US.
It was the first record purchased by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and it is also known as one of Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones’ favorite Beatles songs.
Just What I NeededThe Cars
The Cars are a five-member rock band from the United States.
The band’s name, “The Cars,” was reportedly chosen because all the members love cars.
This song is a message to someone special, singing “I need you.” Its nostalgic sound and frontman Ric’s cool vocal delivery make for an upbeat, energetic drive.