[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 (41–50)
Another Girl, Another PlanetThe Only Ones
Written by guitarist and vocalist Peter Perrett, the song was released as a single in 1978.
It’s an up-tempo track inspired by a woman from Yugoslavia.
It was used in a Vodafone advertising campaign in 2007.
That Thing You Do!The Wonders
A song written by Adam Schlesinger, the bass player of Fountains of Wayne.
It became a hit through the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do!, which depicts the fictional 1960s pop band The Wonders, and was nominated for both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
FreezerPONY
A track released in June 2024 by PONY, a power-pop duo based in Toronto, Canada.
Influenced by ’90s alternative while blending in a modern sensibility, it’s a captivating song.
The lyrics delicately portray both the anticipation of renewal that comes with spring and the struggle with gender identity.
Its catchy melody and crunchy guitar tones create a vibe that feels nostalgic yet fresh, evoking memories of adolescence.
It’s a must-listen not only for fans of ’90s music, but also for today’s indie rock listeners.
Don’t Worry BabyThe Beach Boys
A song conceived as a follow-up to The Ronettes’ hit ‘Be My Baby.
‘ It was used in the Drew Barrymore–starring film ‘Never Been Kissed’ and in ‘Good Morning, Vietnam.
‘ It was covered by B.
J.
Thomas in 1977, and his version reached No.
17 on the U.
S.
charts.
Needles and PinsThe Searchers
A song written by Jack Nitzsche and Sonny Bono, originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon.
This version by The Searchers was released as a single in 1964.
It was the song they performed when they made their American TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show in April 1964.
In conclusion
As I mentioned at the beginning, the very definition of power pop can vary a bit depending on the listener’s sensibilities, and opinions can differ by generation as well.
That said, without getting too hung up on the details, I’d be happy if the classic songs I introduced here serve as a springboard and spark your interest in the world of power pop—where you can enjoy rousing, ringing guitar sounds and sweet-and-sour melodies!