[Western Music] Start Here First! A Roundup of Classic, Popular Power Pop Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 Here! A roundup of classic, popular power pop songs (41–50)

Don’t Worry BabyThe Beach Boys

Don’t Worry Baby (2009 New Stereo Mix)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Red Rubber BallThe Cyrkle

Red Rubber Ball – Cyrkle, The

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

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!