[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)
Shake Some ActionThe Flamin’ Groovies
The title track from the San Francisco rock band The Flamin’ Groovies’ fourth album, released in 1976.
It’s a power pop song featuring introspective, reflective lyrics and a “call to action” chorus.
It was covered in 1995 by the American alternative rock band Cracker and used in the teen movie Clueless.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.