[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)
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.
Behind the Wall of SleepThe Smithereens
A song about strong feelings for a woman who is out of reach.
It was released as a single in 1986 by the American alternative rock band The Smithereens.
It reached No.
8 on the UK charts and was selected for “The All-Time Top 100 Singles” by editor and writer Colin Larkin.
[Western Music] Start Here! A Roundup of Classic Power Pop Favorites (31–40)
Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)The Buzzcocks
A song by Buzzcocks released as a single in 1978.
It was inspired by dialogue from the 1955 musical film Guys and Dolls.
It became a hit in countries such as Ireland and the United Kingdom.
It has been covered by many artists, including Fine Young Cannibals.
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.
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.
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 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.