[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)
HackensackFountains of Wayne
A song about a girl with whom he spent his youth, who later moved to LA and became famous.
The track was used in the 2005 film “Just Friends” starring Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart.
It was covered by Katy Perry on MTV Unplugged in 2009.
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.
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.
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.