[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 Power Pop Favorites (31–40)
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.
Break The RulesCharli XCX
An angry anthem embodying defiance and a longing for freedom was released in August 2014 by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX.
Brimming with resistance to authoritarian school systems and a youthful sense of liberation, the track stands out for its innovative fusion of electropop and punk rock.
Selected from the album Sucker, it climbed high on charts around the world and earned gold certification in Australia and Canada.
Embraced as a song symbolizing youthful rebellious spirit, it also drew attention for its music video set in school life and party scenes.
A rebellious, energetic track that everyone feeling stressed in the classroom or workplace should hear.
Do Anything You Wanna DoEddie&The Hot Rods
A song released as a single in 1977 by the English pub rock band Eddie & The Hot Rods.
It is their most famous track, produced by their manager Ed Hollis and guitarist Graeme Douglas.
It reached No.
9 on the UK charts.
I Got YouSplit Enz
A song released as a single in 1979 by the New Zealand rock group Split Enz.
It was written by Neil Finn, who later formed Crowded House.
The track topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand and was also a hit in the United Kingdom, Canada, and elsewhere.
Please Please MeThe Beatles
A song released in 1963 as The Beatles’ second single in the UK and their first single in the US.
It was the first record purchased by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and it is also known as one of Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones’ favorite Beatles songs.
[Western Music] Start Here! A roundup of classic, popular power pop songs (41–50)
I’ll Feel A Whole Lot BetterThe Byrds
A song written and sung by Gene Clark, a former member of The Byrds.
It features complex harmonies and a guitar solo influenced by country music.
It was released as a single in 1965, and shortly thereafter Gene left the band.
Just What I NeededThe Cars
The Cars are a five-member rock band from the United States.
The band’s name, “The Cars,” was reportedly chosen because all the members love cars.
This song is a message to someone special, singing “I need you.” Its nostalgic sound and frontman Ric’s cool vocal delivery make for an upbeat, energetic drive.
