[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)
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.
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.
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.
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.