[Western Music] Start Here First! A Roundup of Classic, Popular Power Pop Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[Western Music] Start Here! A roundup of classic, popular power pop songs (41–50)

Another Girl, Another PlanetThe Only Ones

The Only Ones – Another Girl Another Planet

Another Girl, Another PlanetThe Only Ones

Written by guitarist and vocalist Peter Perrett, the song was released as a single in 1978.

It’s an up-tempo track inspired by a woman from Yugoslavia.

It was used in a Vodafone advertising campaign in 2007.

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Whole Wide WorldWreckless Eric

Whole Wide World

Whole Wide WorldWreckless Eric

A song written by the British rock singer-songwriter Eric Goulden and released as a single in 1977.

It was inspired by encouraging words from his mother.

The track was used in the 2006 film “Stranger Than Fiction” and has been covered by the American rock group Cage the Elephant.

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That Thing You Do!The Wonders

The Wonders – That Thing You Do! (Official Audio)

That Thing You Do!The Wonders

A song written by Adam Schlesinger, the bass player of Fountains of Wayne.

It became a hit through the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do!, which depicts the fictional 1960s pop band The Wonders, and was nominated for both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.

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I Only Want to Be with YouDusty Springfield

“I Only Want to Be with You” Dusty Springfield

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.

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FreezerPONY

PONY – “Freezer” (Official Music Video)

FreezerPONY

A track released in June 2024 by PONY, a power-pop duo based in Toronto, Canada.

Influenced by ’90s alternative while blending in a modern sensibility, it’s a captivating song.

The lyrics delicately portray both the anticipation of renewal that comes with spring and the struggle with gender identity.

Its catchy melody and crunchy guitar tones create a vibe that feels nostalgic yet fresh, evoking memories of adolescence.

It’s a must-listen not only for fans of ’90s music, but also for today’s indie rock listeners.

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