This is a guest post series about power pop featuring some of my favorite music writers. We’ll be sharing a new installment every few weeks or so (while supplies last). Full series here.
Is It Power Pop?
By Aaron Kupferberg
Power pop is rock and roll’s great lost lovechild.
It’s always longing, always melodic, and often misunderstood. The genre is based on the catchy melodies of The Beatles and the youthful energy of The Who. It thrives on chiming guitars, vocal harmonies, and direct emotional expression.
Power pop has never been a huge commercial success, even though it has catchy hooks and an undeniable charm. It flirts with the mainstream, then goes back underground, only to come back stronger than before, like a secret handshake between music lovers of different generations.
Power pop has lasted so long because it is so dedicated to writing great hook-filled melodies. There is no filler or posturing here; just the purest form of pop-rock storytelling, often with a bittersweet edge. You know it when you hear it. And once it’s in your head, it stays there.
I became a power pop fanatic in the mid-to-late ‘90s.
Jellyfish were a revelation that influenced many bands of that era and I was caught up in it too. The tireless efforts of fanzines put out by Bruce Brodeen of Not Lame Records at that time (along with a few choice labels, like Parasol and Big Deal Records) were all part of this “secret” club of the best musical artists that no one had heard of but were sure to scratch that “power pop” itch.
Once I dove into the indie culture, I just never grew tired of it. I even searched other tangential music genres (bubblegum, sunshine pop, college rock, alternative rock, etc.) that contributed to power pop’s growth and became additional obsessions.
Here are some great power pop songs I wanted to share with you that you won’t often see on other lists.
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“Sugarbomb” by Motor Mouth
Les Farrington was much ahead of his time here, incorporating hip hop lyrical tales in 2001, citing Queen, XTC, and Todd Rundgren as influences. It was a fun yet powerful feeling that switched key and melody several times while still keeping you hooked.
“I Got A Life” by Greg Pope
If you’re a power pop musician, this is the song for your “touring” adventures. Most of them aren’t musicians full time, as you might be aware. When they get the chance, these guys are “weekend warriors” who pursue their “rock star” fantasies. And when it’s over, they can always rely on their families’ for support coming back to earth.
“700 MPH” by Chris Lund
Lund channels his Big Star roots brilliantly here, and while the screaming guitars don’t appear until the solo break, the graceful strum and jangle do the job admirably. The continuous, intense emotional need that characterizes power pop is nicely expressed here.
“Hellbent” by Superdrag
The hook is everywhere in this song, and it features a reference to The Beatles as well as a climbing bass line. Again, a drive that is both emotional and deliberate to pursue and “make her mine, and I’m trying to be a sensation.”
“Sparky’s Dream” Teenage Fanclub
There is always a pang of romantic yearning in some of the best power pop. It’s the guy who’s been rejected by his girl, trying to keep “the feeling alive.” The guitar crunch and melodramatic story here stays with you and adds heavenly backing harmonies to its powerful conclusion.
Aaron Kupferberg is the driving force behind Power Popaholic where he writes about power pop music and interviews artists. He is also the author of Songs Stuck In My Head: The Modern Guide To Power Pop Music.
Previously On “Is It Power Pop?!”
Is It Power Pop?!
This is a guest post series about power pop featuring some of my favorite music writers. We’ll be sharing a new installment every few weeks or so (while supplies last). Full series here.
TFC songs in the last 2 installments makes total sense. Love seeing Superdrag in there too. Just finding Chris Lund with his newest...looks like I'll have to work backwards at some point.
I'm a big Greg Pope fan. That guy is an underrated master of Guitar Pop. His music has always overwhelmingly worked for me. As for Sugarbomb, I've had that CD since it was released. I have no clue how I heard about it, but I knew it would be right up my alley. Years after it came out, I recall being in a Home Depot looking for a fitting or a bolt or something and over the store's music speakers, I heard the song "Hello" off of that Bully album. I could not believe it, and I thought for a moment, the world was catching up to me musically. ;-) I was wrong.