Playlist: Baby Blue

New Power Pop Playlist Featuring Songs With "Blue" In The Title

Nov 05, 2024

Blue has to be one of the most versatile words in the English language.

In nature it represent the immensity of the sky and the sea, as well as blossoms, birds, berries and beyond. Culturally, it’s the color of everything from calm to cold, lewdness to loyalty. It can also symbolize “boys” and “sadness,” and there’s nothing more stereotypically power pop than sad boys singing songs about love, lust and longing.

So, it’s no wonder that so many of the genres most loved artists have gravitated to it—including four of power pop’s biggest inspirations: The Beatles (“For You Blue”), The Byrds (“Old Blue”), and The Beach Boys (“Baby Blue”).

And, of course, The Who.

Badfinger is one of the greatest power pop bands of all time and their track “Baby Blue” helped define the genre.

It offers the perfect example of “smiling through tears” lyrics, starting with this heartbreaking first verse:

Guess I got what I deserved
Kept you waiting there too long, my love
All that time, without a word
Did you really think that I'd forget
And regret
The special love I have for you
My baby blue

Other artists featured on this 40-song playlist include ‘70s legends (Blue Ash, Flamin’ Groovies, Blondie), lesser-known tracks by ‘80s hitmakers (“Beneath The Blue Sky” by The Go-Go’s, “Blues Before And After” by The Smithereens), should-have-been ‘90s hits (“Blue Thing” by DM3, “Turning On Blue” by Tommy Keene”), and killer 2000s cuts (“Blue Letter” by The Dahlmanns, “Me & My Blue Angels” by 2nd Grade”).

As always, I hope you’ll find a few new favorites here or get reacquainted with a “blue” power pop track you might have forgotten. I’ve included both Spotify and YouTube versions below.