Music

Best pop-punk songs of the 70s

Explore the most influential and catchy pop-punk songs that emerged in the 1970s. This musical style fused the raw energy of punk rock with accessible melodies and memorable choruses, laying the groundwork for future generations. Discover the tracks that defined an era, from youthful anthems to attitude-filled ballads. It's an opportunity to rediscover the origins of a genre that continues to resonate today.

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  1. 1

    Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (1977)

    396 Global Votes
    • Became a punk rock classic

      (+3)

    This song encapsulates the essence of 70s pop-punk with its infectious energy and theme of teenage rebellion. Its blend of punk rock with surf rock and bubblegum pop influences made it a catchy anthem that defined the sound of the era.

  2. 2

    I Wanna Be Sedated (1978)

    3 Global Votes
    • Catchiest song on Road To Ruin

      (+4)

    This song is a pillar of 70s pop-punk, standing out for its raw energy and catchy lyrics that capture youthful frustration. Its simple structure and fast tempo make it a perfect example of punk's immediacy fused with accessible melodies.

  3. 3

    Teenage Kicks

    0 Global Votes
    • Scorching punk rock love song

      (+4)

    This song captures the essence of teenage frustration with raw, melodic pop-punk energy, becoming a generational anthem. Its impact was so profound that it was John Peel's favorite song, cementing its status as a timeless classic of the genre.

  4. 4

    What Do I Get?

    0 Global Votes
    • Pioneered pop-punk genre

      (+2)

    The song showcases perfect pop songwriting with raw punk energy, a hallmark of the Buzzcocks' sound. Its 1978 release helped establish the band as pioneers of a style that fused catchy melodies with punk attitude, influencing later genres like pop-punk and alternative rock.

  5. 5

    Pump It

    0 Global Votes
    • Pinpoints punk's revolution

      (+4)

    This song by Elvis Costello and The Attractions encapsulates the energy and attitude of 70s pop-punk with its relentless beat and biting lyrics. Its high-octane sound and Costello's distinctive vocal delivery establish it as a foundational track that merges classic songwriting with punk's raw edge.

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  7. 6

    Cherry Bomb

    0 Global Votes
    • Signature song of The Runaways

      (+2)

    This song encapsulates the rebellious spirit and raw energy that defined 70s pop-punk. Its powerful sound and defiant lyrics established it as an anthem of youth empowerment, setting a precedent for the genre. The Runaways, with this track, paved the way for future female artists in rock and punk.

  8. 7

    New Rose

    0 Global Votes
    • First single by English punk rock band The Damned

      (+4)

    "New Rose" is a foundational milestone in punk history, being the first punk rock single released in the UK in 1976. Its raw energy and catchy structure laid the groundwork for the pop-punk sound that would flourish in subsequent years, combining punk's aggression with accessible melodies.

  9. 8

    Roadrunner

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered the first punk rock song

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 70s proto-punk, with its raw energy and direct structure that influenced the development of pop-punk. Its minimalist sound and catchy lyrics capture the essence of youthful rebellion and melodic simplicity that would define the genre.

  10. 9

    (My Baby Does) Good Sculptures

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered a pop-punk song

      (+4)

    This song captures the essence of 70s pop-punk with its infectious energy and distinctive sound. Its blend of catchy melodies and punk attitude makes it a vibrant example of the musical innovation of the era.

  11. 10

    Identity (1978)

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers one of punk's most visceral punches

      (+1)

    The song captures the essence of 70s punk with its raw energy and lyrical message about the identity crisis in modern society. Its distinctive use of saxophone and Poly Styrene's unmistakable vocals give it a unique and memorable sound within the genre.

  12. 11

    Complete Control

    0 Global Votes
    • Often cited as one of punk's greatest singles

      (+2)

    This song captures the essence of 70s pop-punk with its raw energy and defiant message. Its direct critique of the music industry and powerful sound establish it as a landmark of the genre, reflecting the rebellious attitude of the era.

  13. 12

    London Calling

    0 Global Votes
    • Genre-defying impact

      (+4)

    "London Calling" encapsulates the essence of 70s pop-punk with its raw energy and socially conscious lyrics. The song tackles themes of political and social instability, resonating with the youth frustration of the era and offering incisive commentary on the state of the world.