Best power-pop songs of all time

A recognized classic by Flamin' Groovies, with cascading guitar *riffs* and brilliant harmonies that sound glorious decades later. It represents the more garage-rock side of power-pop.

Considered the quintessential power-pop track, this Big Star song stands out for its jangling guitars, yearning vocals, and impeccable melody. It has gained cult status and is highly influential.

A punk-pop anthem by The Undertones with youthful energy, direct lyrics, and an unforgettable melody. It's a genre-transcending song, celebrated for its immediacy and its ability to capture the essence of adolescence.

Possibly the most successful power-pop song of all time, it spent six weeks at No. 1 and was Capitol Records' fastest debut single to reach gold status since The Beatles.

A very good power-pop song by The La's that repeats the chorus in four different ways, making it very catchy. A British indie-pop classic with clear power-pop influences.

Released late enough in power-pop's 'golden decade', this song by The Plimsouls captures the original conception of pop with dynamics and grit. It's the pinnacle moment for Peter Case and co.

This Raspberries classic is a power-pop cornerstone, merging The Beach Boys' harmonies with The Who's energy. It was a US Top 5 hit and defined the genre's sound.

This melodic gem by Badfinger combines powerful guitars with poignant vocal harmonies, showcasing their knack for high-quality pop rock. Its inclusion in 'Breaking Bad' brought it new recognition.

A *tour de force* by Todd Rundgren, who played and produced every note, combining a sweet acoustic intro with an incandescent guitar solo. It laid the groundwork for future power-pop.

This British song by The Records is full of *hooks* and a melodic drive that made it stand out, reaching the Top 50 in 1979. It's an excellent example of the British contribution to the genre.

Cheap Trick's most recognizable track, with a narrative about protective parents and an energetic sound that was a big hit. It's a generational anthem that encapsulates the fun and power of power-pop.

Although The Cars evolved towards new wave, this debut single is firmly rooted in power-pop, with driving guitar *riffs* and distinctive synth lines. It's a bridge between genres.

With its distinctive Rickenbacker, a memorable *hook*, and a sound reminiscent of The Byrds, it's a brilliant example of pop-rock with power-pop leanings. One of Tom Petty's most beloved songs.

A stellar song by The Dwight Twilley Band with roots in both the British Invasion and Sun Records rockabilly, skillfully blending both genres. It demonstrates power-pop's versatility.

A display of Nick Lowe's power-pop talent, with a powerful and catchy sound that emerged from his solo debut. Lowe is a key figure in pub-rock and new wave.

A pop standard that, although released by The Nerves on an EP, became famous for Blondie's cover. Its influence is undeniable, with a melody and structure that made it appealing to one of new wave's biggest bands.

A catchy ode to Bram Tchaikovsky's 'lonely fantasy' that broke into the US Top 40, with a 60s mod style. An example of how power-pop could be commercially successful.

Even though power-pop's commercial peak was in the 70s and 80s, this song by The Lemon Twigs proves that there are still bands creating innovative and fresh sounds in the genre, keeping its spirit alive.

A Beatles pastiche by Utopia, with an incredibly catchy melody and a sound that evokes the golden era of pop. It showcases the versatility of Todd Rundgren and his band in exploring different facets of pop and rock.