Power pop (or
powerpop) is a popular
musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American
pop and
rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong
melodies, crisp vocal
harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are usually kept to a minimum, and
blues elements are largely downplayed. Recordings tend to display production values that lean toward
compression and a forceful drum beat. Instruments usually include one or more
electric guitars, an electric
bass guitar, a drum kit, and sometimes electric keyboards or
synthesizers. While its cultural impact has waxed and waned over the decades, power pop is among rock's most enduring subgenres.
[2][3]Writing for Allmusic, John Dougan described the genre's origins
The Who, inspired by the melodicism of The Beatles and the driving rhythms of American R&B, released several songs — "I Can't Explain", "The Kids Are Alright", "Substitute", "I'm a Boy", "Happy Jack", "So Sad About Us", and in 1967, "Pictures of Lily" — in their early mod phase (1965–1966) that can be considered the first true power pop songs. These songs are propelled by Keith Moon's aggressive drumming and Pete Townshend's distinctive power chords, and have strong melodies and euphonic harmonies.
The Beatles released harder-edged, yet melodic, singles such as "Paperback Writer" and "Day Tripper" in 1965–66, as well as album tracks such as "And Your Bird Can Sing". However, four years before the term "power pop" was coined, The Beatles were already recording a series of influential hits that some have retroactively classified as power pop, including "From Me to You", "She Loves You", "I Want to Hold Your Hand", and "Can't Buy Me Love".
