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 musical sourcepoint for nearly all power-pop is The Beatles. Virtually all stylistic appropriations begin with them distinctive harmony singing, strong melodic lines, unforgettable guitar riffs, lyrics about boys and girls in love; they created the model that other power-poppers copied for the next couple of decades. Other profound influences include The Who, The Kinks, and The Move, bands whose aggressive melodies and loud distorted guitars put the "power" in power-pop.[4]
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" and "Happy Jack" — 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.
