Power Pop 101

Although I've never been one for all of these sub-genre's that people put out, such as post-grunge/metal or punkindiemo, there are a few that actually make sense. Somewhere in between the melodies of The Beach Boys, the crunching power chords of The Who, and the brilliance of The Beatles lies a genre known as power pop. Although it is often considered to be a synonym for "100% pure cheese", power pop is strong on melody and often tackles serious topics such as chasing girls and breaking up with them. Early on, it was quite easy to distinguish the power pop bands around (Cheap Trick, Badfinger, The Raspberries, Big Star, etc.), it's not as easy in today's music world. So many bands have incorporated a little power pop into their sound, that it is often considered to no longer exist. Don't worry boys and girls, it is still going strong today. These are 10 power pop albums I find to be essential (in order of release):

#1 Record by Big Star (1972)
Big Star is probably the most critically acclaimed band in the power pop genre. They put out three legendary albums, most notably their debut album, #1 Record. From start to finish, this album is a masterpiece that most people will never hear. Go out and buy this album and it comes with their second album, Radio City, which is also fantastic. You won't regret your decision.

Out of the Blue by Electric Light Orchestra (1977)
ELO is not one of the better power pop bands, they are also perhaps the cheesiest rock band in history. Full of orchestral arrangements, falsetto vocals, and goofy lyrics, this double album is a true delight. "Turn To Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky" will draw you in and songs like "It's Over" and "Jungle" will keep you coming back for more.

Heaven Tonight by Cheap Trick (1978)
Cheap Trick is often remembered more for releasing many disappointing albums in the 80s, but had they quit after this album, they would be legendary. Heaven Tonight is where it all came together. The off kilter humor from their self-titled debut met the sweet harmonies from In Color. "Surrender" is one of the greatest rock and roll anthems ever written, while "Heaven Tonight" and "Auf Weidersehen" are two of their finest songs.

Pleasant Dreams by The Ramones (1981)
This album, for one reason or another, is not considered by many as one of the Ramones finer moments. However, this is their last album that truly focused on hooks, and it works brilliantly. Joey Ramone's vocals are as good as ever, and although at times the production is a little slick, this album more than holds up today.

Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet (1991)
Matthew Sweet is the essential power popper of the 90s. Album after album he establishes a new sound, but his finest still to this day is Girlfriend. Guitar driven songs such as "Girlfriend" mesh with beautiful ballads like "You Don't Love Me" to make a sound all his own. It's a shame that Sweet isn't given the credit he deserves.

Rockin' The Suburbs by Ben Folds (2001)
Ben Folds dropped his band and went on to make one of the most genuinely enjoyable albums I have ever heard. Making sure his dorky sense of humor still set the tone, he was able to incorporate Beach Boy harmonies that I like to think Brian Wilson would be proud of. Often considered the leader of the geeks, Folds was able to live up to the title of the album.

Underneath by The Verve Pipe (2001)
The Verve Pipe went back to their roots, focusing on simplicity and good times, rather than keeping up with the current trends, and the outcome was something special. Brian Vander Ark and Donny Brown split songwriting duties to give this album a nice balance, while Vander Ark's vocals are simply breathtaking.

Welcome Interstate Managers by Fountains Of Wayne (2003)
Fountains of Wayne are the essential power pop band of right now. Although they will always be remembered for their one big hit, "Stacy's Mom", this album is much more than that. Songwriters Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood are those two guys in high school who sat in the back of class and made fun of everything going on in the world around them. These two can make a pop song about any topic, and if you don't believe me, listen to "All Kinds Of Time".

Hearts On Parade by American Hi-Fi (2005)
Without question, this is the cheesiest album in years. Full of pop culture references and songs about heartache, American Hi-Fi simplified their sound to make a fun summer album that demands to be listened to on a sunny day with the windows rolled down. Most may find this album to be a tad too cheesy, even though that is part of it's charm.

Everything In Transit by Jack's Mannequin (2005)
As the album cover gives away, Everything In Transit is a sunny album. Andrew McMahon takes the sound he developed with former band Something Corporate and perfects it by using the guitar to spice things up, rather than as the main course. This is one of those albums that grows on you quicker than a horrible STD, with each listen getting better than the last.