17 power pop artists that should have made it big (but didn’t)

1960s legends like the Beatles are actually the originators of power pop, not a term created by music critics. This style, characterized by catchy melodies and sometimes featuring loud or twangy guitars, has persisted over time, even if it wasn’t always popular with mainstream audiences. Yet, it never fully disappeared, maintaining a dedicated fan base that remains active today.

A greater number of notable power pop bands exist compared to those who received broader recognition, ranging from established acts like Cheap Trick and the Cars (less guitar-centric), to one-hit wonders such as the Knack, up to power pop enthusiast favorites like Flamin’ Groovies.

Nevertheless, several musicians who are recognized as pioneers in their genre or popular among power pop fans have not received the broader recognition they truly deserve. Here are seventeen talented artists who should have achieved greater success:

1. Arthur Alexander
2. The Chiffons
3. The Box Tops
4. The Raspberries
5. Big Star
6. The Flamin’ Groovies
7. Dwight Twilley Band
8. The Knack
9. The Romantics
10. Cheap Trick
11. Squeeze
12. Elvis Costello & the Attractions
13. Nick Lowe
14. The Records
15. The dB’s
16. Let’s Active
17. The Replacements

These artists continue to deserve wider recognition and should still find success in today’s music scene.

Power pop acts that never made it big, but deserved to

Big Star

As a music enthusiast (and gamer!), I’ve come across the intriguing term “power pop.” It’s said that this label was born in the realm of a band that I admire, led by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell. However, after their debut album, Chris decided to part ways with the group. But don’t let that fool you! Chris later produced an exceptional solo album, “I Am The Cosmos.

On their three official releases, an abundance of exceptional music could be found, particularly on the first two albums which earned the title of timeless power pop masterpieces. The third album, while deeply emotional, is regarded as a classic in rock music.

The Nerves

The band, Nerves, missed out on seeing their iconic song “Hanging on the Telephone” become a hit; however, Blondie managed it instead. Yet, Nerves were not just about that one song – they boasted members like Peter Case and his exceptional musical abilities. Despite not achieving widespread fame, they continue to be a significant name within power pop circles.

The Plimsouls

Previously, Case attempted power pop music within a group setting, but later opted to pursue a full-blown career as a folk artist. During this period, they produced three exceptional albums (two studio and one live) before disbanding, also creating a popular power pop anthem titled “A Million Miles Away,” which was famously used in the ’80s teen movie Valley Girls.

The Records

In the late 1970s, Records perfectly embodied the classic British pop sound reminiscent of power-pop, drawing influences from iconic ’60s British bands such as The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Who. However, their “Starry Eyes” single was the only track that gained them notice, marking a disappointingly small success for the band.

Shoes

Beginning in the mid-70s, the Murphy brothers hailing from Zion, Illinois, along with their band, Shoes, consistently aimed to introduce novel elements into their music, placing emphasis on melody above all else. They were among the initial bands showcased on MTV (as early as 1981) and continued producing albums that were not only excellent but also well into the new millennium. However, they never garnered the widespread acclaim they truly deserved.

The Posies

Back in the ’80s, I found myself immersed in the world of music as part of a band called The Posies. We quickly made waves in power pop communities, with our unique blend of music, particularly my harmonies with Ken Stringfellow that were rich and intricate. Yet, we never hesitated to add some heavy guitar tones to our repertoire, as evident in our track “Solar Sister” from the album “Frosting on the Beater”.

June & Exit Wounds

Illinois appears to have been rich soil for power pop, especially during the mid-nineties. Notably, one Todd Fletcher, who was known by an unusual stage name, produced “A Little More Haven Hamilton, Please,” one of the finest melody-driven albums of the decade. However, after that, he virtually vanished from the solo music scene.

Emitt Rhodes

At the age of 14, Emitt Rhodes embarked on his musical journey and was at one time referred to as “The One-Man Beatles.” He crafted beautiful harmony rock initially with Merry-Go Round and later, from 1970 to 1973, he produced three power pop classics. In 2016, he made a remarkable comeback before passing away four years later.

The Smithereens

These New Jersey musicians saw several of their songs, such as “A Girl Like You,” climb the charts, produced a series of highly praised albums (including one that mirrored The Who’s Tommy), and were consistently admired by dedicated power pop enthusiasts. However, they failed to achieve the level of success they deserved.

The Spongetones

The Beatles served as a significant source of inspiration for numerous American power pop bands, including this group from North Carolina. Unlike mere imitators of the mid-60’s British Invasion sound, they managed to breathe new life into it, making it relevant for future decades. Many critics consider their “Beat and Torn” album as one of the finest in power pop music.

Marshall Crenshaw

In the 80s, during the early stages of his musical journey, I found myself captivated by Crenshaw’s songs “Someday, Someway” and “Cynical Girl.” Although another artist achieved massive success with a song that shared some similarities (Gin Blossoms’ “‘Till I Hear It From You”), it was clear to me that Crenshaw was destined for even greater heights. Unfortunately, despite his undeniable talent, he never quite reached the pinnacle of success that he truly deserved.

Tommy Keene

Tom Keene, who recently passed away, is still revered as one of power pop’s enduring figures. His three 80s albums and numerous singles continue to be highly valued by power pop enthusiasts. The quality and distinctive guitar sound that defined his music remained consistent until his last album, “Laugh In The Dark,” released in 2015.

Game Theory/Loud Family

Two unique groups, each spearheaded by the same creative mind: Scott Miller. Known for his knack of blending power pop’s jangly tones with a variety of experimental elements and intricate lyrics, this mastermind kept both ensembles – Game Theory in the 1980s and Loud Family in the 1990s – on their toes. Despite garnering consistent critical acclaim and dedicated fan bases, these bands failed to break through beyond their niche audience.

Rain Parade

In the 1980s, when the Paisley Underground movement emerged, both critics and fans found it challenging to categorize it as either neo-psychedelic or power pop. The Roback brothers and their band, The Rain Parade, were at the heart of this unique sound, which was a blend of both genres, producing two outstanding studio albums during this time.

Wondermints

In the nineties, Wondermints were highly praised for producing exquisite power pop albums, among which “Bali” might have been the most notable. Their exceptional vocal harmonies led to a friendship with the legendary Brian Wilson. Consequently, the band eventually supported him on stage, with keyboardist Darian Sahanaja acting as a kind of lead musician in this role.

Teenage Fanclub

If a band encompasses all facets of power pop music, that band would be Teenage Fanclub from Scotland. They started off blending power pop with grunge in their debut album “Catholic Education,” and later evolved into a masterful representation of modern power pop with the release of “Bandwagonesque.

2025-04-22 13:00