Skip to main content

Power Pop 

A term coined by Pete Townshend of The Who. Power Pop is a Rock & Roll sub-genre that has its' roots from 60s Pop and Rock bands such as The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Kinks, and The Hollies. Major Power Pop elements include strong melodies, upbeat guitars, and tight vocal harmonies.

The first true "Power Pop Wave" regarded by many Popsters began in the early 70s. With bands such as Badfinger, The Raspberries, and Big Star setting the rules, but at the same time embracing its' true 60s foundation. Through the late 70s and into the 80s, Power Pop began incorporating more Hard Rock, New Wave, and Punk Rock elements while still maintaining a strong Pop core. Bands like Cheap Trick, The Knack, The Flamin Groovies, XTC, 20/20, The Only Ones, The Beat, The Real Kids, and The Stems are strong examples of more complex varieties of Power Pop styles.

When the 90s came, the genre became less popular. But behind the shadows of the Grunge, Metal, Hip Hop, Rap, and Alternative movements, a new breed of Power Popsters have emerged. Jellyfish, Redd Kross, Teenage Fanclub, The Posies, Cotton Mather, and Sloan are prime examples.
Guy 1 - Hey buddy, what kind of music do you listen to?
Guy 2 - Power Pop!
Guy1 - Why's that?
Guy2 - Three things; Melody, Harmony, and Rock & Roll!
Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.

power pop 

It is songs characterized and dominated by catchy guitar riffs, sometimes led by piano or organ, filled with vocal harmonies, and stick-in-your-head melodies that usually come in at around three minutes.
The power pop band was HARDLY Rock n' Roll!
power pop by jim May 13, 2005

Power-Pope

Is a character made by a Twitch streamer called pauleman112. It is just his Dark Souls 3 character in the clothes from the deacon of the deep with the Ultra Greatsword.
Power-Pope is a totally fictional character, it cant hurt you.
Power-Pope by Pauleman112 July 27, 2020

Pussy poppin power

The female version of “big dick energy” (bde)
“Rachel has pussy poppin power”
Pussy poppin power by Shanky skanky November 26, 2018

powerpop 

Style of music that employs rock and roll/punk elements and an emotional undertone in its songs. Basically combines Beatle song content/jangly guitars with Johnny Thunders-esque pace and riffs.

Powerpop reached its creative peak during the late 1970's & early 1980's. Regardless of what psuedo-scene girls say...it has nothing to do with hellogoodye and everything to do with 20/20, The Knack, The Raspberries, The Nerves, etc.
Hellogoodybe IS NOT powerpop...but the Nerves are.
powerpop by Henry__Chinaski April 17, 2007

Powerpop 

A genre of Pop/Rock music.

Started around the early-mid 70's as a sort of continuation of the spirit of rock played by many Rock and British Invasion bands during the 60's.
Known for it's catchiness and may include 60's-esque Pop vocals and harmonies. Tends to be very poppy, upbeat and fun. Can include elements of Hard Rock and Pop Punk or synthesizers among others. Influenced and related to genres such as New Wave and Jangle Pop, Pop Punk. and Indie Rock.
Well known artists who have played Powerpop include:

Big Star
Redd Kross
The Undertones
The Romantics
The Knack
Cheap Trick
The Cars
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Badfinger

But those are just a few and there is many more with much more variety.
Powerpop by RKFS January 14, 2009

powerpop 

A high-energy form of music. It makes you want to start dancing, but includes real instruments, meaning, and all of the general emo-essentials. Followed closely by over-preppy girls and anybody scene.
Karrie:OMG! Becka! Did you hear the new Hellogoodbye stuff?
Becka: NO!! Head Automatica Currently Owns My Stereo. Powerpop is Love.
Karrie: Chyeah!
powerpop by J<3 November 8, 2006
More from Urban Dictionary
A US deep south term for an alligator. Usually used in the Cajun dialect.
Take the big pirogue, I saw a huge swamp dog out there earlier.
swamp dog by Crystal Ambrose May 22, 2006
Word of the Day on October 12, 2026

Throat Sweats 

The feeling and build up in your mouth/throat of saliva that sometimes accompanies nausea.
Oh man those burritos gave me the throat sweats, I hope I don’t have food poisoning.
Throat Sweats by TacoFings420 April 23, 2024
Word of the Day on October 11, 2026
Being ignored by someone when making a statement or asking a question. Also known as blanked and turfed.
Person 1: Did u watch ** last nite?
Person 2:......
Person 3: O no u got aired!
aired by Pietro February 9, 2005
Word of the Day on October 10, 2026

piddlefart

Instead of doing my homework, I decided to piddlefart around for two hours.
piddlefart by Rene April 25, 2005
Word of the Day on October 9, 2026
anyone who succeeds in disgracing/over indulging themselves in the throws of clubland
28 hours and 4 clubs later, gurning for england but still refusing to go home - a total wrongun!!
wrongun by bevvers March 21, 2007
Word of the Day on October 8, 2026
Load more