Powerpop
Powerpop (also typeset power pop and power-pop) is perhaps the most fundamental or "pure" form of pop rock music. The term was coined by Pete Townshend in May 1967? to refer to the music of his band The Who?, and was picked up in the late 1970s? by music journalists to refer to the resurgence of powerpop songwriting in the New Wave?. As a style of pop songwriting, powerpop is defined by tight melodic hooks, rich vocal harmonies, "economical" rock band arrangements, and bright guitars ranging from hard-hitting power chords to lilting jangles.
The first wave of powerpop emerged before the term itself did, establishing itself in the mid-1960s from a few sources. Perhaps most prominent among these is The Beatles? and their "Beatlesque" sound, rooted in Merseybeat and inspired by the pop hooks of the Brill Building? and Motown? soul?, filled out by the band's distinctive three-part harmonies. The Who were also an important factor, with a distinct, also beat-informed form of mod? pop exemplified by songs like "Pictures of Lily" and "I Can See for Miles", and other bands like The Kinks?. Although not often considered powerpop themselves, American? bands like The Byrds? and The Beach Boys? were also heavily influential on the genre for their jangly guitars and distinctive harmonies, respectively.
The second wave of the first wave of powerpop, or simply the first wave after the precursors from some points of view, followed in the early 1970s, purveyed by groups who had grown up with the '60s British Invasion bands.