Power pop is a rock subgenre that inevitably divides fans. The style is held in high regard by listeners who love the sharp hooks, strong melodies and exuberant arrangements that characterize the style. Detractors point to what they see as its derivative nature, based upon the music of specific eras in the catalogs of the Beatles and the Who (and only a few others). But there\u2019s no denying that among the most fully realized exponents of power pop were the Raspberries. The Ohio-based group led by Eric Carmen made music that might have been a bit out of fashion by the \u201870s, but nevertheless scored hits and enduring popularity.<\/p>\n
The Raspberries would only release four albums during their initial time together (1970-75). But each of those albums is filled with gems. On the 50th anniversary of their last LP of the \u201870s, Starting Over<\/em>, here are five power pop classics from the band: one each from those four albums, plus one from an onstage reunion in the 21st century.<\/p>\n \u201cGo All the Way\u201d from Raspberries<\/em> (1972)<\/strong>
\nThis was the opening track on the band\u2019s debut LP (memorable also for its raspberry-scented scratch-and-sniff cover). With its signature bracing guitar riff, \u201cGo All the Way\u201d signaled the Raspberries\u2019 approach: a \u201cdon\u2019t-bore-us-get-to-the-chorus\u201d style that featured loads of soaring harmonies and an impassioned lead vocal from Eric Carmen. \u201cGo All the Way\u201d soared to the Top 5 on three U.S. singles charts; it performed well in Australia and Canada, too.<\/p>\n