poprock

Pop rock is a genre of rock music that blends catchy pop songwriting and production with rock's instrumentation and energy. It emphasizes accessible melodies, memorable choruses, and radio-friendly arrangements, often with polished production and straightforward verse–chorus structures.

Pop rock emerged in the 1960s as artists bridged the gap between pop and rock. The Beatles and the Beach Boys are among early examples whose songs combined melodic hooks with rock instruments. Through the 1970s and 1980s, pop rock matured into a mainstream format, distinguishing itself from heavier rock while staying guitar-driven and commercially oriented.

Typical elements include verse–chorus form, guitar-driven textures, bass and drums, keyboards, and tight production. Subgenres and closely related styles include power pop, soft rock, and modern pop rock, which often overlap with adult contemporary and mainstream pop.

Renowned artists associated with pop rock span several decades. The Beatles and the Beach Boys influenced its melodic approach; later acts such as Phil Collins, Goo Goo Dolls, Matchbox Twenty, Coldplay, Maroon 5, OneRepublic, and Keane have been described as pop rock or pop-rock-adjacent acts.

Pop rock remains a dominant force on radio and streaming services, valued for its blend of accessibility and rock sensibility. It has influenced the broader pop landscape by shaping song structure and production, while critics sometimes view it as commercially driven. Despite debates, its enduring appeal endures across generations.