Pop Punk

Pop Punk is widely -- but inaccurately -- recognized as a 1990s phenomenon. It first emerged with the Ramones' debut album in 1976 and included '80s underground successes like the Dickies, the Descendants, and the Buzzcocks, who earned cult followings with their catchy, peppy Punk. It wasn't until the mid-'90s, however, when Punk-Pop finally wound its way into America's commercial mainstream, due in part to MTV's incessant airing of Green Day's "Longview" video in the spring of 1994. Pop Punk, with its irresistibly simple chord progressions, speedy tempos and strong sense of melody, seems almost like the Bubblegum rock of the '60s. But albums like Husker Du's Flip Your Wig and Jawbreaker's Dear Youpoint to a different side of the music, layering deeply personal lyrics beneath their catchy melodies and wall-of-guitar production.