Pop rock is a genre of music that combines elements of both pop
and rock music. Songs are identified by their simple song structure, catchy
melodies, and repetition of musical passages (the pop part), and by their
use of electric guitar- and drums-based instrumentation and a somewhat
aggressive attitude (the rock part). Alternating soft verses and loud
choruses is a typical feature of pop rock arrangements.
By a narrow definition, some popular pop rock artists include Michelle
Branch, and All-American Rejects, with Alanis Morissette and possibly
Melissa Etheridge having originated the genre in the mid-1990s (in turn
inspired from Nirvana's arrangements in the early 1990s). (disputed —
see talk page)
Another definition adds to these a group of mid-1960s bands who played
short, catchy songs that were radio hits. Тhese artists include The
Grass Roots, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, and The Buckinghams as prime
cases.
There are many examples of Chinese pop-rock bands and singers. These
artists include F.I.R, Jay Chou, JJ Lin, and Stephani Sun.
Pop rock has increased in popularity in recent years as rock and hard
rock are knocked off the charts in favour of rap, RnB and hip-hop artists.
There is much debate over whether artists are defined as rock or pop rock,
and this generally comes down to the opinions of fans and critics.
Australian artists such as 'Jet' and 'Rogue Traders' (headed by former
'Neighbours' star Natalie Bassingthwaighte) are often the source of many
disputes, whereas 'Powderfinger' are still generally regarded as alternative
rock depite their commercial success.
Finally, in the broadest definition, countless artists from rock's
inception on could be categorized as "pop rock". and "pop
punk"
