More Great Power Pop from 2025

There were a few albums his year that I absolutely enjoyed but had little time to review. Before year’s end, I’d like to highlight them. That way, in the event that you missed any, you can get at least partially caught up. Look for 2025’s best of list in a couple of days. In the meantime…

Sharp Pins – Balloon Balloon Balloon

This one really knocked me out.  The opening single, “Papafangout”, is maximum jangle and immediately brought The Blow Pops and Byrds to mind. Absolutely breathtaking. Other tracks like “I Don’t Have a Heart” will remind you of early Beatles. This is retro pop at it’s very best. Twenty one tracks in all and there isn’t a bad one amongst them.

Dom Mariani – Apple of Life

More jangle pop, this time from a long time power pop stalwart. Best known for his uber-catchy songwriting with DM3 and The Someloves, Mariani gives us more of the same. The title track is a real winner as well as the hooky “World On Its Head”, the latter reminding me very much of The Records. “Oh Angeline” is another melodic gem while “Jangleland” has a great alt country-tinged vibe to it. Another great album from a power pop legend.

The Gnomes – Introducing…

A late year release, The Gnomes are a high energy outfit specializing in retro garage pop. Like Mariani, these guys are from Australia, making 2025 a great year for power pop from down under. “I’ll Be There” and “You Won’t Fool Me” will remind you of early 60’s bands like The Beatles or Kinks. “Open Your Eyes” absolutely rocks and all twelve tracks are worthy of your time. Great debut!

The Peppermint Kicks – Pop Rocks In My Chewing Gum

Sal Baglio and Dan Kopka bring you maximum fun with this glam-power pop look back on cultural icons such as “Speed Racer” and “Gigantor”. But the best tracks are the catchy “Too Sweet (Oh Yeah)”, “Radio Wam Bam Boom” and “Number One Record”. Worthy of the album’s title, these songs are as sugar sweet as our childhood years were. It doesn’t get more fun than this.