Originating in the 1950s as an alternative to Rock & Roll, Pop Rock based itself in the instrumentality of rock but focused more on the songwriting and recording craft of pop music.

Pop rock often takes the form of softer rock, as embodied by groups like Coldplay and U2, but it also has offshoots like new wave, power pop and pop punk which coat the blueprint of punk rock with pop aesthetics. Often the instrumental aggression of guitars and drums is counteracted by mainstream production and easy-to-follow vocal melodies.

Artists:

• Paul McCartney
• Imagine Dragons
• U2
• Olivia Rodrigo