OC Zed
Footballguy
Every pop rock band has at least one guitarist in the band, but few acts feature guitarists that can really play well within the confines of the genre. I’m talking about guys that can provide an edge to a song without making it too heavy or shred-oriented. And in terms of what defines a “pop rock” band – I’d label it as a band with a traditional rock lineup (vocalist, 1-2 guitarists, bass, drums w/keyboard optional), but whose primarily known for top-40 pop songs.
The king of this list has to be Neil Schon of Journey. He had tasty leads and beautiful tone in all of their mega hits (ie, “Don’t Stop Believin’”) and had some simple, but effective rhythm work which gave some punch to their songs (eg, “Any Way You Want It,” “Only the Young,” “Stone In Love,” “Lights”).
Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon comes in as a close second. Some really solid guitar in “Roll with the Changes,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Take It on the Run” among others (I’m thinking of only their really poppy stuff here – not their harder songs). Even his lead work in “Can’t Fight this Feeling” was pretty melodic.
I would also give honorable mention to Andy Scott of Sweet (see “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like Oxygen”) and Mick Ronson of Mott the Hoople/David Bowie (“All the Young Dudes”) of the 70s glam rock era (which was fairly bubblegum at the start). From 90s bands, Kevin Cadogan on the first two Third Eye Blind albums had a very subtle, but original writing style and Ross Childress with Collective Soul had some great solos (ie, “Shine”).
The king of this list has to be Neil Schon of Journey. He had tasty leads and beautiful tone in all of their mega hits (ie, “Don’t Stop Believin’”) and had some simple, but effective rhythm work which gave some punch to their songs (eg, “Any Way You Want It,” “Only the Young,” “Stone In Love,” “Lights”).
Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon comes in as a close second. Some really solid guitar in “Roll with the Changes,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Take It on the Run” among others (I’m thinking of only their really poppy stuff here – not their harder songs). Even his lead work in “Can’t Fight this Feeling” was pretty melodic.
I would also give honorable mention to Andy Scott of Sweet (see “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like Oxygen”) and Mick Ronson of Mott the Hoople/David Bowie (“All the Young Dudes”) of the 70s glam rock era (which was fairly bubblegum at the start). From 90s bands, Kevin Cadogan on the first two Third Eye Blind albums had a very subtle, but original writing style and Ross Childress with Collective Soul had some great solos (ie, “Shine”).
