27 Best Pop Rock Songs Ever

Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Greenday

Song year: 2004

The music video for “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Greenday matches the energy and tone of the song. This song describes someone who feels lonely in their life and wishes to have other people to lean on, but may not trust anyone else. The video showcases someone walking lonely along a road, showing how lonely life can be sometimes without the support of a strong family and friendship unit.

Numb by Linkin Park

Song year: 2003

“Numb” by Linkin Park is a song about the disappointment others may feel in you and how you shouldn’t have to shoulder that burden. Most listeners think the lyrics directly discuss the disappointment that many parents feel when their children pursue dreams and passions that may not be financially lucrative. However, the words resonate with other relationships, too, as the music video shows well.

“Numb” urges listeners to be who they are, unapologetically, and never give in to the desires of the people around them when it means sacrificing themselves.

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

Song year: 1998

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls is a romantic song where the singer discusses how much they love and adore the person they’re addressing. This love song and video are one of the most famous in the pop-rock genre and show exactly how much they love another person – even when they don’t think the rest of the world would understand their love and affection.

Sk8r Boi by Avril Lavigne

Song year: 2002

“Sk8r Boi” by Avril Lavigne became an emo and pop-rock anthem for many listeners who may have resonated with the message of the work. The lyrics describe a woman who didn’t think a prospective partner was good enough for her and refused to indulge in a relationship, even though she wanted to be with him. The music video is littered with classic pop-rock rebellious imagery like girls wearing neckties and graffiti and skateboarding.

Hey, Soul Sister by Train

Song year: 2009

“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train is a song about being kept up-to-date with everything someone you love is doing and missing them when they aren’t around. The music video shows the main characters constantly thinking about each other and hoping to see each other soon. Most listeners can rightfully think of this pop-rock hit as a romance song.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears

Song year: 1985

Tears For Fears wrote the perfect mixture of lament and acceptance anthem with “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” This song describes how some members of mankind have hurt the environment for personal gain, through the use of vehicles and other damaging behavior. The music video shows the use of planes, cars, and industrial complexes.

She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer

Song year: 2014

“She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer, often called 5SOS, is a song all about love, romance, and being awe-struck. This song discusses how much the singer enjoys seeing their love interest in their apartment, wearing their clothes, and having an intimate moment.

Unlike many pop-rock songs, this song is about good times and having fun with someone you love. The video only adds to the fun, hypnotic adventure with depictions of everyone, everywhere having a good time and getting struck with love and admiration.

Top Pop Rock Songs, Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a pop-rock fan or you like a few songs in the genre, you’ll likely be familiar with every song on this list. Pop-rock is versatile and may include anything from upbeat love songs to sad and dreary songs about loss.

Some of the best pop-rock songs are from some of the most famous bands of all time, including The Beatles, Greenday, and My Chemical Romance.