Progressive Pop
tagStarted 1967Peak 1972-1980Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Pop infused with prog ambition: extended forms, suite-like arrangements, shifting time signatures and studio sophistication, yet built on strong hooks and concise enough for radio. Lush multitracked vocals, clever harmony and elaborate production give it scale and intelligence without sacrificing the three-to-six-minute song.
History
Took shape around 1967-72 as The Beatles, The Zombies and The Moody Blues stretched pop's form, then matured with 10cc, ELO and Steely Dan, who built intricate, witty, studio-perfect records that charted. The strain re-emerged in art-leaning songwriters who married complexity with accessibility.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- AllMusic: Progressive Pop
- Rate Your Music: Progressive Pop
- Pitchfork