Candy pop is a genre characterized by its upbeat, sugary sweet melodies, catchy hooks, and irreverent attitude. Emerging in the late 1990s and peaking in the early 2000s, candy pop drew from punk's energy, pop's polish, and new wave's quirky sensibilities. Artists blended distorted guitars, driving drums, and synthesizers with saccharine vocal harmonies, crafting a sound both rebellious and radio-friendly. As a reaction against the dominant grunge and boy bands of the time, candy pop championed female empowerment and a playful, tongue-in-cheek approach to relationships and identity. With its DIY ethos and eclecticism, candy pop bridged the gap between punk, power pop, and teen pop, influencing subsequent genres like electro-pop and indie pop. Its unapologetic, bubblegum charm continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

77 (feat. Avril Lavigne)

Billy Idol•

Avril Lavigne

Single - Released April 22, 2025