In the 2010s, some of the biggest pop-punk artists proved thata hit song could connect with audiences in less than two minutes. Whilemany legends in the ’70s showed that longer tunes can be beautiful, it’s not something every artist aspires to do. In fact, shown from theearliest days of pop-punk, a quicker format is not uncommon.
Forhit-makers like Paramore, they have utilized songs with shorter durations as interludes, serving to break up their albums. For other artists, these fit into different places in their discography. Whatever the case may be, all of these pop-punk artists make it work, and when listened to in full,they fit seamlessly with the overall content of the record.
What is nice about tunes of this length is thatthey can give listeners a quick dose of the genre, without needing to spend too much time on it. There isn’t much of a lengthy build-up. Instead, things quickly happen. No matter the occasion, these tunes can always fit into a playlist, as they showcase some of pop-punk’s best qualities.
10The Wonder Years - Dynamite Shovel
Album: The Upsides (2010) - 1:05
In 2010, the Wonder Years released their sophomore album. This record showcased much of what the band could do, but if you wanted a quick synopsis of it, “Dynamite Shovel” is the perfect song. At just over one minute,this tune fits well as the fourth track. Following the longest song on the record, it serves as a great transition.
The band enjoyed the tune so much that there is actually an alternate version of it.
The band enjoyed the tune so much that there is actually an alternate version of it. Once they signed with Hopeless Records, they made a deluxe release, and this was one of the songs they recorded again.This time they presented a"Campfire Version,“which featured the band performing this tune acoustically, still showcasing the song’s strong presence.
9Fall Out Boy - Art Of Keeping Up Disappearances
Album: PAX AM Days EP (2013) - 1:03
Throughout their career, Fall Out Boy has been known for creating some of the most entertaining hits in pop-punk. They have always shown a passion for thinking outside the box about various kinds of material. Their 2013 EP,PAX AM Days, was no different,as people were already intrigued by the cover that featured tennis great John McEnroe.
For this release, only one song was over two minutes; therefore, there were many standouts. However, the shortest song, “Art of Keeping Up Disappearances,” is one of the best. At just over a minute, there isn’t much time to capture attention, but it is accomplished.This track features some of the best guitar playing on the record, making it unforgettable.
8Crucial Dudes - Doubt
Album: 61 Penn (2011) - 1:13
Many pop-punk fans are still left wondering what happened to Crucial Dudes. Their time together wasn’t very long, but it was impactful. In 2011, they released61 Penn, which has become something for which they are still remembered. On it, “Doubt” is one of the best tracks, asit effectively highlights everything that the band was about.
Through two verses and an outro, the band displays true strength with their songwriting. This may be brief, but it manages to pull at the heartstrings. Although they have other songs to choose from, this track is the perfect short example to show whyCrucial Dudes are still missed by the pop-punk community, as they had so much potential.
7Green Day - See You Tonight
Album: ¡Dos! (2012) - 1:06
Often, Green Day has been known for fast-paced tunes. They have embraced the punk style of pop-punk and have never strayed too far from the bands they admired in their early career. However, they have been known to slow things down at times,delivering some of the most thought-provoking songs, such as “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”
This was seen again on their 2012 record,¡Dos!, with “See You Tonight.” This was the first track on the album; therefore, it set the tone. While at times things stray from the overall sweetness of this track, the album certainly explores love. This song isn’t their most revered, butit reveals a side of them not always highlighted.
6Real Friends - Old Book
Album: Maybe This Place Is The Same And We’re Just Changing (2014) - 1:36
In 2014, Real Friends released their debut album,Maybe This Place Is the Same, and We’re Just Changing.The album quickly caught people’s attention, and the band found themselves in the thick of pop-punk. One of the reasons this record became revered was because of its relatable lyrics, especially in the song “Old Book.”
This tune is the perfect example of how the band maximized each second they had to hook listeners.
This tune is the perfect example of how the band maximized each second they had to hook listeners. “Old Book” tells the story of someone feeling like people just take what they want instead of seeing the full picture. Using a book as a way to describe these internal feelings was an interesting decision thatshowed their deep thinking.
5Neck Deep - Say What You Want
Album: Wishful Thinking (2014) - 1:01
After a couple of EPs, Neck Deep started developing their debut studio album, which premiered in 2014. Throughout the 12-track record, most of the songs are around or over three minutes, except for “Say What You Want.” This track was just over a minute long, but as the seventh song,it was the perfect way to break up the album.
As they have become known for, “Say What You Want” is another meaningful track. As their career began, this song told the story of someone who was away from their love. With few words, it captivates listeners,hooking them with every line as it unfolds, leaving them waiting to see how it ends and needing the person to remember them.
4Man Overboard - Real Talk
Album: Real Talk (2010) - 1:50
The song “Real Talk” has become very significant in Man Overboard’s discography. Not only was it the title track from their debut studio album, but it was also the first song on there. This gave it double the meaning, asit encompassed everything that the album was built around. It was something that paid off, as it’s a tremendous song.
As it begins, they jump right into the lyrics. In fact, for a track that is under two minutes, they are able to fit a lot into it, allowing the story to fully develop. Beyond the words, this showcased their energy. This set the tone for the rest of the album, andit was an expectation that they certainly met.
3Modern Baseball - Breathing In Stereo
Album: Holy Ghost (2016) - 1:43
Although Modern Baseball is no longer active,they left behind many great songs. On their final album in 2016,Holy Ghost, one of the standout tracks is “Breathing in Stereo.” This record reached as high as the 53rd spot on theBillboard200, making it arguably the most well-known in their discography and rendering these songs even more significant.
Now that they’re defunct,“Breathing in Stereo” serves as a perfect representation of everything the band was aboutand what they brought to the pop-punk genre. Although the song moves quickly, they utilize strategic pacing, which helps each part of the tune shine. The lyrics tell the story of hope even in a complicated love.
2Joyce Manor - Orange Julius
Album: Joyce Manor (2011) - 1:16
Joyce Manor released their self-titled debut in 2011. Out of the 10 tracks, one of the most important was “Orange Julius.” This served as the first song on the record, soit was the first thing that listeners heard when discovering the band for the first time, making its need to be great very crucial.
The band delivered, as the song delved deep into some dark feelings.
The band delivered, as the song delved deep into some dark feelings. They used unique word choices,which helped the songwriting stand out. Ten years after its release, this song and all the others received a proper touch-up, as the band released a remastered version, introducing these hits to new listeners and refreshing them for those who had been around.
1Blink-182 - Cynical
Album: California (2016) - 1:55
As Blink-182 released their first of two albums without co-lead singer Tom DeLonge, it was unclear what to expect from them. With Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba now part of the band, many were curious if Blink-182 would maintain the style that brought them to prominence. Songs such as “Cynical"assured that they were not going to change.
“Cynical” was the first song on the record, and after a slow build at the beginning, it kicks into a masterful performance. Travis Barker delivers an iconic performance on drums, Mark Hoppus shines on vocals, and Skiba adds important touches. It was a great blend of the three andremains a hit tune from their time together.
