This genre is home to catchier, less aggressive punk. Inspired heavily by the Ramones' three-chord formula, pop punk combines power-pop melodies with speedy punk-rock tempos. While many punk purists dispute whether this music should be considered punk at all, it does have an extensive history and an even more extensive list of bands accredited to it. Lookout! Records played the largest role in the pop-punk scene, having made a home for such artists as the Queers, Screeching Weasel, NOFX, and Green Day.

Notable artists: Fastbacks, Weezer, Blink 182, the Muffs, Good Charlotte