"There Goes My Baby" by Kelly Jones

A brilliant little record called "SheBANG!" was released in 2008 by independent artist Kelly Jones. Power pop god Mike Viola had his capable hands all over this project, co-writing many of the songs, playing several instruments, producing, and arranging the record. Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne, Tinted Windows) also co-wrote one of the tracks ("Crazy Talk").

The result is a treasure of a power pop record that should have seen mainstream success. Jones has a sweet and beautiful voice that carries these catchy tunes to lofty heights. Check out "There Goes My Baby" as a sample, but do yourself a favor and listen to it all!

"Hello" by Joey C. Jones & Glory Hounds

If Joey C. Jones and his so-called Glory Hounds had released their CD in the late 80s, they would have been huge. But their self-titled debut album arrived a day late and a dollar short in 1994. Sounding like Vince Neil fronting Cheap Trick, this band had all the ingredients for major chart success being the hairband craze. In fact, their album contains a song written by members of Cheap Trick ("Wait All Night").

Joey C. Jones was also a member of an early 80s glam band called Sweet Savage. Fondness for glam rock can also be found on his self-titled record on "Broadway," a track co-written with Poison's CC Deville.

"Hello" appropriately opens this fine album of overlooked power pop and rock.

"Tomorrow Is Now" by Howard Jones

English songwriter, vocalist, and keyboard extraordinaire Howard Jones racked up a bunch of classic hits in the 80s, including "Things Can Only Get Better" (#5), "No One Is To Blame" (#4), and "Everlasting Love" (#12). But as the 80s faded away, so did our penchant for synth rock and pop. His last chart appearance was in 1992 when "Life Me Up" reached #32.

Howard Jones continues to crank out catchy new tunes (and remixing or stripping down his classics). "Tomorrow Is Now" could have marked a comeback for him in 1998 in a fair and just world. Terrific upbeat tune that sounds like a hit in any age.

"Two Lovers Stop" by Freedy Johnston

It is hard enough to score your first charting single in your teens and twenties, but even harder once you reach your thirties. But that is what the New York-based singer/songwriter Freedy Johnston managed to do in 1995. The memorable tune "Bad Reputation" reached #54, Johnston's only appearance on the chart.

"Bad Reputation" came from his major label debut, "This Perfect World," a critically-acclaimed album that led Rolling Stone to name Johnston songwriter of the year. Inexplicably, nothing else from the record hit the charts, even the wonderful "Two Lovers Stop." Despite its upbeat nature, "Two Lovers Stop" is about a young couple that decided to jump off a bridge to their deaths because the girl's rich father forbade her to hook up with a poor boy. Okay, so maybe that's why it wasn't on the radio much!

"Cliffs Of Dover" by Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson emerged as one of the best guitarists around with his breakthrough 1990 record, "Ah Via Musicom." Containing a mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks, none of the singles cracked the Top 100 chart, but several had considerable airplay including "Righteous," "Trademark," and the glorious "Cliffs Of Dover."

The success helped the record go platinum and "Cliffs Of Dover" earned him a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental. I never get tired of listening to this brilliant song, as I find it very up-lifting. Among his vocal tracks, check out "Desert Rose" and "Nothing Can Keep Me From You."

Ever the perfectionist, Johnson took six long years to complete the recording of his follow-up album, "Venus Isle," at which point most people forgot who he was and lost interest.

"The Last Sound Love Makes" by Don Johnson

Being the star of hit TV shows (Miami Vice and Nash Bridges) and movies just isn't enough for some people. Don Johnson also wanted to sing his heart out.

Don Johnson's debut album arrived in 1986, whose title track, "Heartbeat," soared all the way to #5. But when the follow-up single, "Heartache Away," stalled at #56, he seemed destined to be a one-hit wonder. However, his 1988 duet with Barbara Streisand, "Till I Loved You," (the love theme from the Broadway musical Goya) reached a respectable #25.

The album "Heartbeat" featured an all-star cast, including songs written by Tom Petty and Bob Seger, and backing vocals by Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson. "The Last Sound Love Makes" is a missed opportunity that I think stood a decent chance at some chart action. 

Johnson's fame and support staff helped propel his album to an impressive #17 on the Top 200. Unfortunately, lightning did not strike twice and his 1989 sophomore record, "Let It Roll" didn't even chart.

"Turn Back The Clock" by Johnny Hates Jazz

There was no shortage of synth-laden soft pop in the 80s, but Johnny Hates Jazz was nearly Johnny-come-lately. They managed to squeeze out a major hit right before this genre died out in 1988. The trio is best known for the rather excellent "Shattered Dreams," which landed at #2 for 3 weeks. The follow-up single, "I Don't Want To Be A Hero," a politically charged diatribe against becoming a soldier, charged its way to #31.

The next single (and title track for their album) was "Turn Back The Clock," which features Kim Wilde on backing vocals. Not sure why this pleasant tune didn't chart in the US.

After achieving chart success, you'd think the band would be eager to record another record. Nope! Lead singer Clark Datchler left the band. The remaining members found a new lead singer and released a long-awaited follow-up in 1992, which was destined to flop since, you know, Nirvana.

Incidentally, no one in the band is named Johnny, nor are they on record for hating jazz. Turns out that the band's bassist had a sister whose husband (John) hated jazz.

"I'm Shakin'" by Little Willie John

Little Willie John is an underrated artist from the 50s and 60s, despite scoring a handful of modest hits like his version of "Fever" (#24), "Talk To Me, Talk To Me" (#20), and "Sleep" (#13). His distinctive voice and attitude made all of his songs radiate with an energy few others could match.

That attitude, coupled with alcohol abuse, also got him into serious trouble. He was convicted of manslaughter in 1966 and died in prison from a heart attack two years later. Talent runs in the family, as his son, Keith John, became a backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder. His sister was Mable John, who had a single chart appearance when "Your Good Thing (Is About To End)" hit #95 in 1966.

"I'm Shakin'" is a boss song with a sax-driven beat that remains one of my favorites, although it never saw any chart action.

"American Triangle" by Elton John

Elton John is one of the greatest musicians of our time. An extraordinary pianist and singer, he's maintained a presence on the top 100 chart for 31 years in a row. He's ranked in the top 10 most successful artists across three decades: Elton John was #1 in the 70s, #10 in the 80s, and #9 in the 90s, making him the 5th most successful artist of all-time.

His first top 100 appearance was "Border Song," which just barely cracked the charts at #92 in 1970. But then came "Your Song" and everything changed. "Your Song" topped out at #8 in late 1970 and the rest is history. Elton John has racked up 8 #1 hits, the first in 1972 with "Crocodile Rock" and the last in 1997 with "Candle in the Wind 1997," a reworking of his earlier hit about Marilyn Monroe to be a tribute to Princess Diana. "Candle in the Wind 1997" would remain #1 for a historic 14 weeks to become the best selling song ever.

His last chart appearance occurred in 2000 when "Someday Out of the Blue (Theme from El Dorado)" topped out at #49, giving him a top 100 song in each of four decades. He inexplicably hasn't seen the chart since, despite releasing some of the most compelling and beautiful work of his remarkable career.

"American Triangle" is one example - a brilliant and moving piece about the shocking murder of Matthew Shepard. The song comes from one of my favorite Elton John records, 2001's "Songs From The West Coast." Praised by many critics as a strong return to form, this record (his 26th!) should have marked another career comeback, sustained by two more wonderful releases during that decade: "Peachtree Road" and "The Captain and the Kid," a nod to his longstanding songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin.

"I've Loved These Days" by Billy Joel

Almost a boxer, Billy Joel became one of the finest songwriters of our generation, ranking as the 6th most successful artist of the 80s and the 44th of all-time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and honored as a Grammy Legend in 1991.

Joel's first hit, "Piano Man," earned him that famous nickname. Surprising to most people, the song only reached #25 in 1974. Three years later he scored much better when "Just The Way You Are" shot to #3. From there, Joel racked up hit after hit until he retired in the late 90s. His last chart appearance was a cover of Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love," which reached #50 in 1997.

Joel topped the charts 3 times during his career, first in 1980 with "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me," then in 1983 with "Tell Her About It," then in 1989 with "We Didn't Start The Fire."

In addition to all the well known classics, Joel's extensive catalogue is filled with timeless pop treasures that should have seen chart action. It is so difficult to choose a favorite, but "I've Loved These Days" is among the greatest songs he's written that most folks don't know. The song can be found on his fourth record, "Turnstiles," the one that starts with "Say Goodbye To Hollywood." Joel literally did say goodbye to Hollywood during the recording and returned to his home in New York City. "I've Loved These Days" is his melancholy farewell to those Hollywood days.

"The Authority Song" by Jimmy Eat World

Arizona alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World formed way back in 1993 and, after cultivating a loyal fan base, scored a major commercial success with their infectious single, "The Middle." "The Middle" (no relation to the TV sit-com of the same name) landed at #5 in 2002. Unfortunately, it did not secure future chart success for the band. Follow-up single "Sweetness" stalled at #75 and their final chart appearance came in 2005 when "Pain" hit #93.

Like "The Middle," "The Authority Song" is another gem from the near-perfect fourth record originally titled after the stormy lead-off track, "Bleed American." But after the 9/11 terror attacks, the band reissued the album as a self-titled release, sensitive to the notion that "Bleed American" could be offensive at the time. The deluxe version of this breakthrough record in 2008 reclaimed the "Bleed American" title.

"The Authority Song" is indeed written about John Mellencamp's classic hit from the 80s. It is a catchy and spirited tune with wonderful backing vocals that should have been released as a single. I'm surprised other notable tracks, like "A Praise Chorus" and "If You Don't, Don't," didn't burn up the charts.

The band continues to release new records, their latest being "Integrity Blues" from 2016. I'd say my second favorite record from their catalogue is 2007's "Chase This Light."

"You're Not The Only Girl" by Jigsaw

The British pop band Jigsaw scored one major hit in the US when "Sky High" flew to #3 in 1975. You can comb through their entire catalogue, but I don't think you'll find a better song. I should know because I tried. "You're Not The Only Girl" is the best I could find as a close second. I like it even more than the band's only other top 40 hit, "Love Fire," which reached #30 in 1976.

"Do You Want To Play" by Jewel

Alaskan singer-songwriter and poet, Jewel, probably deserves the most credit for launching the coffehouse music craze of the 90s. Her masterful debut album from 1995, "Pieces of You," is a sparse affair, largely featuring just Jewel and her acoustic guitar or piano. And that was all she ever needed. The album went on to be one of history's best-selling debuts, going 12x platinum and spawning three charting hits: "Who Will Save Your Soul" (#11), "You Were Meant For Me" (#2), and "Foolish Games" (#7).

Expectations were high for a follow-up record, but it only produced one top ten hit when "Hands" hit #6 in 1998. This record, entitled "Spirit," and her subsequent records mostly abandoned the simple and elegant style of her debut, trading the beautifully sparse arrangements for high-polished pop sheen. To be fair, it works some of the time, but it is likely that "Pieces of You" will remain a unique gem in Jewel's career.

Produced by former Giant vocalist and guitarist, Dann Huff, Jewel's fourth record provides a nice balance between styles. "Standing Still," which hit #25 in 2001, is a great song, but I like "Do You Want To Play" even more.

Jewel has taken some detours into dance (a stretch for her style) and country music (not a far stretch for her style), but hasn't made a chart appearance since 2008's "Stronger Woman" stalled at #84.

"Victim Of Circumstance" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

After the demise of the pioneering all-girl rock group, The Runaways, Joan Jett teamed with The Blackhearts to front her own band. She scored a legendary hit off her sophomore record with a cover of "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," which stayed on top the chart for an amazing seven weeks in 1982 (the song was originally written and performed by The Arrows).

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts became a virtual cover band, landing them more charting hits like "Crimson And Clover" (#7), "Everyday People" (#37), "Light Of Day" (#33), and "Dirty Deeds" (#36). Many other cover tunes can be found scattered among their originals throughout the band's catalogue. 

Jett would return to the top 10 in 1988 with "I Hate Myself For Loving You," a song that she co-wrote with Desmond Child. The pair also co-wrote the follow-up single, "Little Liar," which got to #19.

One of my favorite Jett originals goes back to their landmark sophomore record: "Victim Of Circumstance." To my ears, this album is not only the best in their catalogue, but one of the best of the decade. There is a raw energy that comes through better than any subsequent work.

"I'll Never Find Another Girl Like You" by Jet Electro

In 2011, an indie power pop and rock outfit named Jet Electro released their self-titled album. Other than that, I don't know too much about them, but I know I love this catchy little tune. Other highlights on the record include "For Sale By Owner," "Through," and the acoustic ballad "I Don't Know Her."

"The River" by Jet Black Stare

In 2008, Rod Black and his band, Jet Black Stare, released their one and only record entitled, "In This Life." Hailing from Canada, this band seemed to have all the ingredients to break into the mainstream on this side of the border, but that didn't happen.

"In This Life" is filled with the type of heavy power ballads that made bands like Creed, Saliva, and Cold famous for 15 minutes. "The River" is among those that stand out to me, worthy of repeated listens.

"Bring It On Back" by Jet

Australian rock band Jet took off high into the sky and, after leaving us a thrilling trilogy of records, was never heard from again. These guys were rock purists, drawing comparisons to early Rolling Stones.

Their impressive debut yielded three charting singles from 2003 to 2005: "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" (#29), "Cold Hard Bitch" (#55), and "Look What You Done" (#37). The success of these singles propelled the album, "Get Born," to #26 on the US album chart. Another overlooked track from this magnificent record is "Lazy Gun."

Their follow-up record, "Shine On," went even higher in 2006, to #16. However, it failed to yield any charting singles. Hard to believe given the quality of songs like "Bring It On Back," which shows more of their Beatles influence instead of the Stones.

Much to the dismay of fans around the world, this amazing group suddenly disbanded after the release of another excellent record, "Shaka Rock," in 2009. My favorite track from this final record has to be "She's A Genius." Here's hoping for a reunion record one day...  

"The Right Decision" by Jesus Jones

Jesus Jones is an experimental band from London who had a breakout hit in 1991 with "Right Here, Right Now." The song went all the way to #2 and helped the follow-up single, "Real, Real, Real," reach an impressive #4. Then they became strangers to the charts.

The band's 1993 follow-up record, "Perverse," was ambitious to say the least, burying a lot of great melodic ideas underneath a lot of unusual noise. Despite being pioneers in electrical pop rock, this genre did not have the legs to withstand the crushing sound of grunge guitars.

If it were released as the lead single instead the inferior "The Devil You Know", "The Right Decision" might have given Jesus Jones at least one more chart hit in the US. "The Right Decision" balances the band's experiments in sonic assaults with a chorus that warmly consoles the ears. Seriously, it should have been a hit.

"Head On" by The Jesus & Mary Chain

Scottish alternative rockers The Jesus & Mary Chain steadily built a cult following through the 80s thanks to MTV's 120 Minutes. They came close to a major commercial breakthrough with their 1989 record, "Automatic," but surprisingly none of the radio-friendly singles charted, including the fantastic "Head On." The group did, however, manage an unlikely chart appearance in 1994 when "Sometimes Always" landed at #96. 

"New Mistake" by Jellyfish

Once in awhile a group of musicians comes together to create something truly magical that can't be repeated. Jellyfish is such a group. The short-lived band emerged in San Francisco in the early 90s when power pop luminaries Roger Manning and Andy Sturmer of Beatnik Beatch joined forces with Jason Falkner. Together they created a sound that mixed Queen, XTC, and Cheap Trick, writing some of the most eclectic yet harmonious songs of the decade.

Jellyfish released only two records, "Bellybutton" and "Spilt Milk," the latter without Falkner, who left the band to work on a new project called The Grays. Despite a great deal of acclaim from critics and other musicians, neither album was a big success. The only charting single the group had was the terrific "Baby's Coming Back," which stalled at #62 in 1991. It is probably the first song in the Top 100 since the 70s to feature a harpsichord.

Both albums are lost treasures, but if I had to choose, I'd say "Spilt Milk" is the one I'd take to a desert island. Not a bad song in the bunch, this album is amazing from start to finish. "New Mistake" may be one of the most underrated pop songs of the 90s. Unfortunately, Manning and Strumer differed on the direction the group should take, forcing an end to this cherished band.

"Can't Be Wrong" by The Jellybricks

The Jellybricks are an underground power pop band started back in 1997 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Since then, they've released five full-length albums and an EP, and shared stages with the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, Live, Barenaked Ladies, and Fountains of Wayne. However, this popular indie band hasn't been able to attract major label interest.

The great "Can't Be Wrong" kicks off the band's third record, entitled "Power This." Produced by another underrated luminary of the power pop world, Cliff Hillis, it is considered by many to be among the band's best. Personally, I find myself reaching for their sophomore effort, "Soapopera," more often.