"Cape Of Our Hero" by Volbeat

Volbeat is an interesting band that fuses metal, hard rock, pop, and rockabilly. Huge in their native Denmark, the band has accumulated a loyal following in the US but they've yet to break the Top 100. Formed in 2001, they've released 7 albums to date and keep getting better. I'm surprised they haven't broken through to the mainstream in the US yet.

It was not easy selecting just one song to highlight from their bounty of terrific tunes. "Cape Of Our Hero" comes from Volbeat's amazing 2013 record, "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies."

"I Walk The Earth" by Voice of the Beehive

Voice of the Beehive was an underrated pop rock group led by the Belland sisters, daughters of Bruce Belland (The Four Preps). The sisters, Melissa and Tracey, sound wonderful together and gave their songs a harmonious edge that should have translated into more success on the charts. 

The group's drummer, Dan Woodgate, came from a successful 80s band called Madness, best known for the hit "Our House," which reached #7 in 1983.

Voice of the Beehive scored only two minor hits in the 90s. "Monsters And Angels" reached #74 in 1991 and "Scary Kisses" reached #77 in 1996.

"I Walk The Earth" is from their 1988 debut album, "Let It Bee," which contains another signature song that did not chart: "Don't Call Me Baby."

"That's The Tune" by The Vogues

The Vogues were a popular vocal group from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania that racked up a hot streak of hits in the second half of the 60s, including four Top Ten classics: "You're The One" (#4), "Five O'Clock World" (#4), "Turn Around, Look At Me" (#7), and "My Special Angel" (#7). 

A few excellent singles got buried in their sudden burst of hits, including "That's The Tune," which only reached #99 in 1966.

The Vogues soldiered on through the decade as musical styles changed, achieving their final chart appearance in 1969 when "Green Fields" stalled at #92. Lead singer Bill Burkette passed away in 2018 at the age of 75.

"Nightmares" by Violent Femmes

Led by Gordon Gano, Milwaukee's Violent Femmes made one of the most popular albums of the 80s yet never scored a chart hit. Their self-titled 1983 debut of largely acoustic punk rock was a huge underground hit, spawning classics like "Blister In The Sun," "Add It Up," and "Gone Daddy Gone."

The Femmes have released plenty more records since then, but haven't quite matched the success of the debut record. In 1989, following a brief break-up, it was believed that "3" might put them back on top. Led by "Nightmares," there were high hopes this album would be a breakthrough for the band, but that was just a dream.

"The Strawberry Blonde" by Mike Viola

You probably haven't heard of Mike Viola but odds are you've heard his work at some point. Viola got his start in the mid-90s with his band, Candy Butchers, writing and performing delectable power pop. His songwriting and producing talents have since been embraced by a multitude of artists ranging from Mandy Moore to Fall Out Boy to Matt Nathanson.

In addition to his work with Candy Butchers, Viola has released numerous solo records. "The Strawberry Blonde" is one of many highlights in his catalogue, and it can be found on his 2007 album, "Lurch."

"Pushin' U Away" by Vinyl Candy

Vinyl Candy is a throwback to 70s bubble gum pop, whose sunny songs and breezy harmonies are guaranteed to put more bounce in your step. This indie band released their debut record, "Pacific Ocean Park" in 2004 and have since followed it up with two more records.

"Pushin' U Away" is a highlight from their debut.

"Wake Me Up (When The World's Worth Waking Up For)" by Kyle Vincent

Kyle Vincent is a singer and songwriter from California who is strongly influenced by the bubblegum power pop of the 70s. He's never hit the charts since he started releasing solo records in 1994 (his debut album was called "Trust"). Prior to his solo career, he was in the band Candy, which released the album "Whatever Happened To Fun..." in 1985.

"Wake Me Up (When The World's Worth Waking Up For)" nearly cracked the Top 100, bubbling under in 1997. It comes from his sophomore LP, which was a self-titled effort. It's a terrific song, but perhaps not for the 90s.