Such power pop founders like the Raspberries and Big Star paved the way in the early ’70s but it was bands like Cheap Trick, the Knack, and the Romantics who brought the style to the top of the charts by the end of the decade. Formed in 1977 in Detroit, the Romantics distinguished themselves by infusing the high-energy attack of their Detroit predecessors with their signature bouffant hairstyles and retro outfits. The original lineup comprised of Wally Palmar, Jimmy Marinos, Mike Skill, and Richie Cole.
After gaining local popularity, the Romantics released singles independently before signing with Nemperor/Epic label in 1979. Their self-titled debut album, known for tracks like ‘When I Look in Your Eyes’ and ‘That’s What I Like About You,’ set the stage for their growing success. Subsequent albums like ‘National Breakout’ and ‘In Heat’ solidified the Romantics’ place in the music scene, with hits like ‘Talking in Your Sleep’ and ‘One in a Million’ propelling them to gold status. Despite lineup changes and management issues, the Romantics persevered, releasing multiple albums and best-of collections, showcasing their evolution from power pop to mainstream rock.