A lot of their early work was considered new wave. Of course they were pop. I don't like them, sorry if it bothers you. I never liked any of their music. Look at their Wikipedia page. It also classifies them as new wave/pop. I was a teenager in the late 80s and there were lots of crappy British new wave acts that were one hit wonders similar to Crowded House. Its not my cup of tea. Sorry. Perhaps they should have also hired the guitarist from Madness. Then they could have played OUR HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR STREET right after Sara... when you build your house call me.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowded_House