"Pops" centers around a young musician named Haruto, who dreams of revitalizing his small town's fading music scene. After inheriting his grandfather's old record store, Haruto discovers a mysterious vinyl record labeled "Pops," which, when played, transports him to a surreal, dreamlike world where music holds immense power. In this alternate realm, he encounters a group of anthropomorphic instruments known as the "Sound Spirits," each representing a different genre of music. These spirits are under threat from a malevolent force called the "Silence," which seeks to erase all music from existence.

Haruto forms a bond with the Sound Spirits, particularly a spirited violin named Melody, who becomes his guide and ally. Together, they embark on a journey to restore harmony to the music world by collecting scattered fragments of the "Eternal Score," a legendary composition capable of defeating the Silence. Along the way, Haruto learns about the history of music, its emotional impact, and the importance of preserving creativity in the face of adversity.

The narrative intertwines Haruto's personal growth with the broader struggle to save the music world. His interactions with the Sound Spirits reveal themes of collaboration, resilience, and the universal language of music. As the story progresses, Haruto faces challenges that test his resolve, including confrontations with the Silence's envoys, who embody the fears and doubts that stifle artistic expression. The series balances episodic adventures with an overarching plot, culminating in a climactic battle where Haruto must harness the power of the Eternal Score to restore balance to both worlds.

The main characters include Haruto, a determined yet inexperienced musician; Melody, the fiery and loyal violin spirit; and a diverse ensemble of Sound Spirits, each with distinct personalities tied to their musical genres. The antagonist, the Silence, is depicted as an abstract, consuming force that thrives on extinguishing creativity. Through its exploration of music's transformative power, "Pops" delivers a narrative that resonates with themes of legacy, passion, and the enduring connection between art and humanity.