I had a tendency to sing most pop songs an octave lower, but now that I noticed and started singing them properly, I have noticed I cannot reach most pop songs at all, at least without falsetto. Like, the intro to Reptilia by The Strokes, which most people would say sounds low, takes me to the very edge of what my chest voice is capable of. In general, I've realized I can't reach most pop songs, and that there is no modern artists or songs that ever go to my lower registry, or in fact any place where I can sing comfortably.
I am really comfortable singing stuff in the correct pitch for things like Bill Withers and Hendrix, so I am wondering if my vocal range just plain sucks for pop music, or if I need to work on it and if I can bring it up.