A masterpiece of AOR. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.
Suddenly, but let me ask: are you familiar with the music genre called “AOR”? Gaining huge momentum from the late 1970s through the 1980s, AOR—known as an abbreviation for “Adult-Oriented Rock”—is a genre that has maintained strong popularity in Japan as music for grown-ups.
However, it’s actually a Japanese-coined usage; overseas, AOR refers to “Album-oriented rock.” In this article, we’ve researched classic albums from across the broad spectrum of what’s called “AOR,” gathering highly regarded works that are considered “AOR-like,” ranging from soft rock to harder-leaning sounds and even fusion.
If you’re new to AOR, be sure to check it out!
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AOR classics. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once (1–10)
Breezin’George Benson
Speaking of George Benson, he is a rare artist who made his name as a jazz guitarist while expanding his reach into pop music.
Displaying his talent from a young age, he is known for a musicality that traverses multiple genres.
His 1976 album Breezin’ is a landmark work that topped the pop, jazz, and R&B charts.
Produced as his first release after moving to Warner Bros., it realized a collaboration with producer Tommy LiPuma.
It won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and, unusually for a jazz album, achieved multi-platinum status.
A forerunner of smooth jazz, this album is highly recommended for those seeking a fusion of jazz and pop.
The Last TimeMark Free
When it comes to Mark Free, he’s a renowned AOR singer known for his powerful vocals and melodic songs.
Released in 1993, Long Way From Love is his only solo album and is highly regarded among AOR fans.
It features commanding vocals and moving melodies, brilliantly blending elements of hard rock and melodic hard rock.
The polished sound produced by Jeff Silverman is also a major draw.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves AOR or melodic rock—a definitive work brimming with Mark Free’s talent and passion.
Waiting for a Girl Like YouForeigner
Foreigner is an Anglo-American rock band formed in New York in 1976.
Centered around Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, they produced many hit songs.
Their fourth studio album, 4, was released in 1981 and reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard 200, featuring major hits such as “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” The album is characterized by an energetic, melodic sound and is highly regarded as arena rock and pop/rock.
Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, it prominently features synthesizers and saxophone.
Blending polished pop elements with hard rock, it has won the love of many music fans.
It’s especially recommended for those who want to experience the appeal of AOR.
AOR masterpieces: Recommended albums you should listen to at least once (11–20)
After the Love Is GoneAIRPLAY
Airplay is an AOR unit formed in 1980 by David Foster and Jay Graydon.
With Tommy Funderburk as lead vocalist, they released their only album, Airplay, that same year.
Featuring members of Toto and other West Coast luminaries, the album has been highly acclaimed in Japan as a classic of ’80s AOR and continues to enjoy enduring popularity.
The track “After the Love Has Gone” won a Grammy in Earth, Wind & Fire’s cover version.
There’s no shortage of anecdotes, including a grueling jacket photo shoot under the scorching summer sun.
Its relaxed West Coast sound is a major draw, making it a recommended pick for fans of pop/rock and soft rock.
EscapeJourney
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973.
They achieved their greatest success from 1978 to 1987, when Steve Perry served as lead vocalist.
Released on July 31, 1981, Escape—the band’s seventh studio album—became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.
It was the first album to feature keyboardist Jonathan Cain, whose addition greatly contributed to the band’s sound and success.
Incorporating elements of album rock and arena rock, the album’s musical style appealed to a wide audience and came to represent 1980s AOR.
RosannaTOTO
Toto is a legendary rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1976.
Their musical style spans a wide range of genres, including AOR, pop rock, and progressive rock.
Their fourth album, Toto IV, released in 1982, is highly acclaimed as the band’s masterpiece.
Featuring massive hits like Africa and Rosanna, it won numerous awards, including Grammys.
With its sophisticated pop sensibilities and technical musicianship, the album has been beloved by many listeners for decades.
As a classic of AOR, it’s a highly recommended listen for those who want to deeply enjoy music.
Under The Jamaican MoonNick Decaro
Nick DeCaro, known as a pivotal figure in AOR.
A sophisticated arranger, he lent his talents to the works of many artists.
In 1974 he released Italian Graffiti—a Blue Thumb Records title packed with a wide range of styles, from jazz and soft rock to fusion.
It’s considered one of the most important works in DeCaro’s career, later reappraised and reissued.
Producer Tommy LiPuma also took part, and a stellar lineup of musicians assembled for the sessions.
A masterful fusion of smooth jazz and soft rock, it exudes an adult sophistication—a classic.
A must-listen for AOR fans.