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!
- AOR classic. A timeless, highly recommended hit.
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- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- Acid jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
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- [Adult-Oriented Rock] A roundup of artists and bands that represent AOR
- A classic of Southern rock. Recommended popular songs.
- A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
- A City Pop masterpiece! A classic album—highly recommended.
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
AOR masterpieces: Recommended albums you should listen to at least once (11–20)
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.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, AOR comes in many forms, but what they all share is an urban sound born from masterful craftsmanship by highly skilled players, polished songwriting, and meticulously crafted ensembles. I’d be delighted if you’ve found a favorite AOR that suits both a drive and a late-night drink.