A masterpiece of AOR. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 masterpieces: Recommended albums you should listen to at least once (11–20)

Into The Street

Need You TonightBoulevard

Need You Tonight

Need You TonightBoulevard

Into the Street is the second album by Canadian AOR band Boulevard, released in 1990.

Building on the success of their debut, this record showcases a more mature and refined musicality.

Produced by Jon Punter, its polished sound captivates fans of melodic AOR.

Singles like “Lead Me On” and “Crazy Life” climbed high on the Canadian charts.

Packed with the band’s signature appeal, this work is an essential listen for lovers of AOR and melodic rock.

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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.