[Adult-Oriented Rock] A roundup of artists and bands that represent AOR

A polished, urban ensemble performed by masterful players, smooth melodies, and a sophisticated, grown-up vibe—that’s the image many of us have of the AOR genre.

AOR reached its peak from the late 1970s to the 1980s, but interestingly, the term is actually a Japanese coinage meaning “Adult-Oriented Rock.”

It’s also fascinating that in Japan, albums and songs by artists and bands from a variety of genres—rock, fusion, soul music, and more—are popularly labeled as “AOR.”

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of artists and bands that represent AOR.

If you’re new to the genre, be sure to check them out.