AOR classic. A timeless, highly recommended hit.
Adult-oriented rock (AOR) began as an expression of youthful, primal impulse in rock music, and as it grew through encounters with various genres, it evolved into a mellow, urbane, and sophisticated sound.
AOR gently embraces the joys, sorrows, and loneliness you encounter in everyday life—it’s truly a soundtrack for grown-ups.
Here, we’ve selected some classic tracks in that vein.
As you listen, let the rich sound and lyrics resonate with your own feelings.
Surely, even a heart that’s felt a bit parched will be filled with new moisture.
AOR classics: timeless recommended hit numbers (1–10)
Crystal LoversGrover Washington Jr.
A masterpiece of AOR that evokes a rainy night in the city.
Because it was used in the film “The Crystal Lovers,” it was given a Japanese title that has nothing to do with the original.
Delivering a superb vocal performance that further enhances the work’s appeal is Bill Withers, a leading figure of the New Soul movement.
What A Fool BelievesThe Doobie Brothers
A song that embodies the essence of soft rock, its rhythmic, colorfully textured keyboards and Michael McDonald’s emotive vocals stir the listener’s heart.
The lyrics explore the power of self-deception and how emotions can override reason, delving deeply into the pain of unrequited love and lost relationships that everyone experiences.
Released in January 1979, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered widespread acclaim, including two Grammy Awards in 1980.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
Its gently enveloping tones will surely stay close to your heart.
Valentine (I Was Wrong About You)Ned Doheny
Characterized by its smooth, mellow sound, this song is emblematic of the 1970s California music scene.
Ned Doheny’s tender, nuanced vocals beautifully convey regret and self-reflection over a failed love.
Featured on the album Hard Candy, released in March 1976, it captured many listeners with its sophisticated chord progressions and emotionally rich lyrics.
Its distinctive sound—shaped by influences from Latin, jazz, and soul—speaks to the depth of Doheny’s musicality.
A sublime adult ballad, it gently cradles the hearts of those struggling with the pain of heartbreak and the complexities of human relationships.
Georgie PorgieTOTO
TOTO is said to have an especially large fan base in Japan.
Centered around Steve Lukather (guitar) and David Paich (keyboards), a variety of studio musicians took part and produced numerous hit masterpieces.
This piece is a mellow song from their 1978 album “Toto” (known in Japan as “Uchū no Kishi”), which was later covered and made a hit by Eric Benét.
Heart of MineBobby Caldwell
“Heart of Mine” is a 1988 work by Bobby Caldwell.
He offered the song to Boz Scaggs, and it became a big hit.
From his 1987 debut, when he came into the spotlight as a rising star of AOR, he has delivered urbane, sophisticated adult pop.
Your Only LonelyJ.D. Souther
Released in 1979.
J.D.
Souther (John David Souther) is a musician from Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Alongside his solo career, he has written songs for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, and has also worked as an actor, making him a multi-talented figure.
This work became his only hit song.
New York City SerenadeChristpher Cross
Released in 1981, this number is notable for its sophisticated, urban sound and is so famous that most people have probably heard it at least once.
The original title is “Arthur’s Theme,” but the Japanese title was taken directly from a phrase in the lyrics.
It’s the theme song for the film “Arthur,” starring Dudley Moore.