AOR classic. A timeless, highly recommended hit.

Wait for MeDaryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Wait For Me (Official Video)

Daryl Hall & John Oates are very well-known and popular in Japan.

They have so many hit songs, but I chose this one for its strong AOR flavor.

Daryl’s silky vocals and the performance’s mature ease are especially captivating.

Go EasyAlien

Alien – Go Easy

Released in 1988 by the Swedish hard rock band Alien, this track is an AOR classic infused with shimmering synthesizers.

Its melodies, emblematic of the glamorous, opulent ’80s, immediately capture the heart, while the meticulously crafted song structure adds to its allure.

The lyrics portray the evolution of a relationship and the irony that follows from refusing to accept love.

Featured on their debut album, Alien, the song achieved major success in Sweden.

Blending elements of pop rock and synth-pop, it stands as a key track showcasing the band’s musical prowess.

It’s perfect for a nostalgic playlist and serves as an ideal entry point for AOR newcomers.

Lonely BoyAndrew Gold

Andrew Gold – Lonely Boy

This song opens with an unforgettable piano melody.

It portrays the loneliness of childhood with a refreshing tune that evokes empathy in listeners.

Released by Andrew Gold in 1976 and becoming a worldwide hit the following year, the track has been featured in various works, including the film Boogie Nights and the TV series This Is Us.

Its lyrics, depicting feelings of loneliness and alienation within a family, resonate across generations.

It’s a song you’ll want to play when you need courage to step into a new environment or when you long to connect with someone more deeply.

Silhouette of LoveJim Photoglo

Jim Photoglo – We Were Meant To Be Lovers

This slightly melancholic song is Jim Photoglo’s 1980 hit.

When it was first released in Japan, the artist’s name was written as “Photoglo.” Its sophisticated, sharp vocals and performance perfectly suit the atmosphere of a city night.

This Could Be the NightLoverboy

Loverboy – This Could Be the Night (Official Video)

It’s a song brimming with a powerful yet delicate charm.

Featured on the 1985 album “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” this track captivated listeners and never let go.

The protagonist’s hopes for a special night are portrayed alongside a grand, sweeping sound.

In 1986, it reached the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, becoming a beloved hit.

It also drew attention as a work that showcased a new side of Loverboy.

A heartwarming ballad perfect for spending special moments with someone important—it’s sure to resonate with you, too.

Lost In LoveAir Supply

Lost in Love (Remastered)

It’s the kind of crystal-clear sound that makes you want to say, “pure freshness!” Air Supply is an Australian band that made a major breakthrough with this release in 1980.

Their sound won a large fanbase in Japan in particular, and they went on to score numerous hits afterward.

Baby Come BackPlayer

Player – Baby Come Back

This is a soft rock classic that earnestly sings of a heartfelt longing for lost love.

Released in September 1977, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.

The tender vocals and poignant melody tighten the listener’s chest.

The protagonist wandering the city through the night is a figure anyone who’s experienced heartbreak can relate to.

The loneliness and regret of returning to the same old state even when morning comes flow through the gentle rhythm.

The song was also used in the film Transformers and is loved by a wide range of generations.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone grieving the loss of someone dear.