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.
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AOR classics: Timeless recommended hits (71–80)
SOMEONEBEAU COUP
This is a song by BEAU COUP, a band formed in Cleveland in the 1980s.
It’s a work that fully embodies the charm of AOR, blending melodious rock with pop.
Over a comfortable backing track, the emotionally rich vocals truly shine.
The song was included on their 1987 album “Born & Raised On Rock & Roll,” and its video aired on MTV and USA Video Hits.
The band’s signature track “Sweet Rachel” even reached No.
80 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Balancing nostalgia with freshness, this piece is sure to appeal to listeners of all ages.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to be soothed by a heartfelt voice or simply enjoy great music.
Look At What You GotDRIVE ,SHE SAID
A heartrending song filled with devotion for a loved one.
DRIVE, SHE SAID’s sultry vocals paired with a powerful sound are irresistibly compelling.
The lyrics plead with a lover who seems intent on self-destruction to cherish what they have now—lines that will surely bring many listeners to tears.
From their 1989 debut album, the band rose to popularity, especially in Europe.
While incorporating elements of hard rock, they captivated many fans with their melodic songs.
It’s perfect for healing the pain of heartbreak or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.
With lyrics that resonate and a beautiful melody, it will surely soothe your heart.
Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for YouGeorge Benson
A classic song by George Benson that sings about the universality of love.
Its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melody beautifully portray a promise of love that transcends time and distance.
Released in 1985, it was issued as a single in Europe and later became a huge hit through a cover by Glenn Medeiros.
It also gained wide support, being featured in American daytime soap operas from 1987 to 1989.
George’s soulful vocals and melodic arrangement superbly express the universal theme of love, making it the perfect track when you want to feel a deep bond with someone special.
WHO’S CRYING NOWJourney
This is a gem of a song whose luscious piano melody resonates deeply.
The lyrics, which brilliantly fuse the joys and pains of love, have struck a chord with many listeners.
Released in 1981, the track reached No.
4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It has remained beloved over the years and was also featured on the TV show Glee.
As the lead single from Journey’s album Escape, it is counted among the band’s signature songs.
Perfect for a long nighttime drive—why not gaze at the quietly passing scenery as you surrender to the heartfelt vocals and sweet melody?
The Year Of The CatAl Stewart
“The Year of the Cat” is a 1976 work by singer-songwriter Al Stewart.
It features richly developed instrumentation, including a guitar solo, while still delivering a polished, pop-oriented vocal number.
loverGlenn Frey
It’s a warm song that makes you want to listen to it snuggled up with someone you love in front of a brightly burning fireplace on a cold day.
Released in 1982.
The way Glenn Frey’s voice intertwines with the relaxed tone of the saxophone in the intro is so gentle and soothing.
If it takes all nightB.J.Thomas
This is a song where B.J.
Thomas’s warm, rich vocals resonate comfortably.
It’s included on the album “Midnight Minute,” released in August 1989.
The track sings of a resolve to walk alongside a loved one.
Packed with the charms of AOR, its gently flowing melody and lyrics offer close comfort to the listener.
B.J.
Thomas is a seasoned, accomplished singer who has been active since the 1960s, and he’s well known for the theme song to the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” It’s a perfect song to play on a leisurely afternoon spent with someone special—sure to bring a sense of calm.