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 popular numbers (21–30)
I Go CrazyPaul Davis
Released in 1977.
In Japan, it was featured in the film “Nantonaku Crystal” and became a huge hit.
It’s also known as the song that kicked off the AOR boom in Japan.
It’s a delicate track that conveys restrained passion and loneliness at the same time.
It became his first work to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.
Sweet days of reminiscenceLittle River Band
Released in 1978.
Soaring vocals, refreshing chorus, and a laid-back backing performance (band plus strings).
It’s an AOR sound that’s perfect from every angle.
The slightly wistful melody line feels cool when you listen to it in the height of summer.
AOR classics: Timeless recommended hits (31–40)
Shake ItIan Matthews
A pop vocal number by Ian Matthews released in 1978.
With its distinctive verse-like guitar in the intro, the song reached the Billboard Top 20.
Centered on a free-spirited, captivating woman, it explores themes of romance and enjoying the night.
It was featured at the beginning of the 1980 film Little Darlings and also played on the radio in the video game The Warriors, among other media appearances.
The lyrics, filled with positive energy and an optimistic message, are sure to lift listeners’ spirits.
It’s perfect for a mood boost or as background music for a drive with friends.
EscapeRupert Holmes
“Escape” is a 1979 work by Rupert Holmes.
Rupert Holmes was born in the UK and raised in the United States, and he began his full-fledged music career as a keyboardist.
As a songwriter, he provided songs to other artists while also achieving success with his own albums.
In 1980, he visited Japan to appear at the World Popular Song Festival.
HonestyBilly Joel
“Honesty” is a track from Billy Joel’s 1978 album 52nd Street.
Released as the third single in 1979, it was featured in commercials in Japan (for Nestlé Hot Chocolate, Sony, etc.), and its heartfelt lyrics and emotional melody became popular.
99TOTO
“99” is a song included on Toto’s 1979 album.
While Toto is famous as a rock band, they also have strong ties to musicians on the AOR side, and this track is a quintessential, highly polished masterpiece characteristic of Toto, a group formed by former studio musicians.
Mr. Summertimesaakasu
“Mr.
Summertime” is a work released as a single in 1978 by the Japanese vocal group Circus, based on a song by Michel Fugain, and it became a huge hit, surpassing one million copies sold.
Its jazzy, mature mood is superbly expressed through mixed-gender harmonies.