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 (31–40)
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.
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.
Minute by MinuteThe Doobie Brothers
The early Doobie Brothers were a rock-oriented band with a gritty, earthy feel.
However, around the late 1970s, when Michael McDonald joined, their sound shifted markedly toward AOR.
This track is the title song from their 1978 album Minute by Minute, and its breezy harmonies and keyboard-driven sound give it a distinctly urban vibe.
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.
Listening to OliviaAnri
“Listening to Olivia” is a single released by the Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, and artist Anri (real name: Eiko Kawashima).
Anri’s debut song, “Listening to Olivia,” was written and composed by Ami Ozaki and was released in 1978.
AOR classics: Timeless recommended hits (41–50)
Is it you?Lee Ritenour
Released in 1981.
Lee Ritenour is extremely famous as a fusion guitarist, and Eric Tagg contributes vocals on this album.
Thanks to the strong songwriting, it became a cross-genre hit and remains a work that is still frequently heard today.
Livin’ It UpBill LaBounty
Released in 1982.
This is a track you simply can’t leave out when talking about AOR.
From the moment you hear the electric piano in the intro, you’re drawn straight into the song’s world.
It’s a superb piece with a well-balanced structure that never sags from the opening to the very end.