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 (41–50)
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.
Ellie My LoveBill Champlin
A timeless masterpiece that sings of aching love.
This work is an English-language cover of Southern All Stars’ “Itoshi no Ellie.” Bill Champlin’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the protagonist’s desire to win back a lost love.
It was included on the 1991 album Mid-Summer Blossoms.
Packed with the allure of AOR, the track showcases Champlin’s rich musicality to the fullest.
It’s perfect for when you want to reminisce about a lover or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
Its heartfelt melody and lyrics are sure to captivate you.
CarelessStephen Bishop
It’s a classic from 1976 by a master of soft rock.
The sweet melody and sentimental lyrics really sink into the heart.
The song portrays the protagonist’s regret and self-reproach, and anyone who’s ever hurt someone important through careless actions will likely find themselves empathizing.
Stephen Bishop’s gentle, wistful vocals resonate as if leaning close to the listener’s heart.
The track appears on his debut album Careless, which reached No.
34 on the Billboard album chart.
It’s sure to strike a chord when you’re at a crossroads in life or reexamining a relationship with someone you care about.
Whatcha Gonna Do for MeNed Doheny
This song was sung by Chaka Khan under the Japanese title “Koi no Happening,” and that version may be better known.
The composer is Ned Doheny.
His own rendition is also an excellent piece—calm and easy to listen to.
It isn’t flashy, but it’s the kind of work whose appeal gradually sinks in.
Heart Of The NightPoco
“Heart Of The Night” is a work by Poco, released in 1978.
Poco is a country rock band formed in the United States in 1969.
Their music is characterized by country rock with a pop sensibility.
Memorable SneakersSneaker
The only hit song by Sneaker, released in 1982.
It isn’t widely known, but this is a superb AOR work.
Pure melodies that feel cleansing to the soul and delicate, beautiful harmonies.
Their big break was anticipated, but the band disbanded the year after this song.
I just Wanna StopGino Vannelli
“I Just Wanna Stop” is a 1978 single by Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli.
It reached No.
4 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
The gentle, sing-along melody is particularly memorable.