What is MOR? The appeal of an easy-listening, comfortable music genre
MOR (Middle of the Road), which is gaining attention in the music scene, is an appealing genre that combines approachable melodies with refined musicality.
It strikes an exquisite balance between mass appeal and artistry, earning support from a wide audience.
Recently, more and more new artists have been incorporating elements of MOR, expanding the possibilities of music through contemporary interpretations.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the charm and characteristics of MOR, as well as the musicality of representative tracks!
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What is MOR? The appeal of this easy-to-listen, pleasant music genre (31–40)
Rhythm NationJanet Jackson
This is the title track released as a single from Rhythm Nation 1814.
Janet’s powerful vocals intertwine exquisitely with the danceable drive, and the Minneapolis sound—featuring Jam & Lewis’s cutting-edge rhythms of the time—leaves a strong impression.
Englishman In New YorkSting
The sound, incorporating oboe tones and ragamuffin elements with a jazz flavor, is striking.
The socially conscious messages that peek through the characteristically British cynical lyrics show a sense of humor, yet the song itself is a highly polished piece.
Mr.RobotoStyx
While their early sound bore strong shades of progressive rock, during the mid-career period (1972–1984) they began to embrace a pop sensibility in step with the times, shifting from grand, long-form works to shorter songs along with their evolving musical style.
This work is notable for its dramatic synth-pop sound that highlights the beauty of its melodies.
LukaSuzanne Vega
Although it’s a song themed around child abuse, it’s an unusual piece in which the lyrics are heavy while the melody is light.
The whisper-like delivery with an ennui-tinged voice, the beautifully rich melody brimming with pop sensibility, and the lyrical worldview shaped by Suzanne Vega’s distinctive sensibility come together in perfect harmony.
WindyThe Association
The undulating groove of the rhythm section, the skillful structure that layers sweet, sophisticated choral harmonies (especially in the bridge), the bass-riff intro, and the distinctive melodic sensibility are striking.
The lyrics reflect the hippie culture of the time, portraying a woman living freely, and the vivid, liberating worldview is soothing—making it a compelling work.
What is MOR? The appeal of an easy-listening, comfortable music genre (41–50)
Mas que nadaSergio Mendes
A Brazilian sound that turns samba and bossa nova beats into a pop arrangement and weaves a melody with a catchy chorus.
Its innovative yet refined style remains an impressively original work even today.
Also, when discussing the musicality of acid jazz, one cannot overlook Brazilian bossa nova—exemplified by his music and other Brazilian works.
All I Wanna DoSheryl Crow
Lyric writing in a story format has a playful spirit, whether it’s expressing one’s own emotions or unfolding a personal viewpoint based on a theme.
This track is marked by a light, catchy rhythm over a simple chord progression, with exquisite use of guitar and percussion.
Her uniquely dry vocal tone blends beautifully with the organic sound that weaves elements of pop and rock into American roots music.