[Adult-Oriented Rock] A roundup of artists and bands that represent AOR
A polished, urban ensemble performed by masterful players, smooth melodies, and a sophisticated, grown-up vibe—that’s the image many of us have of the AOR genre.
AOR reached its peak from the late 1970s to the 1980s, but interestingly, the term is actually a Japanese coinage meaning “Adult-Oriented Rock.”
It’s also fascinating that in Japan, albums and songs by artists and bands from a variety of genres—rock, fusion, soul music, and more—are popularly labeled as “AOR.”
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of artists and bands that represent AOR.
If you’re new to the genre, be sure to check them out.
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]
- Masters who perform jazz fusion: A roundup of representative international artists
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- [Great Legends] Introduction to Iconic Artists of Classic Rock
- Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- Recommended Western music bands for men in their 60s
- [2025] A roundup of autumn songs for people in their 50s. Showa-era classics that bring back those days
- Recommended love songs for men in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- [Western Music] Must-Know: A Roundup of Popular Overseas Fusion Bands
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
- Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
[Adult Rock] A roundup of artists and bands representing AOR (11–20)
I Just Wanna StopGino Vannelli
Gino Vannelli is one of the singers who best represents the soft rock and AOR scene.
With a musical style that incorporates elements of jazz and classical, he continues to be loved by many fans today.
Among his works, this poignant ballad is especially recommended.
Its sweet yet powerful vocals convey the heartbreaking desire to put an end to a relationship with a loved one.
Released as a single in August 1978 and included on the classic album Brother to Brother, it reached No.
4 on the U.
S.
charts and became a global hit, also featuring in the Brazilian TV drama Pai Herói.
The sound is marked by a memorable, mellow saxophone.
If you want to sink into a sentimental melody, be sure to give it a listen.
Livin’ It UpBill LaBounty
Bill LaBounty, an American singer-songwriter, works in the pop and soft rock genres and enjoys strong popularity among AOR fans in Japan.
He released “This Night Won’t Last Forever” in 1978, and it became a hit the following year when Michael Johnson covered it.
In the 1990s, he shifted his focus toward country music, and to date he has released six studio albums, four of which came out on Curb/Warner Bros.
Records.
LaBounty’s songs are notable for their broad appeal, from soft rock to country, including co-writing several hit tracks for country artists.
In 2001, he signed a songwriting deal with Curb Publishing and has created numerous songs alongside his wife, Beckie Foster.
He is a recommended artist for those who enjoy sophisticated, adult-oriented AOR sounds.
What You Won’t Do for LoveBobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell is one of the singers who represents AOR and blue-eyed soul.
Although he was white, he gained popularity with an authentic R&B sound.
Among his works, this song is surely the timeless classic that continues to shine.
Its straightforward and passionate message—doing anything for the one you love—really strikes a chord.
The smooth melody and distinctive horn section create a sophisticated, romantic mood.
Released as a single from his debut album “Bobby Caldwell” in September 1978, it’s also famous for the anecdote that it was written in just two days.
I think it’s a perfect song for a leisurely holiday atmosphere.
In conclusion
This time we introduced some artists and bands, and many of their signature songs are big hits that even those who didn’t live through AOR’s golden age have likely heard at least once.
If you enjoy pleasant sounds, melodies, and beautiful vocals, AOR is definitely for you—and if you can, I hope you’ll dive deeper into the rich world of AOR itself!