AOR, Album Oriented Rock, Adult Oriented Rock or whatever you want to use, is a style of rock thats loved, and hated by many. Think of whatever was playing on FM radio in the late 70s through the late 80s. Slick productions, great vocals and LOTS of keyboards permeated these bands. You'll get opinions from people that love the choruses that stick in your head to those that despise the pop sounds these bands embraced. I am a huge fan of this era because the music was larger than life, full of a fun atmosphere and again, songs that really stick in your head. With the summer here in Chicago heating up I figure its the perfect time to give my top 10 AOR releases.
10. Eric Martin Band-Sucker For A Pretty Face(1982)
Starting out we have an album by a relatively well known singer who was just getting his career started. Way before Mr. Big, Martin started with the "Eric Martin Band". The result was an album that, although it did not sell well, has become a bit of a pop rock gem. Standouts include the rocking title track, the pop flavored "Young At Heart" and "Just Another Pretty Boy".
9.Joe Lynn Turner-Rescue You(1985)
Fresh from his stint from Rainbow, Turner was ready to hit the next level. By 1985, Turner released his solo debut which was just dripping with melody and pop. The album was a far cry from the hard rocking Rainbow material but was crafted very well. The production was sharp and extremely keyboard driven which complimented Turners voice well. This album is just pure 80s and I do think it shouldve sold huge. Its packed with massive hooks with tunes like "Rescue You", "On The Run" and "Young Hearts".
8.Icon-Night Of The Crime(1985)
After releasing a damn good debut in '83, ICON definitely had potential to move up. Their next album shifted to a more melodic radio approach and they even had the legendary Eddie Kramer produce. The result was an album that could have sold millions. Alas, internal issues with lineup changes and poor marketing led to the band being dropped and not accomplishing stardom. 40 years later, the album does seem to have grown a cult following with its sleek production and amazing songs like the epic "Danger Calling" and "Shot at My Heart" really driving home how well this album was made.
7.Eddie Money-No Control(1983)
Eddie Money's career was waning slightly before he recorded his fourth solo album. After nearly overdosing, he took that as an influence for this album and released what I think is his most consistent outing. From the swagger of "Shakin" to the absolute ear worm of "Think Im In Love" all the way to the emotional "Passing By The Graveyard(Song for John B)", this album has memorable songs written all over it.6.Survivor-Too Hot To Sleep(1988)
Survivor in 87/88 were in a dire situation. After continuing to create hit after hit, lineup changes were hitting the band hard just as the recordings were underway. Also, a dispute with their label led to "Too Hot To Sleep" lacking promotion which is a shame because it is an incredible album. It combines the bands perfect pop sheen with a bit of hard rocking qualities with the Stones influenced "Here Comes Desire" and "Desperate Dreams" which should have been massive. Unfortunately, this would be the last Survivor album before "Reach" in 2006 capped the band off pretty much for good in the recording world.5.Rick Springfield-Living In Oz(1983)
Rick Springfield definitely had a hot streak in the 80s and this album was another home run for him. However, I dont ever hear it mentioned a ton today which is a shame as it is a terrific piece of 80s pop rock. From the energetic title track to "Souls" and "Tiger By The Tail", this album has enough variety that keeps it an exciting release even to this day.4.FM-Indescreet(1986)
This album is everything great about the 80s. Huge choruses, good instrumentation and that mid 80s sheen to the production. Its hard to pick a highlight but if I had to I would say "I Belong To the Night" and "Other Side Of Midnight". FM definitely started their career strong with this one.3.Aldo Nova-Twitch(1985)
Aldo Nova is a name many know from his excellent debut but not as much from his 2nd release "Subject...Aldo Nova" and even less from his third record "Twitch". At this point, Aldo was trying to find a working formula and tried to go as far into radio rock territory as much as he could with this album. While it unfortunately flopped, today this album I think has a damn good track listing. The songs are extremely commercial for the time with highlights "Heartless", "If Looks Could Kill" and "Fallen Angel" being big stand outs. Aldo Nova may hate it but I love it.2.Van Zant-S/T(1985)
A Southern Rock album this high?! You would think so with seeing the name Van Zant but it is the complete opposite. Johnny Van Zant after attempting a few albums with The Johnny Van Zant Band, rebranded to just his last name for this incredible piece of 80s rock. From the ultra sleek opener "Midnight Sensation" to the rocking "2+2" and even the catchy "She's Out With A Gun", this album is nearly perfect for what it was going for. It has become somewhat of a hidden gem that thanks to the internet has gotten more notice over the years. If only Johnny would give these songs a chance live again imstead of dragging around Skynyrd at this point. 1.Dakota-Runaway(1984)
And we finally come to my number one. When I first heard this album nearly a decade ago, I was in awe. Right from the incredibly paced title track through the staple "Into The Night", the epic "Heroes" and "When The Rebel Comes Home" this album is a home run after another. The production is sharp and precise as well. I will always put this album up with what Journey, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner were doing at the time!