The List of AOR Albums in Order
AOR, or Album-Oriented Rock, is a genre of music that became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It is characterized by its melodic hooks, polished production, and radio-friendly sound. AOR albums have left a lasting impact on the music industry, with many of them becoming iconic and influential. Here is a list of AOR albums in chronological order, showcasing the diverse range of artists and styles within the genre.
1. “A Night at the Opera” by Queen (1975)
– Often considered one of the greatest AOR albums of all time.
– Features the epic anthem “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
2. “Hotel California” by Eagles (1976)
– Solidified the Eagles as one of the biggest AOR acts of the era.
– Includes the iconic title track and “New Kid in Town.”
3. “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac (1977)
– Known for its emotional lyrics and catchy melodies.
– Features timeless hits like “Go Your Own Way” and “Don’t Stop.”
4. “Journey” by Journey (1975)
– Launched Journey’s career as one of the most successful AOR bands.
– Includes fan favorites like “Lights” and “Wheel in the Sky.”
5. “Asia” by Asia (1982)
– A supergroup formed by members of progressive rock bands.
– The album’s hit single “Heat of the Moment” became a chart-topping AOR anthem.
6. “Escape” by Journey (1981)
– Featured the big hits “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.”
– Helped define the power ballad subgenre within AOR.
7. “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses (1987)
– One of the best-selling debut albums of all time.
– Blended hard rock with AOR elements, creating a unique sound.
8. “Hysteria” by Def Leppard (1987)
– AOR album that became one of the defining records of the late 1980s.
– Produced seven hit singles and sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
9. “Slippery When Wet” by Bon Jovi (1986)
– Propelled Bon Jovi to superstardom.
– Features smash hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.”
10. “Back in Black” by AC/DC (1980)
– AOR-infused hard rock masterpiece.
– One of the highest-selling albums ever, with over 50 million copies sold.
11. “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” by Duran Duran (1983)
– Showcased Duran Duran’s unique blend of new wave and AOR.
– Includes hits like “The Reflex” and “Union of the Snake.”
12. “Foreigner 4” by Foreigner (1981)
– Foreigner’s most successful AOR album.
– Produced iconic tracks like “Juke Box Hero” and “Waiting for a Girl like You.”
13. “1984” by Van Halen (1984)
– The final album featuring David Lee Roth before his departure.
– The album’s lead single, “Jump,” became a crossover hit.
14. “Automatic for the People” by R.E.M. (1992)
– A softer, more introspective AOR album.
– Features the hit songs “Man on the Moon” and “Everybody Hurts.”
15. “Appetite for Destruction” by The Police (1980)
– Known for blending AOR with punk and reggae influences.
– The album’s standout track, “Message in a Bottle,” became a huge hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does AOR stand for?
AOR stands for Album-Oriented Rock.
2. Who are some of the most influential AOR artists?
Some influential AOR artists include Queen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, and Def Leppard.
3. Does AOR still exist today?
While not as prominent as in the past, AOR continues to have a dedicated fan base and some modern artists draw inspiration from the genre.
4. What are some common characteristics of AOR albums?
AOR albums often feature melodic hooks, polished production, and a radio-friendly sound. Power ballads are a common component of AOR albums.
5. Why were AOR albums popular in the 1970s and 1980s?
AOR albums gained popularity during this period due to the rise of FM radio and the demand for longer, more complex songs that couldn’t fit the Top 40 format.
6. How do AOR albums differ from other rock albums?
AOR albums tend to be more focused on the album as a whole, with an emphasis on cohesive track sequencing and a unified sound.
7. Are there any AOR albums that have achieved diamond certification?
Yes, both “Hotel California” by Eagles and “Back in Black” by AC/DC have been certified diamond, meaning they have sold over 10 million copies in the US alone.
8. What role did MTV play in promoting AOR albums?
MTV’s emergence in the 1980s helped boost the popularity of AOR acts, as their videos received widespread exposure.
9. What impact did AOR have on the music industry?
AOR albums played a significant role in shaping the rock music industry, influencing subsequent genres and becoming timeless classics.
10. Are there any modern bands that play AOR?
Yes, there are contemporary bands like The Killers, Kings of Leon, and The 1975 that incorporate AOR elements into their music.
11. Were there any female artists who released successful AOR albums?
Yes, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, and Heart are among the female artists who released successful AOR albums.
12. What is the legacy of AOR music?
AOR left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing future generations of rock musicians and providing audiences with timeless, melodic rock songs.
In conclusion, AOR albums have played a significant role in the development of rock music, with many iconic albums becoming cornerstones of the genre. From Queen’s “A Night at the Opera” to The Police’s “Appetite for Destruction,” these albums continue to resonate with audiences today.
