My Fave Albums Of All Time #17 AOR (you haven't heard or don't remember)

After last weekends post one some of my fave classic AOR albums, I thought it would be cool to list a few of my fave obscurities from the genre.  Just because they are a little more obscure or forgotten, does not mean that they are not incredible.  Most times it was a case of bad timing, poor management, record company politics, or a combination of those.  So for fun, here is a list of some of the forgotten gems in AOR that I have always enjoyed.

1. Signal - Loud & Clear (1989)

I don't remember how I stumbled across this one, but it was probably 10 years ago or so, and found out that ex King Kobra vocalist, Mark Free, sang on this project.  This record is a perfect example of how AOR/Hard Rock should sound. It is also a perfect example of the control record companies had over bands on their roster.  I read the band played something like 6 shows to promote the record, with no support from the big guys.  Oh well, we still have the record to listen to.  At the time this album should have been huge, almost every song has hit single potential, with brilliant songwriting and performances from Mark Free and co. Think 80's Foreigner and Bad Company mixed with Bad English.  This album is one of the best of the genre.  Gets regular spins by me. A Classic!

2. Airrace - Shaft Of Light (1984)

From the back pages of Hit Parader magazine, I discovered another classic of the genre.  Airrace is a British band that featured none other than Jason Bonham on drums.  This is their debut and only album (until last years Back To The Start).  Another album that should have been huge, great songs, great production (courtesy of Beau Hill (Ratt), and the stunning vocals of Keith Murrell. Shaft Of Light is full of melodic rock and the whole record is full of catchy rockin' tunes. Faves include First One Over The Line, Didn't Want To Lose Ya, and Brief Encounter. If the Simmons drums and keyboards were pushed out a bit, this record would be along more of the hard rock of the time.  A brilliant album, with fantastic vocals and guitar, not to mention Bonhams drumming.  A must have.

3. Giuffria - S/T (1984)

This one is a little more familiar to some.  Ex-Angel keyboardist Gregg Giuffria put this band together in the early 80's and did two albums.  The S/T is a slice of lush, prime AOR.  Keyboards are up front, along with some tasty playing from guitarist Craig Goldy.  Vocalist David Glen Eisley gets to show off his pipes all over the record.

This record did do a bit of business at the time, had two great singles in the amazing Call To The Heart and Lonely In Love, and the band had the opening slot on Deep Purples reunion tour.  As a fan of Giuffria's previous band, the mighty Angel, I have always dug this record.  Along with the above mentioned singles, Turn Me On and Line Of Fire feature a more rocking sound.  The album ends on a proggy note with Out Of (The) Blue.  Check it out!

4. Magnum - Vigilante (1986)

UK rockers Magnum had already released 5 records, including the massive On A Storytellers Night, before Vigilante was released in 1986. Well known in thier homeland, Magnum should be mentioned in the same breath as their US contemporaries Journey and Foreigner.  Roger Taylor of Queen took over production duties on Vigilante, and his influence can be heard throughout the record. That Queen influence, along with the incredible vocals of Bob Catley and guitar work of Tony Clarkin make this album a great experience. Songs like Lonely Night and When The World Comes Down should have been all over the radio in North America. Lots of rock on the record too with Red On The Highway and the title track.  Cover art notwithstanding, Vigilante stands amongst Magnum's best works.

5. New England - S/T (1979)

This AOR rarity from 1979 is one of my faves.  I found out about these guys because being a KISS fan, I knew that it was produced by him, and the band opened up for KISS in Canada and the US on their Dynasty tour.  I would say their sound is a blend of classic KISS and ELO.  This record is known mainly for the Top 40 hit Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya, but the entire record is full of great rock and AOR.  Tracks like P.U.N.K. and Shoot show that New England could rock with the best of them.  A really underrated act that should have been bigger.  Members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea went on to work with Graham Bonnet and Yngwie Malmsteen in Alcatrazz.  Hunt this one down!

That's all for now, I'll be back with more of my fave albums and lost gems soon! MUYA!