Category: Melodic Rock | AOR

Album-oriented rock (abbreviated AOR) is an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock artists. AOR evolved from progressive rock radio in the mid-1970s, using research and formal programming to create an album rock format with greater commercial appeal.

Tony Carey – Blue Highway (2018 Expanded Edition), MP3+FLAC

Keyboardist / vocalist TONY CAREY started a successful solo career after his time with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. ‘Blue Highway’ is one of our favorite Carey solo LP’s, originally released in 1985 so you guess which kind of sound to expect. This “Blue Highway (2018 expanded edition)“ is a welcomed reissue to re-discover this very good album, plus 2 extra tracks.
More AOR oriented than his previous solo works, Carey’s ‘Blue Highway’ sports that 1985 polished sound production handled by Peter Hauke (White Lion) and mastered by Greg Fulginiti (Aerosmith, Whitesnake).

‘We Wanna Live’ is a wonderful opener, a racing AOR number with fine guitars / synths and a catchy chorus. ‘She Moves Like A Dancer’ bring to mind Michael Stanley Band, a very American tune with a home-grown, earthy rock and roll sound, with huge use of melody.
‘Live Wire’ is classic Carey, and classic ’80s; a midtempo full of atmosphere which has a lot in common with the Canadian AOR sound from the era: pristine sound and clean arrangements. Title track ‘Blue Highway’ is an elegant, suit & tie AOR ballad, ‘Love Don’t Bother Me’ goes for radio friendly poppy lite AOR, then ‘Katy Be Mine’ has some of The Synch melodic rock to it.

‘Like A Rock’ brings back uptempo riffs, a mix of strong guitars, synths and Carey’s raspy vocals, overall resulting like a Bryan Adams tune off ‘Reckless’. The extra tracks were recorded in the Nineties, more focused in Tony’s vocals and interesting lyrics than the ‘glossy’ sound design.
A really welcomed reissue to hear again this well-crafted collection of songs with that mid-Eighties magic.
Highly Recommended

All Exclusive | HQ | Melodic Rock | AOR
Posted on December 22, 2024 by admin

NITRATE – Feel The Heat [Deluxe Edition] (2024)

British melodic rock / AOR band NITRATE is about to release the Deluxe Edition of their latest album, “Feel The Heat”, on December 20th via Frontiers Music. Vocalist Alexander Strandell comments: “It feels great to give the fans something more from this amazing album. It’s an honour to be involved with the Nitrate guys.”

Melodic Rock | AOR
Posted on December 19, 2024 by admin