The top 40 AOR vocalists of all time

[That 70s Guy]

35

Michael Lee Smith

Step aside Mr. Steven Tyler for you are an imposter. Meet Michael Lee Smith, true heir to all that is low-slung in the world of sleazy melodic rock of the 70s. True,his band,Starz, weren't exactly AOR in the purest sense, but their style was highly melodic packing a punch to rival the likes of Ted Nugent,Aerosmith and KISS. Although their 1977 "Violation" album is universally regarded as their masterpiece, they broke rank on "Attention Shoppers" (released the same year), penning the sort of power pop that would give Mr.Smith the opportunity to assert his signature vocal to max effect. What a voice.

Finest vocal moment

"Rock Six Times" (from Starz "Violation" album 1977). In which Michael gets rather excited upon finding an Aersomith record. Haven't we all?

 

[That 70s Guy]

34

Mike Reno

The cavorting red-leather 'n headband wearing frontman with Canada's greatest AOR export, Loverboy, Reno's honey-sweet vocals were first utilised in the far heavier 70s rock unit Moxy. Upon forming Loverboy with the ex-Streetheart guitar slinger Paul Dean, the results were spectacular, their debut album earning plaudits from every conceivable corner, spawning hit singles and going double platinum in the US. Reno was in many ways the perfect frontman- energetic, communicative and possessing a signature vocal that gave every track a contemporary pop-rock edge. He rivalled the emerging skinny-tie competition without sacrificing his hard rock roots.

Finest vocal moment

"Working For The Weekend" (from Loverboy's "Get Lucky" album 1982), Reno predicts the arrival of weekend lager louts.

 

[That 70s Guy]

33

Peter Cetera

Known for his tenure with Chicago, whom he remodelled into a streamlined AOR unit on hits like "If You Leave Me Now" and "Hard Habit To Break". Cetera's smooth feature like vocal was tailor made for Chicago's soft rock. Departing for a solo career in the 80s,he scored his biggest hit with "Glory Of Love", while his self titled 1981 solo debut might be the best record that Steve Perry never recorded.

Finest vocal moment

"Baby What A Big Surprise" (from "Chicago XI" 1977). Radiant love song boosted by Cetera's mellifluous delivery.

 

[METALPRIEST]

35

Michael Lee Smith

Step aside Mr. Steven Tyler for you are an imposter. Meet Michael Lee Smith, true heir to all that is low-slung in the world of sleazy melodic rock of the 70s. True,his band,Starz, weren't exactly AOR in the purest sense, but their style was highly melodic packing a punch to rival the likes of Ted Nugent,Aerosmith and KISS. Although their 1977 "Violation" album is universally regarded as their masterpiece, they broke rank on "Attention Shoppers" (released the same year), penning the sort of power pop that would give Mr.Smith the opportunity to assert his signature vocal to max effect. What a voice.

Finest vocal moment


"Rock Six Times" (from Starz "Violation" album 1977). In which Michael gets rather excited upon finding an Aersomith record. Haven't we all?

 

[The Great Duck]

34

Canada's greatest AOR export, Loverboy

Really?How about Coney Hatch,Aldo Nova,April Wine and Triumph?

 

[That 70s Guy]

32

Bob Catley

Bob resembles a wayward uncle on a shoplifting spree, yet beneath his Dungeons & Dragons facade hides a sensitive soul with emotions worn on a finely embroidered sleeve. As the foil for Magnum guitarist Tony "The Hat" Clarkin, Bob's lot in life is singing about loves lost and toy soldiers, all set in the depths of Mordor. His voice has consistently improved with age,a thing of rare beauty.

Finest vocal moment

"All England's Eyes" (from Magnum's "On A Storyteller's Night" 1985), Bob's distraught delivery conjures up things far more profound than just the storyline.

 

[Groovy Man]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm hoping this list gets better!!!

 

[That 70s Guy]

31

Paul Sabu

Paul Sabu has been kicking around the LA scene for years,recording both disco and rock, and occasionally mixing both. In the mid-80s, he launched four piece Only Child, specialising in strong-arm power chords with lashings of melody. Sabu's vocal prowess, courting comparisons to the likes of David Coverdale and Dave Meniketti, should have made him a star. Instead, Paul turned to production work, with a then unknown Shania Twain.

Finest vocal moment

"Rock Me Slowly" (from Sabu's self titled album,1980). An early track showing his colossal control and range.

 

[That 70s Guy]

30

Chris Ousey

Chris Ousey is one of the best vocalists to have ever emerged from the UK. His first band Virginia Wolf, blew the cobwebs off the Brit AOR scene with their perfectly crystallised melodic rock. Ousey's unique vocal- all raunchy yelps and sky high screams- their calling card. Chris went on to front AOR heroes Heartland and continues to ply his trade to a world that really needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Finest vocal moment

"Man On The Moon" (from Virginia Wolf's "Push" 1987) Clearly Ousey must have been sent to Earth to bless us all.

 

[That 70s Guy]

29

Pat Benatar

During the early 80s Pat was omnipresent, seducing a fledgling MTV with her fresh,tomboy image and singing songs about female empowerment pre-empting the Spice Girls by at least 15 years. Neither did it hurt that her guitarist, co- songwriter, producer and husband Neil Giraldo was a talented player who had previously played in Rick Derringer's band.

Finest vocal moment

"Love Is A Battlefield" (from "Live From Earth", 1983). Hypnotic rhythm, seductive vocal and cutting edge video made this song a standout.