Middle-of-the-Road Pop
tagStarted 1966Peak 1970-1985Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Broadly-pitched, inoffensive pop aimed at the widest possible adult audience - neither rock nor pure easy-listening but squarely between. Tuneful melodies, clean orchestral or band backing, warm crooned or harmony vocals and tidy, conservative production. Designed to please everyone and alienate no one, it favors comfort, clarity and proven melodic formulas.
History
The term (MOR) arose in 1960s-70s radio for pop too soft for rock stations yet too modern for easy-listening. Acts like Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow and the Carpenters embodied it, dominating family radio. As a programming category it shaped adult pop for decades before the 'Adult Contemporary' label largely absorbed and replaced it.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_of_the_road_(music)
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/adult-contemporary-ma0000002745
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easy_listening