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Middle of the road or MOR is a broad term encompassing a number of musical styles. Not technically a genre in its own right, it was, and in some places still is, a popular radio format. Music classed as MOR is broadly popular in outlook, but not cutting edge; it is generally strongly melodic and frequently uses vocal harmony techniques and arrangements involving orchestral instruments. Some musical styles frequently included under the general heading of "middle of the road" include:
- Easy listening
- Traditional pop music of the pre- rock & roll era, or later recordings imitative of that style
- Orchestral ballads
- Songs from musical theater
- Light jazz
- Any music with a nostalgicNostalgia currently describes a longing for the past: Often an idealized and unrealistic past The term was originally coined in 1678 by Johannes Hoffer ( 1669- 1752) from Latin roots, to refer to "the pain a sick person feels because he is not in his nati feel.
MOR should not be confused with AORAlbum Oriented Rock abbreviated AOR was originally an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock music artists rather than singles releases. In some markets the term AOR was re-positioned as Adult Oriented Rock implying that 'adults' were m (Adult Oriented Rock).
Notable MOR musicians
Some artists whose work falls wholly or mostly into the category of MOR include:
- Nat King ColeNat "King" Cole ( March 17, 1919 February 15, 1965) was a hugely popular American singer and jazz musician. Childhood and Chicago Cole was born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama. The year of his birth has been reported as 1917 and 1915, but acc
- Perry ComoPerry Como (born Pierino Ronald Como May 18, 1912 May 12, 2001) was an United States crooner during the last half the the 20th century. His exclusive recording contract with RCA Victor in 1943 began an association that would last for almost 50 years witho
- Bing CrosbyHarry Lillis "Bing" Crosby ( May 3, 1903 October 14, 1977) was a popular American singer and actor whose career spanned multiple generations. His biggest musical hit was his recording of the Irving Berlin classic " White Christmas", which he first sang in
- CarpentersThis article is about a musical group. If you are looking for information about the skilled trade, see carpenter. The Carpenters were a 1970s vocal and instrumental duo, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter . With their brand of melodic pop,
- Matt MonroMatt Monro ( December 1 1932 February 7, 1985) was a ballad singer of the 1960s, sometimes known as "the British Sinatra". He was born Terence Parsons in Shoreditch, London. Affectionately nicknamed "the singing bus driver" (because his occupation prior t
- Frank SinatraFrancis Albert Sinatra ( December 12, 1915 May 14, 1998) was an American singer who is considered one of the finest vocalists of all time, renowned for his impeccable phrasing and timing. At 37, Sinatra launched a second career as a film actor, and became
See also Traditional pop music
M.O.R. is also the title of a song by Blur, from their eponymous album. In typically ironic Blur fashion, the song could not be much further removed from the radio format.
Popular music
Radio formats
