The AOR-side of Prog

Today I listened to a couple of albums that could be or have been qualified as AOR. On PA AOR is often belittled in discussions or in reviews, but there are also many members who appreciate a fair bit of AOR. Some bands even get into the database, either under the Prog-related umbrella (e.g. Styx) or under Crossover Prog (e.g. Supertramp, Saga...). Sometimes the classic Prog bands have released more AOR albums in their carreer (e.g. Yes' 90125), often leading to major success with a wider audience.

What would be your AOR-ish prog recommendations? Or your Prog-ish AOR recommendations? What is your REO Speedwagon of prog?

This is a good list too, for bands on PA!

Love Ambrosia's first two, 10cc, Crack the Sky, City Boy, Be-Bop Deluxe...

They don't get enough love around here in my opinion.

Second on the Gowan recommendation. Not enough people are aware of this excellent artist.

John Young is another artist that was under-valued until Lifesigns came around.

I do enjoy a bit of Asia, but it was a bit formulaic for my tastes.  Still, I always enjoy hearing John Wetton's voice! 

I would say that the debut LP by Asia would hit the mark for REO of Prog.  "Sole Survivor" is quite a fine song, here, have some! 

I went to university in Champaign, Illinois USA (University of Illinois), where REO Speedwagon had their origin!!  In those years (1973-77), Champaign was renowned for our bands!!  REO used to play street dances and local gigs at bars, they were very popular with the students and "townies!"  A movie about that era was made, see https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEHPP_EmL2qDHm4egl4K9v_Xen7WopVoq

The original vocalist for REO, Terry Luttrell, left REO and eventually ended up as vocalist for the Yes-like band "Starcastle!"  Starcastle were HUGELY popular in Champaign back then, and their first LP had constant rotation on college radio!!   They were an amazingly energetic and charismatic band, playing all sorts of covers by Rolling Stones, Elton John and others as well as their originals!  

BTW, I don't consider them a "Yes-Clone," their vocalization style was very much influenced by Flash vs. Yes.   Gary Strater helped to give them that Yes sound with his Rickenbacker-Squire style, and keyboardist Herb Schildt was a master of the Hammond organ!!  These were rather rare instruments for bar bands in those years.