The 10 Best O.A.R. Songs of All-Time
O.A.R. has been around since the early 1990s, but they didn’t hit it big until the late 1990s and early 2000s. Since then, they’ve released six studio albums and continue to tour throughout North America. While their music appeals to a wide range of people, O.A.R. fans are notoriously devoted and passionate about the band’s music, according to the pop break. From their early days playing college campuses to their more recent headlining shows at world-renowned venues, O.A.R. has consistently put on a good show and written songs that have reason to be considered among the best in their genre.
10. Knocking at Your Door- O.A.R
Released in 2007, “Knocking at Your Door” is the second single from O.A.R.’s eighth studio album and their first song to peak at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart making it one of O.A.R.’s most successful singles to date. The song details one person’s infatuation with another and their struggles to approach them, only to have them turn him or her downtime and time again.
9. This Town- O.A.R
“This Town” was released in 2006 and became the lead single from O.A.R.’s seventh studio album, City Of Black & White. The song peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it one of their most successful singles to date, despite its lack of memorability. The song details how the singer’s hometown is not where he wants to be but might not have a better place for him to go back to.
8. Hey Girl- O.A.R
Released in 2005, “Hey Girl” was the lead single from O.A.R.’s eighth studio album and became one of their most successful singles to date. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, marking it as O.A.R.’s biggest hit ever – earning them all three of their top-ten hits ever, along with their number-one hit “I Go Through”, “California” and “Miss You All The Time”. The song talks about a man’s infatuation with a girl in the restroom at a bar and the couple’s resulting relationship through an erratic phone call.
7. I Go Through- O.A.R
“I Go Through” was the first single from O.A.R.’s eighth studio album, 2005’s self-titled album. The song peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of O.A.R.’s most successful singles yet, despite the fact that it lacked a catchy chorus or memorable lyrics like some of their other songs had in the past. The song details a relationship going south between two people and is about how both parties are only hurting each other and actually wish they could be apart at times instead of alone together.
6. Miss You All The Time- O.A.R
“Miss You All The Time” was released in 2003 and became the lead single from O.A.R.’s seventh studio album, The Christmas EP. The song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, making it O.A.R.’s most successful single at the time and one of their best-selling singles ever. The song talks about a woman who doesn’t want to be with her husband anymore but still misses him all the time.
5. California- O.A.R
Released in 2001, “California” is O.A.R.’s first single from their sixth studio album, The Hemispheres. The song peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite based on its upbeat instrumentation and catchy chorus. The song also features a duet between O.A.R.’s lead singer Pat Monahan and his cousin James “Jim” Monahan formerly of the band Train.
4. That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker- O.A.R
With clever lyrics and an interesting story, “That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker” became a fan favorite upon its release in 2003. The song, which peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart, is about a man who is invited over to his neighbor’s home to play poker when he quickly realizes that the man has been cheating him his entire life. By the end of the song, O.A.R.’s character decides to reunite with his ex-girlfriend and leave his neighbor behind for good, according to Genius.com.
3. Love And Memories- O.A.R
O.A.R. released “Love And Memories” in 1999, the lead single from their fifth studio album, The Meanest Of Times. The song details the singer’s struggle to let go of a past lover who has already moved on. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and became one of O.A.R.’s most popular songs and live performances over the years.
2. Peace- O.A.R
“Peace” was released in 1997 on O.A.R.’s fourth album, The Wanderer, and quickly became an anthem for the band and their fans alike. “Peace” meshes rock with hints of folk and country and is about a person who wants nothing more than to remain peaceful throughout life despite numerous obstacles in his or her way. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, making it not only one of O.A.R.’s top-selling singles, but also one of their best-selling singles.
1. Shattered -(Turn The Car Around)- O.A.R
Released in 1996, “Shattered” was O.A.R.’s second single from their third studio album, Copper Blue. The song details a man’s breakup with his long-time girlfriend and involves him drifting in his car during morning rush hour traffic en route to work. This song is about the singer’s initial reluctance to get in a relationship, only to finally realize his or her true feelings towards their significant other. According to Song Facts, the song quickly became a fan favorite upon release and was featured in the opening credits of the 2001 film “Sideways”.
Bottom Line
O.A.R. has become one of the world’s biggest selling rock bands with their unique brand of music that merges rock with touches of folk, country, and hints of southern rock. Their songs are generally very upbeat and catchy, which makes them great for listening to during long drives or while performing aerobic exercises at the gym.
