I did not coin the term “Babysitter Rock.” It’s hazy as to who did, someone undoubtedly funnier than I, so I’ll leave it alone. I am, however, an expert on the genre.

The Rules of Babysitter Rock:

1. All Babysitter Rock is AOR (Album-Oriented Rock), though not all AOR is Babysitter Rock.
2. Babysitter Rock immediately predated and predicted 80’s pop metal. Some bands, like Rainbow, would only record one Babysitter Rock song, while being better known for another style, like 70’s hard rock.
3. Like Afternoon Rock, in order qualify, a Babysitter Rock song must have charted in the Top 40.
4. Babysitter Rock is far heavier than Afternoon Rock. I think that goes without saying. Some people need things spelled out.
5. Babysitter Rock provides an excellent soundtrack to pre-event drinking or the completion of projects.

The Hall of Greatness:

1. April Wine “All Over Town” (1981) Fun fact: Almost power pop and superior to any Cheap Trick song.
2. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band “For You” (1980) Fun fact: “For You” carried on MMEB’s tradition of only being able to chart with songs from Bruce Springsteen’s first album. Be wary, the Boss’ versions of “Blinded By The Light”, “Spirit In The Night”, and this one, all suck.
3. Aldo Nova “Fantasy” (1982)
4. Head East “Never Been Any Reason” (1975) Fun fact: The first ever Babysitter Rock song.
5. Saga “On The Loose” (1981)
6. Donnie Iris “Ah! Leah!” (1980) Fun fact: Iris is one of the only “three-hit wonders”, charting with three disparate styles….first in the Jaggerz (“The Rapper”), then in Wild Cherry (“Play That Funky Music (White Boy)”), and then with this song.
7. Vandenburg “Burning Heart” (1982)
8. Rainbow “Stone Cold” (1982)
9. Triumph “Fight The Good Fight” (1981)
10. The Alan Parsons Project “Games People Play” (1981) Unfun fact: Light fare for this genre, but rocking nonetheless.