Recommended For You
Louis Armstrong said, “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” Duke Ellington said, “There are simply two kinds of music: good music and the other kind.” Christopher Cross said, “If you get caught between the moon and New York City, the best that you can do is fall in love.”
What do these pieces of wisdom add up to? Music, like love, doesn’t follow rules. Musicians as diverse as Armstrong, Ellington and Cross don’t want to be boxed in by genre. They want to write, record and perform and not spend time deciding if they play bebop or hard bop, blues or Southern rock, funk or disco.
But as temperatures heat up and people think of sailing away to find serenity, yacht rock playlists start to float in on the breeze. And that means drawing boundaries with enough latitude that artists don’t object to being boxed in and still foster playlists with a sense of meaning, a sense of continuity and depth. Peaks and valleys must be smartly balanced against the total annihilation of a common aesthetic. (Yes, despite a fascination with sailing and pina coladas, yacht rock can be taken seriously!)
And so, much to Armstrong’s chagrin, we have to ask, “What is yacht rock?” If it seems obvious, take a look at Spotify’s recent “Yacht Rock” playlist . Spotify is a global streaming leader with some 350 million monthly users, an army of music experts and cutting edge artificial intelligence, and yet the company filled its playlist with songs such as Tears for Fears ’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me,” Van Morrison ’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and Bruce Hornsby ’s “The Way It Is.”
If somebody wants to create and enjoy a stack of songs that runs from tunes by the J. Geils Band , to the Police , to Bad Company , to Talking Heads (yup, the company has all these artists on its playlist and even included Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters”), they should do that with gusto! It sounds like an evening full of classic jams and fun left turns so cheers to the endeavor. But if a major player in the music business wants to do that and call it yacht rock, we need to take a step back and consider what is and isn’t yacht.
We know breezes, islands, keys, capes, cool nights, crazy love and reminiscing help define the yacht aesthetic (see works by Seals & Crofts , Jay Fergeson, Bertie Higgins, Rupert Holmes, Paul Davis, Poco , and Little River Band ). But let’s get beyond the captain’s caps and map the waters of this perfect-for-summer style.
Watch Bertie Higgins' Video for 'Key Largo'
Before 2005, people generally placed Toto ’s “ Africa ” and Holmes’ “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” in the soft rock genre. Maybe if they were getting fancy, they’d call them AM Gold. But in 2005, the online video series Yacht Rock debuted. It fictionalized the careers of soft rock artists of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The cheeky show capitalized on the building renaissance of artists such as Steely Dan and Michael McDonald , who embraced the silliness of the series.
“When it came on I remember watching it pretty avidly,” McDonald admitted in 2018 . “My kids got a huge kick out of it. We would laugh about the characterizations of the people involved. At this point it’s a genre of its own. You’re either yacht or you're not.”
He might be right that you’re either yacht or you’re not. But calling it a genre doesn’t quite work (more on that in a minute).
Listen to the Doobie Brothers' 'Minute By Minute'
By the late ’60s, rock ‘n’ roll had become “art.” The Beatles started as simple teen heartthrobs covering early rock ‘n’ roll, but graduated to the supreme weirdness of the White Album . Chuck Berry gave birth to the Rolling Stones who gave birth to Led Zeppelin and the gonzo bombast of “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.” And all sorts of acts went wild from the Grateful Dead , to Pink Floyd , to Frank Zappa and beyond. The sunshine of ’70s AM Gold came as a reaction to these wonderful excesses. Singer-songwriters aimed to take rock and pop back to the simple pleasures of tight, light tunes such as Beach Boys ’ classics, Motown hits and Brill Building-crafted songs.
Hippies looking for revolution and Gen X-ers on the hunt for rage, irony and sharp edges bristled at the genuine lyrics of tenderness and heartbreak neatly packaged in finely-crafted Top 40. Where the stars and fans of '60s and ’90s rock wanted arty and experimental music, anger and angst, yacht took listeners on a voyage powered by pure earnestness: think of the sincere and intense conviction of Dave Mason’s “We Just Disagree,” Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together," and “Love is the Answer” by England Dan & John Ford Coley.
(Which is why placing the Police or Talking Heads on any yacht mix doesn’t work.)
Yacht rock embodies the final charge of unbridled, heartfelt pop.
“I think these songs remain so popular because they are unabashedly pop,” Nicholas Niespodziani, leader of the hugely successful tribute band Yacht Rock Revue , explains to UCR. “They’re not self conscious. You couldn’t write a song like ‘Africa’ now. What are they even singing about? Who knows? But it’s fun to sing.”
Watch Captain & Tennille's Video for 'Love Will Keep Us Together'
Yacht rock doesn’t just have an earnestness to its lyrics, the sax solos come with the same level of sincerity.
If the style was the last gasp of unadulterated pop, it was also the dying breath of jazz’s influence on rock. Jazz rock started in the ’60s with Zappa, Chicago , Santana and Blood, Sweat & Tears , but slowly simple drums and growling guitars stomped horn lines and rhythmic shifts into the ground. However, yacht rock features echoes of swingin’ saxophones, big band horns and Miles Davis ’ fusion projects.
Yacht rock is very pop, but legitimate musical talents made those hooks. Chuck Mangione logged time in jazz giant Art Blakey’s band then took what he learned and crushed complex harmonic ideas into the pop nugget “Feels So Good,” which is basically a Latin-bebop-disco-classical suite. (If you dig “Feels So Good,” dig deeper and groove to smooth jazz mini-symphony “Give It All You Got.”)
Nearly every classic from the style features either an epic sax solo or dazzling guitar part. For horn glory, go spin Little River Band’s “Reminiscing,” Gino Vannelli’s “I Just Wanna Stop” or Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers ’ “Just the Two of Us." For six-string wizardry as astounding as anything Jimmy Page came up with (and much more economical), try Atlantic Rhythm Section’s “So Into You,” Pablo Cruise’s “Love Will Find a Way” and pretty much every Steely Dan cut.
(Which is why placing Tears for Fears’ “ Everybody Wants to Rule the World ” and Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” on any yacht mix doesn’t work).
Watch the Little River Band's Video for 'Reminiscing'
Being a style, a feeling, an aesthetic, a vibe means that yacht rock can pull a song from a wide variety of genres into its orbit. It also means that it’s not just a catalog of hits from bearded white dudes. Yes, Kenny Loggins , McDonald and both Seals and Crofts helped define yacht rock. But quintessential songs from the style came from the women and artists of color, soul singers, folk heroes and Nashville aces.
For every Loggins' tune in a captain’s hat, there’s a Carly Simon track dressed up as your cruise director. Yes, there's Steely Dan's jazz influence, but also Crosby, Stills & Nash 's folk legacy (“Southern Cross” remains definitively of the style). Yacht rock playlists should also be littered with appropriate R&B gems, such as the Raydio’s “You Can’t Change That” (which features Ray Parker Jr.!), Hall & Oates ’ “Sara Smile” and Kool & the Gang’s “Too Hot.” Likewise, country acts of the era tried to go Top 40 while attempting to retain some twang and managed to make Love Boat music (see Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning,” Eddie Rabbit’s “I Love a Rainy Night,” Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers ’ “Islands in the Stream”).
It’s hard to tell if the Commodores’ “Sail On” is pop or R&B, harder still to know if George Benson’s “Give Me the Night” is pop, R&B or jazz. But they both feel yacht.
(Which is why Santana can do psychedelic Latin music and can do yacht on “Hold On,” and why the Pointer Sisters can do new wave disco with “Neutron Dance” and yacht with “Slow Hand.")
Spotify was right to think about diversity when making its playlist, though the company got the type of diversity wrong. Yacht has some pretty specific sonic parameters, but has no demographic restrictions when it comes to the kind of artists contributing to the style’s catalog. That means when you hit the high seas of yacht, you don’t need to be afraid to fight for your favorites to be included, just please don’t have one of those favorites be “Ghostbusters.”
We began talking about drawing boundaries with enough latitude that artists don’t object to being boxed in. The wide latitude yacht rock affords matters because music comes to define eras and outlines cultural trends (remember that yacht came in reaction to art rock and that says a lot about the swing from the late '60s to the early '80s). Calling Christopher Cross soft rock might feel right, but it doesn't tell us much about where he was coming from and what he was trying to accomplish. Calling Cross yacht rock, now that we know it's not a pejorative, illuminates his aesthetic.
Cross came out of the Texas rock scene that produced blues aces the Vaughan Brothers and guitar shredder Eric Johnson (who plays on a lot of his albums). He loves Joni Mitchell and that shows in his craft. He's jazzy but not jazz (see those horns and guitar on "Ride Like the Wind") with a vibe that's completely yacht -- developed from the scene that took '60s pop, updated it and sheltered it from the trends of punk, metal, new wave and hip hop. The same can be said for Loggins, McDonald, Simon, Lionel Ritchie and so many others.
Spotify needs to tweak its algorithm so it gets this right. Or, better yet, connect with the genre-crossing vibe that makes yacht so unique.
More from ultimate classic rock.
70s + 80s Soft Rock for a day on the boat. Island tunes, chill summer hits + nothing but smooth sailing while jamming to hits from TOTO, Looking Glass, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates + more.
101 Songs, 6 hours, 52 minutes
Featured artists, looking glass, earth, wind & fire, kenny loggins, christopher cross, the doobie brothers, daryl hall & john oates, rupert holmes, seals & crofts, bobby caldwell, africa, middle east, and india.
Table of Contents
The inception of Yacht Rock in the 70s was characterized by smooth music, influenced by soft rock, jazz, and R&B genres. Yacht Rock was a term coined in the 2000s for the music that encapsulated the feel of the refined and luxurious lifestyle of yachts. The music was not tied to a particular artist or band, but instead, it was a culmination of numerous artists who shared common themes and sounds, such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Toto . The music genre gained popularity in America during the mid-70s and peaked in the early 80s.
The Yacht Rock culture made its way into the mainstream through movies, TV shows, and commercials such as in the movie Stepbrothers and the TV series The Office . The laid-back nature of Yacht Rock embodies a feeling of relaxation and enjoyment that can be enjoyed both on and off yachts. The genre’s popularity has seen various tribute bands and has been the inspiration for modern bands like The 1975 . Yacht Rock’s influence can be felt in pop music, and it has endured through the decades, with 2019’s Yacht Rock Revival Tour being a significant highlight.
Notably, the birth of Yacht Rock had significant roots in Southern California, which was the epicenter for all things cool and relaxed in music during the 1970s. Michael McDonald was a member of the iconic Doobie Brothers , who crafted some classic Yacht Rock hits such as “What a Fool Believes” and “Minute by Minute.”
According to The New York Times , Yacht Rock has a cult following, and it has become a sensation on social media, with Youtube videos and playlists dedicated to the genre. Soft rock may be the musical equivalent of a warm hug, but don’t underestimate its power to sway your soul and make you want to own a yacht.
The 70s saw the emergence of Soft Rock, or Yacht Rock – a soothing response to the heavy and aggressive nature of rock music at the time. Its easy-going style featured smooth vocals and polished production.
The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Toto were the founding fathers of this sound, with hits like “Take it Easy,” “Dreams,” and “Africa” dominating the radio. Even today, their influence can be heard in modern music.
Yacht Rock has become a cultural phenomenon , thanks to artists like Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross . By the early 1980s, it had become the epitome of coolness and sophistication.
If you’re looking for mellow tunes to transport you to a sun-kissed boat day, Soft Rock and Yacht Rock won’t disappoint!
The ’70s saw a spike in West Coast-based musicians. Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Michael McDonald created an influential sound that captured the essence of Southern California living.
Their music featured smooth harmonies, laid back grooves and introspective lyrics . It was dubbed “ Yacht Rock ” – associated with white wines and luxury yachts. However, many of these artists rejected this term.
These musicians used a variety of instruments to create complex yet listenable sounds. Guitars, pianos, saxophones – they redefined pop music.
Tip: Listen to classic yacht rock tracks while lounging on your own deck chair. Enjoy the smooth melodies and lyrics like you’re sailing on calm waters – but with more polyester!
Yacht Rock – a musical style from the ’70s – featured smooth melodies and lyrics, combining soft rock, jazz, funk, and R&B elements. Its popularity was boosted by MTV-era TV shows . Romantic and boastful lyrics catered to a nautical lifestyle. Lyrics often romanticized luxury and wealth, or intimate themes like love.
Yacht Rock has a transformative power to take listeners to luxury yachts on sunny beach days. To appreciate it, listen to classic musicians like Toto or Christopher Cross . Their unique sound brings together different genres.
Vinyl records make it easier to revisit nostalgic tracks. Boat parties are the perfect opportunity to experience Yacht Rock. Playlists at home or speakers on a boat – transport back in time with throwback tunes and breathtaking views of the ocean! Get ready to rock the boat and explore the decadent era of yacht rock in the 80s.
The prime era of Yacht Rock in the 80s had a significant impact on the music industry. The smooth and polished sound of Yacht Rock, characterized by its fusion of soft rock and jazz elements, was widely popular among the masses. Yacht Rock artists like Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, and Toto paved the way for a new music genre that appealed to a vast audience. The 80s marked the pinnacle of Yacht Rock’s popularity, which continued to be a significant force in the music world until the late 90s.
The smooth voicings of singers and the catchy rhythms of the songs made Yacht Rock an instant hit. The era of Yacht Rock was marked by iconic hits like “ Africa ” by Toto, “ I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) ” by Hall & Oates, and “ What a Fool Believes ” by The Doobie Brothers.
During the heyday of Yacht Rock, many artists emerged on the scene with their unique sound, which combined elements of rock, jazz, funk, and pop. One of the notable characteristics of Yacht Rock was the smooth and polished production style, which was made possible by the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. This sound gave Yacht Rock its distinct flavor that was unlike any other genre. The distinct sound and vibe of Yacht Rock resonated with a growing audience, from young teens to working-class adults, making it a classic genre enjoyed by all.
The success of Yacht Rock in the 80s was due to its laid-back and accessible nature. The music was perfect for setting a casual or intimate atmosphere, which made it ideal for parties and social gatherings. The popularity of Yacht Rock started to decline in the late 90s as new genres emerged, but its legacy continued to live on through the decades. Nevertheless, the contribution and impact that Yacht Rock had on the music industry will always be cherished. For the fans of Yacht Rock, the genre still brings back nostalgic memories and continues to hold a special place in their hearts. For the new generation, Yacht Rock has become an immortal genre that symbolizes the 80s sound.
From soft rock to smooth sailing, Yacht Rock emerged as the ultimate soundtrack for high seas debauchery and questionable fashion choices.
Yacht rock’s sound was smooth and sophisticated. Drawing from soft rock, jazz, and R&B , it was mellow and polished. This genre was linked to a lavish lifestyle, making it the perfect escape.
Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Toto, and Kenny Loggins were the icons of yacht rock. Their songs featured lush harmonies, easygoing melodies, and intricate guitar riffs.
The name ‘yacht rock’ was coined much later by an online video series titled ‘Yacht Rock.’ It was a parody of the artists’ lives and careers. But, the sublime sound of yacht rock still prevails.
Yacht Rock was a popular music genre in the 80s known for its calm and smooth style.
Artists like Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and Toto shot to fame during this time. Their lyrics expressed love and longing, with soft jazz, R&B, and pop elements.
The music videos featuring ocean waves, sandy beaches, and yachts captivated their audiences. Toto’s ‘Africa’ was played in Antarctica for 24 hours straight. They also made an appearance on Family Guy, parodying ‘Rosanna’.
These timeless songs still have an impact today. New generations continue to discover them. For example, Michael McDonald’s ‘What A Fool Believes’ was sampled by Kanye West for ‘The One’. Yacht Rock may have gone away, but its influence still lingers in mainstream music.
Yacht rock shook up mainstream music in the 1980s. It blended soft rock and smooth jazz, with romantic and leisurely lyrics. Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Toto were among the stars of this era.
Yacht rock was easy-listening and had infectious tunes. Electric pianos, synthesizers, and soaring harmonies were often part of its sound. Plus, it focused on luxurious activities like sailing and yachting.
However, yacht rock slowly faded with the rise of alternative rock in the 90s. But now, its smooth sounds are back in style!
It’s funny that yacht rock was not called that at first. J.D. Ryznar made some videos with friends and gave it the name. After millions watched, it became popular and is now a recognized subgenre.
Who knew sailing in khakis and loafers would be popular again? Welcome to the yacht rock revival .
The resurgence of Yacht Rock in recent times has been a remarkable phenomenon. This genre, popular in the 70s and 80s, has been given a new lease of life in the 2010s. Numerous artists have rediscovered the smooth and relaxed vibe of Yacht Rock, and with the help of modern production techniques, have infused it with a contemporary twist.
With the current generation of music lovers seeking a break from the chaos of modern life, the revival of Yacht Rock has brought a sense of calmness and nostalgia. Many young listeners have been introduced to this genre for the first time, and it has proved to be a refreshing sonic landscape. The resurgence of Yacht Rock has also been fueled by the rise of retro culture, with fashion and décor trends of bygone eras making a comeback.
The new wave of Yacht Rock artists has not only embraced its smooth sound but also incorporated elements of funk, indie, and electronic music to bring it up to date. They have given the music a modern edge while retaining the characteristic traits of the genre.
According to Billboard , the Yacht Rock genre has seen over 100% increase in streams between 2015 and 2017. This is a testament to the genre’s popularity and the impact of its modern reintroduction.
Looks like the yacht has docked at the port of millennials, who are discovering the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock while sipping on their avocado smoothies.
Yacht Rock is sailing back into the 2010s with a fresh wave of fans. Smooth tunes and chill vibes make it unique. Plus, soft rock, jazz, R&B, and soul give it a special flavor. Michael McDonald , Christopher Cross , and Toto still rock with classic hits like “ What A Fool Believes ” and “ Ride Like The Wind “. Even modern artists like Portugal. The Man are getting in on the action.
Thanks to streaming services, it’s never been easier to enjoy Yacht Rock . People can easily find it, and it’s taking them back to happy days on yachts in the sun. Plus, old-timers get to relive their youth. One fan shared that she feels transported back to her summertime days when she hears Yacht Rock. So, pull out those bell-bottoms, mix up a piña colada, and enjoy the smooth sounds of Yacht Rock!
Yacht Rock’s resurgence is taking over the 2010s! Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, and other iconic artists of this groovy sound are now being rediscovered. With streaming services like Spotify adding dedicated yacht rock playlists, millennials are finding a newfound appreciation for these timeless tracks.
New collaborations between classic and contemporary musicians are bringing this style back to the spotlight. Yacht Rock has always been about escapism and self-care – perfect for relaxing sunny days or cruising down the coast. It resonates well with today’s listeners who value luxury, nostalgia, and more .
But it’s not all about nostalgia. Yacht Rock has shown its appeal can last through generations . To keep the revival going strong, we suggest listening to live performances from original yacht rockers or new acts. Examining lesser-known songs can reveal hidden gems that capture the essence of what made yacht rock so captivating.
In summary, yacht rock is alive and thriving with fans young and old . It’s the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity – all while staying true to its laidback style. Open your mind and explore all facets of this sound – and yacht rock will continue to sail for years to come.
Yacht Rock , a sub-genre of soft rock, made a comeback in the 2010s. It’s known for its maritime theme and smooth, easy-listening tunes. Christopher Cross, Toto, and Michael McDonald are some of the artists leading the way.
Nostalgia is one reason for its revival. People remember simpler times spent on boats. Younger listeners are discovering Yacht Rock through platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Plus, its music is easy to listen to, so you don’t have to pay close attention.
West Coast musicians collaborated with Yacht Rock. They had a mellow sound that fit the songs. Steven McVicker coined the term ‘yacht rock’ in 2005, according to Rolling Stone Magazine.
Yacht Rock is still sailing with a new generation of fans. Even Michael McDonald is still touring!
In the realm of yacht rock , the progression of the genre over the years has been quite evident. Looking into the future, the genre may continue to evolve, embracing new sounds while maintaining its core elements.
As artists experiment with new ways of infusing classic yacht rock tones with modern sensibilities, the future of yacht rock may see an expansion of its audience. Additionally, there may be a shift towards a greater focus on diverse representation within the genre. By incorporating different voices and perspectives, the future of yacht rock could be more inclusive and inviting to a wider range of listeners.
Yacht rock may have started in the 70s, but it’s here to stay like that one drunk friend at the party who insists on playing their favorite soft rock playlist.
Yacht rock burst onto the scene in the 70s and 80s, blending soft rock and jazz. Many thought it’d be a flash in the pan, yet it’s still alive and kickin’! Music icons like Daryl Hall and John Oates even have new yacht rock tunes.
Its charm lies in its ability to take listeners back to summers spent at the beach or rolling down highways with windows down. Plus, modern artists have their own spin on yacht rock, blending funk and R&B with classic yacht rock elements.
Yacht rock is popular with mature audiences, but younger folks should take the chance to explore too! Dabble in something new by discovering up-and-coming yacht rock artists on streaming platforms.
This smooth genre has changed over time, but yacht rock remains timeless !
Yacht rock has been around since the late ’70s. It is characterized by mellow melodies, smooth harmonies, and a laid-back vibe. A key element is nostalgia for the past . Over time, the yacht rock sound and style has evolved.
Contemporary artists like Dev Hynes, Ty Dolla $ign, and Robbie Dupree have found inspiration in yacht rock for their distinctive R&B infused sounds. Streaming platforms like Spotify have also helped to revive the genre by creating playlists for fanatics.
Jack Antonoff’s exploration into this sound with Bleachers is a tribute to the era, whilst pushing it forward. More and more artists are incorporating yacht rock elements into their music.
Experience the latest iteration of this legendary soft-rock subgenre – dive into the ocean of Yacht Rock now!
Yacht Rock – an iconic soft rock genre from the ’70s and ’80s. Its smooth melodies and pristine production created a luxurious escape from the hard rock and metal of the time. It symbolized a cultural shift to a more relaxed lifestyle. Its influence is still felt today, with songs like “ Rosanna ” by Toto and Air Supply’s “ Making Love Out Of Nothing At All ” standing the test of time.
Even modern musicians like Bruno Mars are incorporating Yacht Rock elements into their music, evidencing the genre’s continued impact. Yacht Rock was more than just a musical style – it embodied a lifestyle of luxury, leisure, and sophistication .
How does one describe yacht rock? The folks at MasterClass did a pretty good job. Essentially, it's a component of soft rock, adult contemporary, and Album-oriented rock (AOR) all rolled into one. Popular in the late 1970s and into the '80s, there are some notable tunes of the ilk (smooth rhythms, light or "breezy" vocals, well-polished and produced) from earlier in the '70s that fall into this category.
In the spirit of easy listening fare, here is our ranking of 22 great yacht rock tunes.
The Southern Californian's biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Yacht rock tracks often tell stories, and "Lonely Boy" is one of the great story songs. Whether it's autobiographical in nature has always been ripe for a casual argument. Though Gold, who passed away in 2011 at age 59, repeatedly claimed this song about a boy who felt left out following the birth of his sister was not depicting his life. The 1970s were ripe for one-hit wonders in the United States, and Gold is not still forgotten.
"I Love You" is a sweet, endearing ballad. The kind of song that probably sounded great via that portable 8-track cassette player on a catamaran during an early '80s' summer. From England, Climax Blues Band scored a top-15 hit with "I Love You." Love was a dependable and generally successful topic for artists within the soft/yacht rock genre. In fact, the song is still quite popular on lite rock and adult contemporary radio stations on your FM dial for those who still like to hear their music that way.
Toto rightfully has a place in the yacht rock world, but the band also broke into the top-40, FM radio, and MTV mainstream with the release of 1982's Toto IV . "Rosanna" was a big reason for the album's success, peaking at No. 2 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and winning the Record of the Year Grammy Award. Sure, it's not typical yacht rock fare, per se. It's certainly heavier than other popular tracks on this list, but it's certainly a product of AOR and still routinely played in dentist offices throughout America.
There are those historians who believe the first true example of yacht rock came with this popular '70s staple from the "Captain" Daryl Dragon and his wife Toni Tennille. Now, Neil Sedaka wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together" and originally recorded the song two years earlier. Still, the duo's version was more poppy, with a carefree vibe that's ideal for FM radio. While Captain & Tennille's cover won a Record of the Year Grammy Award, Sedaka has noted that the Beach Boys were one of the inspirations for the tune. This makes sense since many music critics, professionals, historians, etc.. have credited the yacht rock genre as somewhat of an offshoot from the Beach Boys' collective sound.
This No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hit for England's Rupert Holmes has achieved a steady cult following over the years. Perhaps, because of the unique title and conjured images of some warm, beach-laden paradise. Yacht rock's association with summer, water, and care-free living, as a backdrop to a romantic story, is one of its appealing aspects. This song is about a couple who ultimately patch up a rough relationship through personal ads . Any time somebody of a certain age sips one of these drinks, ideally at some Caribbean resort with the warm winds off the ocean blowing, "The Pina Colada Song" should come to mind.
Formed in Australia, the soft/pop rock and often yacht rock stylings of LRB were a hit in the United States. " Reminiscing " was the band's biggest hit in America, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Like many songs of this genre, "Reminiscing" is paced by the electric piano. Which also happened to be a staple of the Little River Band. Sure, it's not "breezy" like other yacht rock tunes, but Will Ferrell's Det. Allen Gamble is a big fan in The Other Guys (2010).
Yes, more from Toto. If there's one popular Toto hit that whole-heartedly falls under the yacht rock moniker, it's " Africa ." The group's only song to top the Billboard Hot 100, and made a resurgence with Weezer's popular cover in recent years , "Africa," is the proper combination of mellow and poppy. It continues the Toto tradition of shared vocals, while the consistent synthesizer and keyboard presence, though more pronounced than the typical soft rock/adult contemporary vibe.
L.A.'s Ambrosia, co-founded by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter David Pack and bassist Joe Puerta was all about the soft rock sound that surfaced in Southern California during the early 1970s. "How Much I Feel," from the group's third album Life Beyond L.A. , might have more of an adult contemporary vibe but certainly falls into the yacht rock category. It was one of the band's biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's remained popular over the years, even being sampled by Kanye West.
Steely Dan was, in its prime, under the direction of celebrated songwriters Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, many things regarding a collective sound. Rock, pop, jazz, blues. Usually melodic, well within the soft-rock category. Songs like "Peg," from the 1977 masterpiece Aja , certainly has a yacht rock vibe, too. Perhaps most notably is that the great Michael McDonald, longtime frontman of the Doobie Brothers and driving singer-songwriter in the soft/yacht rock circles, provides backing vocals on the track.
It really does get more yacht rock than this—smooth , with a flowing rhythm, precise, but not overbearing, harmonies . Not to mention the subtly stellar keyboard work from David C. Lewis. Throw in sessionist Ernie Watts' sax solo, and we have one great soft/yacht offering. It was the second of Ambrosia's two top-5 hits, reaching No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. The version from the 1980s One Eighty album runs about 5 1/2 minutes long. Talk about pure easy-listening joy.
Long considered one of the great "summer songs" ever recorded. And summer-themed tunes from the 1970s tend to lend themselves to the yacht rock moniker. That said, Seals & Crofts were definitely a soft rock outfit, but with elements of folk and pop. "Summer Breeze" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970s and, again, is notable for being one of the earliest yacht rock offerings. Several other prominent artists, such as Ray Conniff, the Isley Brothers, and a stellar metal version from Type O Negative.
It's safe to say that Christopher Cross is the king of yacht rock. A brilliant songwriter and above-average guitar player, Cross could rock, but it's his definitive soft rock numbers that made him a star with lite-FM, adult contemporary and yacht rock fans. "Ride Like the Wind" is the first single from Cross' stellar five-time Grammy-Award-winning self-titled debut from 1979. A more upbeat number about an outlaw running from the authorities, the track is less uplifting than other yacht rock tunes, but the vibe is the same. Of note, Michael McDonald provided backing vocals.
From John Friesen's steady drum intro to that durably underlaid bass line via Ron Moss to J.C. Crowley's keyboard presence begins the soft-rock brilliance of "Baby Come Back." With lyrics describing the yearning to reacquire a lost love and full-band harmonies, "Baby Come Back" just might be the quintessential offering of the yacht rock genre. It was the biggest hit for Player , the L.A.-based group that featured vocalist and song co-writer Peter Beckett, who was born in England. The tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 and still has a presence with its inclusion in films such as Transformers and Black Adam. Plus, various versions in popular TV shows like The Simpsons. American Dad and King of the Hill.
The Doobie Brothers were a rather hard-rocking outfit before Michael McDonald joined up in the mid-1970s. The band was in need of an established songwriter, and McDonald delivered. However, with a more mellow, synthesizer/electric piano-driven sound that produced soft-rock gems like this one. Co-written by Kenny Loggins, who put out a version for himself, "What a Fool Believes" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in April 1979. Several critics have cited this as the best song in the vast Doobie Brothers catalog.
If you're going to be a one-hit wonder, why not make it count? More than 30 years since its release, " Steal Away " can still be heard in elevators and office buildings throughout the United States -- or in the third season of Better Call Saul . Undeniably yacht rock, Dupree, born in Brooklyn, enjoyed success with the song during the summer of 1980 -- always a perfect time to enjoy the smooth, soothing sounds of a piece within this genre that peaked at No. 6 on Billboar d's Hot 100.
Here's a case where middle-aged and baby-boomer music fans probably remember the song but perhaps not the group who performed the track. That's OK. Atlanta's Starbuck is essentially a one-hit wonder thanks to "Moonlight Feels Right," which topped out at No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. For those who remember this track for its lite-flowing beat, with lyrical references to the ocean, "Baltimore," and 'Ole Miss," and band member Bo Wagner marimba solo, it might take them back to a simpler, more laidback time in their lives.
Perhaps more so than the previously mentioned "This Is It," "Heart to Heart" truly has all the requirements of a great yacht rock/soft rock tune. It was co-written by Michael McDonald, who also played the electric piano and provided backing vocals. David Foster, of Chicago songwriting and '80s ballad fame, also helped compose the tune, which features David Sanborn on saxophone. The track is one of Loggins' best-known hits, cracking the top 20 of the Hot 100.
Co-written by David Paich and featuring Jeff Porcaro on drums -- both of whom who go on to form the aforementioned Toto. One of Scaggs most well-known hits, "Lowdown" has a bluesy and almost disco vibe. And a number we can imagine being played at some swanky yacht club party where the dance floor is filled, and more than a few people are sporting captain's hats. The song reached No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and also topped the Billboard Cash Box chart in the United States.
Yacht rock and one-hit wonders seem to go hand-in-hand. Higgins scored one in the early 1980s with this number that reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Florida native was inspired to write this song about trying to avoid a romantic breakup by the 1948 movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who are referenced in the tune. Though Higgins never enjoyed the same individual success as a musician, the song has had a solid shelf life and remains a definitive moment in the yacht rock genre.
Sure, "Ride Like the Wind" is a gem, but the undisputed star of Cross' aforementioned debut album is the Hot 100-chart-topper "Sailing." It might be the definitive yacht rock song, capturing what Cross described, at the time, the "West Coast sound," which was long being composed, produced and performed, but maybe didn't have an appropriate moniker. The song won Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and was a big reason Cross earned the same award for Best New Artist.
A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for parts of four decades. He was an integral member of award-winning sports sections at The Times of Northwest Indiana (Munster, Ind.) and Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette, where he covered the NFL, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, football and golf, Olympics and high school athletics. Jeff most recently spent 12 years in the editorial department at STATSPerform, where he also oversaw coverage of the English Premier League. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff's work has also appeared on such sites at Yahoo!, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated and NBA.com. However, if Jeff could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High School and Grand Lakes University
More must-reads:
Customize your newsletter.
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
Defining yacht rock.
Yacht rock songs are a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its smooth, melodic sound and often features elements of soft rock, jazz fusion, and R&B. The term 'yacht rock' was coined in reference to the type of music that would be played on luxury yachts during leisurely cruises. Artists such as Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Toto became synonymous with yacht rock due to their popular hits during this era.
For boaters, yacht rock songs hold a special appeal as they provide the perfect soundtrack for sailing or cruising on the open waters. The smooth melodies and laid-back rhythms create an ambiance that complements the serene environment of being out at sea. Whether it's a relaxing day spent sunbathing on deck or enjoying a sunset cruise with friends and family, yacht rock songs enhance the overall experience by adding an element of sophistication and tranquility to boating adventures.
Yacht rock has produced some iconic artists who have left an indelible mark on the genre. Michael McDonald is one such artist whose soulful voice contributed greatly to defining yacht rock's sound. His hits like 'What a Fool Believes' and 'I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)' became instant classics within the genre. Another notable icon is Christopher Cross whose Grammy-winning song 'Sailing' epitomizes yacht rock with its smooth vocals and breezy instrumentation. Kenny Loggins also made his mark with chart-topping hits like 'Danger Zone' from Top Gun soundtrack which showcased his versatility as both a yacht rock and pop-rock artist. Toto's 'Africa' is another iconic yacht rock song that has stood the test of time with its catchy hooks and infectious rhythms.
The rise of yacht rock in the 70s and 80s.
Yacht rock, a subgenre of soft rock that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, gained popularity for its smooth melodies, polished production, and laid-back vibe. The genre was characterized by a fusion of elements from pop, R&B, jazz, and soul music. Yacht rock songs often featured catchy hooks, lush harmonies, and intricate arrangements. Artists like Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Toto, Hall & Oates were prominent figures in this genre.
Several key albums and songs played a significant role in shaping the yacht rock movement. One notable album is Christopher Cross' self-titled debut album released in 1979. It featured hit singles like "Sailing" and "Ride Like the Wind," which became iconic yacht rock songs. Another influential album was Michael McDonald's "If That's What It Takes" released in 1982. The album included popular tracks such as "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "Sweet Freedom." These albums showcased the smooth sound that defined yacht rock.
"Yachting” culture heavily influenced the rise of yacht rock through radio airplay on stations like K-ROQ Los Angeles during drive-time commutes or while sailing along coastlines aboard luxurious yachts listening to their favorite tunes via satellite radios. Television shows like 'WKRP In Cincinnati,' featuring memorable characters who embodied both sides–land-based disc jockeys spinning hits at local nightclubs while broadcasting personalities manning shipboard stations entertaining guests cruising onboard luxury vessels–contributed significantly to spreading awareness about yacht rocks amongst general audiences.
Classic hits that define the genre.
Yacht rock is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by smooth melodies, polished production, and sophisticated lyrics. The classic hits of yacht rock define the genre and continue to be beloved by fans today. Songs like 'Sailing' by Christopher Cross, 'What a Fool Believes' by The Doobie Brothers, and 'Ride Like the Wind' by Christopher Cross are iconic examples of yacht rock at its best.
While yacht rock has its well-known classics, there are also hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These often overlooked songs capture the essence of yacht rock with their smooth grooves and infectious hooks. One such gem is 'Steal Away' by Robbie Dupree - a catchy tune that transports listeners to sunny coastal destinations. Another hidden gem is 'Cool Change' by Little River Band, which evokes feelings of relaxation and escape. Exploring these lesser-known tracks can provide new insights into the breadth and depth of yacht rock's musical landscape.
'Yacht or Nyet?' - A question posed to modern audiences who may not be familiar with yacht rock's distinctive sound but are open to discovering it for themselves. Yacht rock songs have endured over time due to their timeless appeal and ability to resonate with listeners across generations. Artists like Michael McDonald continue to create music that captures the spirit of yacht rock while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. Tracks such as 'Hail Mary' from his latest album showcase how yacht-rock-inspired sounds can still find relevance in today's musical landscape.
Recent yacht rock influences in music.
Yacht rock songs have had a significant influence on recent music trends. Many modern artists have drawn inspiration from the smooth sounds and laid-back vibes of yacht rock, incorporating elements of this genre into their own songs. The popularity of yacht rock has led to a resurgence in similar styles such as soft rock and adult contemporary. Artists like Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, and Pharrell Williams have all released songs that pay homage to yacht rock with their catchy melodies, polished production, and nostalgic feel.
The enduring appeal of yacht rock has inspired numerous covers and remixes by both established artists and up-and-coming musicians. These reinterpretations breathe new life into classic yacht rock songs while introducing them to younger audiences. Popular covers include Michael McDonald's rendition of 'What A Fool Believes' by The Doobie Brothers and Toto's version of 'Africa' originally performed by themselves. Remixes often infuse the original tracks with modern beats or give them a fresh electronic twist, appealing to fans across different genres.
Yacht rock-themed parties and events are becoming increasingly popular among music enthusiasts who want to experience the nostalgia of this iconic era firsthand. These parties often feature live bands or DJs playing a curated selection of yacht rock classics alongside other hits from the '70s and '80s. Attendees dress up in nautical-inspired outfits complete with captain hats, striped shirts, boat shoes, and oversized sunglasses to fully embrace the yachting lifestyle aesthetic. Decorations include anchor motifs, palm trees, inflatable pool floats shaped like sailboats or dolphins; creating an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of sunny coastal retreats.
Essential tracks for your boating adventure.
When it comes to setting the right mood for your boating adventure, having a playlist of yacht rock songs is an absolute must. These smooth and melodic tracks will transport you to a place of relaxation and nostalgia as you sail across the open waters. From classic hits like Christopher Cross' 'Sailing' to newer releases from artists like Michael McDonald, there are plenty of options to curate the perfect soundtrack for your journey.
Curating a mix of classics and new hits is key when creating a yacht rock playlist. This genre encompasses both timeless favorites that have stood the test of time and modern tracks that capture the essence of yacht rock. Including iconic songs such as Toto's 'Africa' or Kenny Loggins' 'Danger Zone,' along with contemporary gems like Mayer Hawthorne's 'The Walk,' will provide a balanced blend that appeals to all generations aboard your vessel.
Thanks to streaming services and dedicated yacht rock stations, accessing an extensive collection of these smooth tunes has never been easier. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora offer curated playlists specifically tailored to yacht rock enthusiasts. Additionally, radio stations such as SiriusXM's Yacht Rock Radio channel provide round-the-clock access to this beloved genre. So whether you prefer crafting your own personalized playlist or tuning in directly through one of these platforms, there's no shortage of options for enjoying the soothing sounds while out on the water.
Yacht Rock isn’t exactly a genre. It’s more a state of mind. It is the musical equivalent of a mid-afternoon mimosa nap in some nautical location—a cool breeze of lite-FM confection with the substance of a romance novel and the machismo of a Burt Reynolds mustache comb.
Yacht Rock is ‘70s soft schlock about boats, love affairs, and one-night stands.
Typified by artists like Christopher Cross, Rupert Holmes, and Pablo Cruise, Yacht Rock is not only easy to mock, but it’s also deserving of the abuse. There’s a sensitive 70s male brand of chauvinism that permeates this material—like somehow because you could schnarf an 8-ball of cocaine and sail a boat into the sunset, your indulgences and marital infidelity were actually kind of sexy. Cheap pickup lines and beardly come-ons abound.
And yet, this stuff is irresistible on a slow summer day. It reeks of sunshine and laziness, and couldn’t we all use a little of both?
These are the 25 Best Yacht Rock Songs, in order. Zero suspense. (Sorry if that’s less fun for you).
If you would like to learn more about Yacht Rock without getting a sailing license, read on…
So Yacht Rock refers to a type of soft rock, right? But there’s a ton of soft rock out there that doesn’t fit the bill. There’s no room on my boat for Barry Manilow. At the Copa? Sure. But not so much on my boat. So what makes a great yacht rock song exactly?
Ideally, one or more of these themes will be present:
These features pretty much capture everything that’s great about this milieu. But there’s also an important cheese factor at play here. While Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, CSN, and the Doobie Brothers all made songs that might qualify for inclusion here, the artists themselves are–let’s just say it–too good to be considered Yacht Rock.
We’ll make sure to include them in our deluxe playlist at the article’s conclusion.
But in order for a song to be considered for our list, it must be at least slightly embarrassing. Case in point, the top song on our list…
“The Pina Colada Song” is arguably the most perfect embodiment of yacht rock, fulfilling, as it does, all three of the qualifications cited above. Holmes sings about making love in the dunes, attempts to cheat on his wife, then ultimately, rediscovers that his “old lady” is actually the love he’s been searching for all along. That’s the holy trinity of Yacht Rock themes, all wrapped up in a breezy story of casual adultery. And at the turn of a new decade, listeners were feeling it. Released as a single in 1979, “Escape” stood at the top of the charts during the last week of the year. Falling to #2 in the new year, it returned to the top spot in the second week of 1980. This made it the first song to top the charts in two separate, consecutive decades. Fun fact: Rupert Holmes never drank a Pina Colada in his life. He just thought the lyric sounded right. Hard to argue that point.
Formed at Rutgers University in 1969, Looking Glass topped the charts in 1972 with the tale of a lovelorn barmaid in a harbor town haunted by lonely sailors. It would be the band’s only hit. Lead singer Elliot Lurie would go on to a brief solo career before becoming head of the music department for the 20th Century Fox movie studio in the ’80s and ’90s. That means he was the musical supervisor for the soundtrack to Night at the Roxbury . Do with that information what you will. And with respect to “Brandy,” see the film Guardians of the Galaxy 2 for Kurt Russell’s surprisingly detailed treatise on its lyrical genius.
The title track from the soft-rock duo’s breakout 1972 record, “Summer Breeze” is an incurable earworm, a bittersweet twilight dream that captures everything that’s right about Lite FM. From an album inhabited by Wrecking Crew vets and studio aces, “Summer Breeze” curls like smoke drifting lazily through an open window.
Toto singer David Paich had never been to Africa. The melody and refrain for this #1 hit from 1982 came to him fully formed as he watched a late night documentary about the plight of those living on the African continent. The lyrics touch on missionary work and describe the landscape as inspired by images from National Geographic , according to Paich’s own recollection. Putting aside its self-aware inauthenticity, “Africa” is an infectious, 8x platinum AOR monster.
Released in the summer of 1978 and reaching up to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Reminiscing” was guitarist Graeham Goble ‘s nostalgic take on the swing band era. Not only is it the only Australian song ever to reach five million radio plays in the U.S., but rumor is that it was among the late John Lennon’s favorite songs.
Recorded originally by a country-swamp rocker named Jeffrey Kurtz, Dobie’s 1973 cover became his biggest hit, reaching #5 on the charts. Though not explicitly nautical, “Drift Away” captures the distinct sensation of cruising at sunset.
Pablo Cruise may have the most “yachty” of all band names on our list. And “Love Will Find a Way” is sort of the musical equivalent of a ketch skipping along a glassy surface on a crisp summer dawn. Pablo Cruise was formed in San Francisco by expats from various mildly successful bands including Stoneground and It’s a Beautiful Day. And there is a certain slick professionalism to the proceedings here. Of course, Pablo Cruise was never a critic’s darling. Homer Simpson once accurately classified them as wuss rock. Still, they perfectly captured the white-folks-vacationing-in-the-Caribbean energy that was all the rage at the time. Love found a way to reach #6 on the Billboard charts, remaining in constant radio rotation during the red-hot summer of ’78.
Blues Image emerged from South Florida in the late ’60s and served as the house band for Miami’s vaunted Thee Image music venue upon its inception in 1968. This gave Blues Image the opportunity to open for ascendant headliners like Cream and the Grateful Dead. The association landed them a contract Atco Records. Their sophomore record Open yielded their one and only hit, a #4 in 1970 about a bunch of men who disappear into the mists of the San Francisco Bay in search of a hippie utopia.
This #3 hit from 1982 has nothing to do with sailing. But it’s infectiously smooth production sheen, layered synth, and dreamy vocals make it a perfect Lite FM gem–one cut from the stone that gave us yacht rock. The “Project” was actually a British duo–studio wizard Alan Parsons and singer Eric Woolfson. The title track from their sixth studio album is also their very best recording. It’s also often paired with the instrumental lead-in “Sirius,” a song famous in its own right for blaring over unnumbered sporting arena PA systems. If that tune doesn’t make you think of Michael Jordan, you probably didn’t live through the late 80s.
Marty Balin was a pioneer of the San Francisco scene, founding Jefferson Airplane in 1965 as the house band for his own legendary club–The Matrix. But in 1971, deeply shaken by the death of Janis Joplin, Balin quit his own band. Four years later, he was invited to rejoin his old mates on the already-launched Starship. He immediately contributed what would become the biggest hit by any Jeffersonian vessel. “Miracles” reached #3 in 1975. Gorgeous, elegant, and open, this is a complete anomaly in the Airplane-Starship catalogue. Listen closely for the NSFW lyrics that have often flown under the radar of some adorably innocent censors.
In 1972, Robert John had a #3 hit with his cover of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” And yet, just before recording “Sad Eyes”, the Brooklyn-born singer was employed as a construction worker in Long Branch, New Jersey. By the summer of ’79, he would have a #1 hit. In fact, the charting success of “Sad Eyes” was part of a cultural backlash against the reign of disco. A wave of pop hits swept on to the charts, including this slick soft rock throwback. With his sweet falsetto and doo wop sensibility, Robert John knocked The Knack’s “My Sharona” from its 6-week stand atop the charts.
Before launching headlong into his music career, Walter Egan was one of the very first students to earn a fine arts degree from Georgetown, where he studied sculpture. The subject would figure into his biggest hit, a #8 easy listening smash from 1978. Featured on his second solo record, “Magnet and Steel” enjoys the presence of some heavy friends. Lindsey Buckingham produced, played guitar and sang backup harmonies with Stevie Nicks. By most accounts, Nicks was also a primary source of inspiration for the song.
Of course, not all yacht rock songs are about sailing on boats. Some are about missing boats. Boz Scaggs looks dejected on the cover of 1977’s Silk Degrees , but things turned out pretty well for him. This bouncy #11 hit is a classic rock mainstay today. The band you hear backing Boz–David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, and David Hungate–would go on to form the nucleus of Toto that very same year. Toto, as it happens, is essentially a recurring theme of the genre. Before rising to massive success in their own right, the members of Toto absolutely permeated rock radio in the 70s, laying down studio tracks with Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, Michael McDonald, and more.
This smooth-as-silk tune reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its 1978 release. It also reached #6 on the Hot Selling Soul Singles Chart. This is significant only because of Caldwell’s complexion. He was a white man signed to TK Records, a label most closely associated with disco acts like KC and the Sunshine Band. Catering to a largely Black audience, the label went to minor lengths to hide their new singer’s identity–dig the silhouetted figure on the cover of his own debut. Suffice it to say, once Caldwell hit the road, audiences discovered he was white. By then, they were already hooked on this perfect groove, which you might also recognize as a sample in 2Pac’s posthumous 1998 release, “Do For Love.”
Technically, Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” is an adaptation of an earlier tune by the same name. In fact, the original “I Keep Forgettin” was conceived by the legendary songwriting duo Leiber and Stoller–best known for iconic staples like “Hound Dog”, “Kansas City”, “Poison Ivy” and much much more. The original recording is by Chuck Jackson and dates to 1962. But McDonald’s 1982 take is definitive. If that wasn’t already true upon its release and #4 peak position on the charts, certainly Warren G. and Nate Dogg cemented its status when they sampled McDonald on “Regulate”. Get the whole history on that brilliant 1994 time capsule here .
Oh and by the way, this tune also features most of the guys from Toto. I know, right? These dudes were everywhere.
To the casual listener, Gerry Rafferty’s name may sound vaguely familiar. Indeed, you may remember hearing it uttered in passing in the film Reservoir Dogs . In a key scene, the DJ (deadpan comedian Steven Wright) mentions that Rafferty formed half the duo known as Stealers Wheel, which recorded a “Dylanesque, pop, bubble-gum favorite from April of 1974” called “Stuck in the Middle With You.” In the same scene, Mr. Blonde (portrayed with sadistic glee by Michael Madsen), slices off a policeman’s ear. At any rate, this is a totally different song, and is actually Rafferty’s biggest hit. “Baker Street” is a tune that reeks of late nights, cocaine, and regret. Peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Baker Street” soared on wings of the decade’s most memorable sax riff. Raphael Ravenscroft’s performance would, in fact, lead to a mainstream revitalization of interest in the saxophone writ large.
There are several interesting things about Silver that have almost nothing to do with this song. First, bass guitarist and singer Tom Leadon was both the brother of Bernie Leadon from the Eagles and a member of Tom Petty’s pre-fame band, Mudcrutch. Second, the band’s keyboardist was Brent Mydland, who would go on to become the Grateful Dead’s longest tenured piano guy. Third, Silver put out their only record in 1976, and future Saturday Night Live standout Phil Harman designed the cover art. With all of that said, Arista executives felt that their first album lacked a single so they had country songwriter Rick Giles cook up this ridiculous, gooey concoction that I kind of love. Let’s say this one falls into the “so bad it’s good” category. Anyway, the song peaked at #16 on the charts. The band broke up in ’78, leading Mydland to accept the deadliest job in rock music. He defied the odds by playing with the Grateful Dead until an accidental drug overdose claimed his life in 1990.
I admit, I’m kind of hard-pressed to make Ambrosia interesting. In fact, they were extremely prolific, and earned high regard in early ’70s prog rock circles. And in the 1990s, lead singer David Pack would actually be the musical director for both of Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration concerts. But this Southern California combo is much better known to mainstream audiences for their top-down, hair-blowing-in-the-wind soft rock from the decade in between. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, “Biggest Part of Me” is the group’s best-known tune–a seafoamy bit of blue-eyed soul served over a raw bar of smooth jazz and lite funk.
Player released their self-titled debut album in 1977 and immediately shot up to #1 with “Baby Come Back.” Bandmates Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley had both recently broken up with their girlfriends. They channeled their shared angst into this composition, a self-sorry guilty pleasure featuring former Steppenwolf member Wayne Cook on keys. Granted, Steppenwolf’s edgy disposition is nowhere to be found on this record, but it is pretty infectious in a late-summer-night, slightly-buzzed, clenched-fist sort of way. Player endured various lineup changes, but never returned to the heights of their first hit.
Remember that scene in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) where there’s this dude in a turtleneck singing a super cloying folks song before John Belushi mercifully snatches away his guitar and smashes it to smithereens? That guy was Stephen Bishop, who was actually in the middle of enjoying considerable success with his 1976 debut album, Careless . “On and On” was the album’s biggest hit, a vaguely Caribbean soft-rocker that reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in ’77. The gentle electric riffs you hear there are supplied by guitarist Andrew Gold–who wrote the theme song for the Golden Girls . (I freakin’ know you’re singing it right now).
The classic tale of boy-meets-girls, bangs-her-in-his-van, and brags-to-his-buds, all with backing from the world famous Wrecking Crew studio team. In 1975, a lot of people super related to it. It sold over a million copies and reach #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. I can’t tell you this song is good. But I also can’t tell you I don’t like it.
Firefall’s lead guitarist Jock Bartley perfectly captures this song’s impact, calling the band’s biggest hit “a singing version of [a] Hallmark card.” That feels right. The second single from Firefall’s 1976 self-titled debut was only a regional hit at first. But it was driven all the way to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the strength of radio requests. As Bartley explained, “Every female between the ages of 18 and 24 wanted to be the woman portrayed in the song, and that caused their boyfriends and spouses to call radio stations and subsequently flood the airwaves with dedications of the song and the sentiment.”
Arguably, “Sailing” is the single most emblematic song of the Yacht Rock genre. Its thematic relevance requires no explanation. But it’s worth noting that the song is inspired by true events. During a tough time in his youth, Cross was befriended by Al Glasscock. Serving as something of an older brother to Cross, Glasscock would take him sailing. He recalls in his biggest hit that this was a time of escape from the harsh realities of his real life. In 1979, Cross released his self-titled debut. In early 1980, “Sailing” became a #1 hit, landing Cross a hat-trick of Grammys–including recognition as best new artist. Though Cross and Glasscock would lose touch for more than 20 years, they were reunited during a 1995 episode of The Howard Stern Show . Cross subsequently mailed a copy of his platinum record to Glasscock.
Apparently, this song was perceived as so blatant a ripoff of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins’ “What a Fool Believes” that legal action was actually threatened. It never formulated. Instead, Robbie Dupree landed a #6 Billboard Hot 100 hit with the lead single from his self-titled 1980 debut. Critics hated it, but it was a dominant presence in the summer of 1980. It even earned Dupree a Grammy nomination for best new artist. He ultimately lost to the man just above–Christopher Cross.
You didn’t think we’d get through this whole list without an actual Kenny Loggins tune. This song has the perfect pedigree, teaming Loggins and Michael McDonald on a 1979 composition that became the lead single off of Kenny Loggins’ Keep the Fire. Coming on the tail end of the ’70s, “This is It” felt positively omnipresent in the ’80s. I may be biased here. I grew up in Philadelphia, where a local television show by the same name adopted “This is It” as its theme song. But then, it did also reach #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And in that spirit…this is it, the end of our list.
But as usual, here’s a bonus playlist–an expanded voyage through the breezy, AOR waters of the mid-’70s to early ’80s.
Popular topics.
July 9, 2019
When the weather’s warm, the weekends long, and the cocktails crafted using blue curaçao, there’s no better music than yacht rock —the soft, smooth sounds released between roughly 1976 and 1984 that typically feature vocals and keyboards with guitars barely audible in the background. Yet, this genre of music didn’t even have a name until a few years ago.
Artists like the Eagles , Fleetwood Mac , and Chicago were once viewed as belonging to an adult-contemporary, soft-rock bridge between ’70s disco and ’80s arena rock. But in 2005, a few friends noticed that several artists’ albums of the era had boats on their covers. They jokingly called these albums “marina rock” and created a 12-episode comedy video series that went viral. Yacht rock was born, and today the video series’ creators even have a podcast, Beyond Yacht Rock .
On Spotify, yacht rock is most popular among those aged 45-54 and 18-24, indicating that listeners who came of age during the music’s heyday and their children love those smooth grooves. While yacht rock is most streamed in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, when measured as a percentage of total streams yacht rock is far and away the most popular in New Zealand. In fact, seven of the top 10 cities that keep yacht rock on repeat are in New Zealand (which also just so happens to be the current holder of the America’s Cup —coincidence?).
But what are the defining characteristics of yacht rock? Let our yacht-or-knot list below be your celestial guide.
Check out the official Yacht Rock playlist .
Discover more.
Account Subscription: ACTIVE
Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .
The Portland Yacht Rock Festival will feature soft-rock songs of the '70s and '80s.
You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.
Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .
With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.
It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .
Portland Yacht Rock Festival singers (left to right). Sean Slaughter, Owen Conforte, Gina Alibrio, Viva the Sensation, Don Campbell and Kris Rodgers. Design by Kate Beever Design by Kate Beever
If you love ’70s and early ’80s tunes from artists like Toto, Christopher Cross, America, Ambrosia and Bread, you’ll want to buy a ticket to the Portland Yacht Rock Festival.
The show is on Friday at Aura.
Yacht Rock is the tongue-in-cheek name given to soft-rock music that is loosely associated with southern California and boating. Mostly, it’s comprised of hit songs that you won’t bang your head to but will certainly sing along with. Best of luck with the those high notes in the refrain of Toto’s “Africa.”
Aura general manager Mark Curdo is a gigantic Yacht Rock fan, and the first planning meeting about the show took place at Three Dollar Dewey’s in January.
Curdo, with the help of guitarist Max Cantlin (Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Micromasse), assembled an all-star cast of 14 local musicians to perform a slew of classic Yacht Rock songs on Friday night. Advertisement
“I’ve been a fan of light and easy listening rock my whole life,” Curdo said. “Whether people think Yacht Rock is cheesy or not, at the end of the day, this stuff is well done and the musicianship is ridiculous.”
Singer Gina Alibrio. Design by Kate Beever
The idea for the Yacht Rock show has been mapped out in Curdo’s head for a few years. “I wanted to have a few lead singers, I knew certain ones could hit certain notes, and I actually had the whole set list.”
It includes hits like “Reminiscing” by Little River Band, “Ventura Highway” by America, “Midnight at the Oasis” by Maria Muldaur, “Eye In The Sky” by The Alan Parsons Project and “On and On” by Stephen Bishop.
Don Campbell. Design by Kate Beever
Lead vocal duties will be shared among Don Campbell, Gina Alibrio, Owen Conforte and Kris Rodgers. There will also be a couple of guest vocalists taking the stage.
The band is led by Cantlin and includes Tyler Quist on bass, Chris Sweet on drums, Emma Stanley on trumpet and flugelhorn and Kate Beever on percussion, among several others.
The Portland Yacht Rock Festival 8 p.m. Friday. Aura, 121 Center St., Portland, $25, $35, 18-plus. auramaine.com Advertisement
Musician Bitch. Photo by Dana Lynn Pleasant
Boston-based singer-songwriter Bitch (Karen Mould) is performing a Saturday night show on Great Diamond Island, the home of their longtime friend Dini Lamot.
“I’m gonna bring my bass and my violin, sing songs and tell some stories, and it should be really intimate and sweet,” said Bitch (known as Karen only to their mother, according to a 2022 interview.)
The show will feature a number of songs from the 2022 album “Bitchcraft,” including “Easy Target,” which they wrote in the aftermath of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, and the synth- and percussion-heavy breakup tune “Pages.”
The album was well-received, and Bitch enjoyed the boost after a several year hiatus from putting out music. “It gave me wind under my broomstick again. It has been a beautiful homecoming into being an artist again.”
They said they’ve also been writing new material. “I actually started laying a couple of songs down in the studio last month. There’s a new project on the horizon.”
Bitch has been performing a one-woman show since the release of “Bitchcraft” and was excited to share that it will have an off-Broadway run in New York City starting this winter.
To get to the show on Saturday, take the Casco Bay Lines Great Diamond Island ferry at 6 p.m. Return trips depart at 10:35 p.m. Tickets are $14 and be purchased at the terminal. Visit cascobaylines.com for details.
Bitch 7 p.m. Saturday. Elwell Hall, 1 Crescent Ave., Great Diamond Island, $10-$20 donation at the door. bitchmusic.com
We invite you to add your comments, and we encourage a thoughtful, open and lively exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . You can also read our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here .
Readers may now see a Top Comments tab, which is an experimental software feature to detect and highlight comments that demonstrate compassion, reasoning, personal stories and curiosity, and encourage and promote civil discourse.
Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs .
Your commenting screen name has been updated.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Mayor mark dion: needle waste is a public safety hazard of portland’s own making, inspectors warned of ‘tremendous’ potential for accidental foam discharge at brunswick airport, trump faces his own debate fallout just months after benefiting from joe biden’s, gwen walz, wife of vp candidate tim walz, will visit bangor and portland on friday, member log in.
Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .
Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options
COMMENTS
20. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)," Looking Glass (1972) Like "Summer Breeze" (found later in our list of Top 50 Yacht Rock Songs), Looking Glass' tale of an alluring barmaid in a busy harbor town ...
The following is a list of yacht rock bands and artists. Yacht rock. Airplay [1] [2] Alessi [1] Ambrosia [3] [4] America [5] Attitudes [1] Patti Austin [1] Average White Band [6] George Benson [7] [8] [9] Stephen Bishop [10] Jimmy Buffett [11] Bobby Caldwell [1] [12] Captain & Tennille [13] Larry Carlton [1]
Released in 1972, the one-hit wonder by Looking Glass, Brandy, established a much bigger name for itself than the band ever managed to achieve on its own.As one of the smoothest and catchiest songs of the '70s, Brandy consistently appears on nearly every Yacht Rock, adult contemporary, or easy listening playlist available. The song tells a melancholic tale that is open to interpretation ...
A few non-rock artists almost made this list (George Michael's 'Careless Whisper' and Spandau Ballet's 'True' are almost examples, but not quite), yet a big chunk of Thriller heavily relied on the yacht rock sound. Michael Jackson proved just how popular the genre could get with several songs on the album, but 'Human Nature' is the finest example.
Yacht Rock is '70s soft schlock about boats, love affairs, and one-night stands. Typified by artists like Christopher Cross, Rupert Holmes, and Pablo Cruise, Yacht Rock is not just easy to mock. It's also deserving of the abuse. There's a sensitive-male brand of chauvinism that permeates this material—like somehow because you could ...
Yacht rock (originally known as the West Coast sound [4] [5] or adult-oriented rock [6]) is a broad music style and aesthetic [7] commonly associated with soft rock, [8] one of the most commercially successful genres from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Drawing on sources such as smooth soul, smooth jazz, [1] R&B, and disco, [7] common stylistic traits include high-quality production, clean ...
This week we take a deep dive into the soft rock hits of the late '70s and early '80s, which have come to be known in some circles as Yacht Rock. The term Yacht Rock generally refers to music in the era where yuppies enjoyed sipping champaign on their yachts — a concept explored in the original web series Yacht Rock, which debuted in 2005 ...
The Ultimate Collection of Yacht Rock/70's and 80's hits. This is the ultimate playlist of favorites from the 70's, 80's and in between. No fillers or obscure artists you've never heard of. Only the greatest rock, soft-rock and pop hits.
Broadly speaking, yacht rock is an ocean of smooth, soft-listening music made in the late '70s and early '80s by artists like Toto, Hall & Oates and Kenny Loggins — music you can sail to. But as ...
Listen to the The Best Yacht Rock Songs (That Don't Suck) playlist by Rolling Stone on Apple Music. 12 Songs. ... overly-produced music made by white men in the '70s, Yacht Rock actually resulted in some amazing pop music beyond Christopher Cross' "Sailing." ... Featured Artists. Steely Dan. The Doobie Brothers. Gerry Rafferty. 10cc. Daryl Hall ...
Officially, to be considered Yacht Rock, the song must have been released between 1976 and 1984, and I adhere to this rule for the 101. That means no songs that are proto-Yacht Rock, such as Seals ...
It fictionalized the careers of soft rock artists of the late '70s and early '80s. The cheeky show capitalized on the building renaissance of artists such as Steely Dan and Michael McDonald ...
Daryl Hall & John Oates - Beauty on a Back Street. 23. Boz Scaggs - Down Two Then Left. 24. Santana - Moonflower. 25. Dave Mason - It's Like You Never Left. The Best Yacht Rock Albums of the 1970s. View reviews, ratings, news & more regarding your favorite band.
YACHT ROCK | TOP 100 SONGS. Filtr. Preview. 70s + 80s Soft Rock for a day on the boat. Island tunes, chill summer hits + nothing but smooth sailing while jamming to hits from TOTO, Looking Glass, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates + more. ... Featured Artists. Looking Glass. Earth, Wind & Fire. Toto. Kenny Loggins. Christopher Cross. The Doobie Brothers.
The inception of Yacht Rock in the 70s was characterized by smooth music, influenced by soft rock, jazz, and R&B genres. Yacht Rock was a term coined in the 2000s for the music that encapsulated the feel of the refined and luxurious lifestyle of yachts. ... Yacht Rock artists like Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, and Toto paved the way for a new ...
In the spirit of easy listening fare, here is our ranking of 22 great yacht rock tunes. 20. "Lonely Boy" (1977), Andrew Gold. The Southern Californian's biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the ...
The Rise of Yacht Rock in the 70s and 80s. Yacht rock, a subgenre of soft rock that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, gained popularity for its smooth melodies, polished production, and laid-back vibe. The genre was characterized by a fusion of elements from pop, R&B, jazz, and soul music. Yacht rock songs often featured catchy hooks, lush ...
If you don't love songs about boats, one-night stands, and breezy California nights, you've come to the wrong place. Yacht Rock embodies the singer-songwriter soft rock that dominated FM radio playlists in the '70s. Combine slick L.A. production, earnest singing, and a touch of lite-country songwriting, and chances are, you had a Top 40 hit. These are the best of them.
Artists like the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Chicago were once viewed as belonging to an adult-contemporary, soft-rock bridge between '70s disco and '80s arena rock. But in 2005, a few friends noticed that several artists' albums of the era had boats on their covers.
Yacht Rock top charts and more of your top songs of the year 2023 including 'Right Down the Line", "Everywhere", "On the Beach", "Summer Breeze", "Reelin' in...
Through our partnership, we are able to give artists and fans a whole new way to connect. Live streaming is quickly becoming a go-to method for artists to reach new fans and promote their music. With the addition of live streaming at 3 rd and Lindsley via Volume, artists are provided with yet another avenue for promotion, discovery, and ...
If you love '70s and early '80s tunes from artists like Toto, Christopher Cross, America, Ambrosia and Bread, you'll want to buy a ticket to the Portland Yacht Rock Festival. The show is on ...