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Each week we’re featuring a playlist to get your mind going and help you assemble your favorites. 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 and has developed a cult following. Artists most commonly thought of in the Yacht Rock era include Michael McDonald, Ambrosia, 10cc, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Boz Scaggs, and Christopher Cross. Yacht Rock has become the muse of a great number of tribute bands, and is the current subject of a short-run channel on Sirius XM.
Here is a stab at the Top 100 Songs of Yacht Rock — not necessarily in rank order, with a few more added for honorable mention. We welcome your comments. What songs are ranked too high? What songs are ranked too low? What songs are missing? Make your case. Also, please let us know concepts for playlists you’d like to see — or share a favorite list of your own.
Artist | Title | |
---|---|---|
1 | Steely Dan | Hey Nineteen |
2 | Herb Alpert | Route 101 |
3 | Robbie Dupree | Steal Away |
4 | Jan Hammer Group | Don't You Know |
5 | Blues Image | Ride Captain Ride |
6 | Toto/Cheryl Lynn | Georgy Porgy |
7 | Gerry Rafferty | Right Down The Line |
8 | Paul Young | Every Time You Go Away |
9 | Boz Scaggs | Jojo |
10 | Johnny Nash | I Can See Clearly Now |
11 | Daryl Hall/John Oates | Sara Smile |
12 | Orleans | Dance With Me |
13 | Olivia Newton John | Magic |
14 | Seals & Crofts | Summer Breeze |
15 | Lionel Richie | All Night Long |
16 | Fleetwood Mac | You Make Loving Fun |
17 | Steely Dan | Deacon Blues |
18 | Christopher Cross | Ride Like The Wind |
19 | Little River Band | Cool Change |
20 | Jackson Browne | Somebody's Baby |
21 | 10cc | Dreadlock Holiday |
22 | Dr. Hook | When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman |
23 | Boz Scaggs | Lowdown |
24 | Player | This Time I'm In It For Love |
25 | Fleetwood Mac | Everywhere |
26 | Steely Dan | Peg |
27 | Todd Rundgren | I Saw The Light |
28 | Gerry Rafferty | Baker Street |
29 | Eagles | One Of These Nights |
30 | James Ingram | Yah-Mo Be There |
31 | 10cc | I'm Not In Love |
32 | Ambrosia | Biggest Part Of Me |
33 | Terri Gibbs | Somebody's Knockin' |
34 | Atlanta Rhythm Section | So In To You |
35 | Boz Scaggs | Lido Shuffle |
36 | Steve Miller Band | Wild Mountain Honey |
37 | Michael McDonald | I Gotta Try |
38 | Matthew Wilder | Break My Stride |
39 | England Dan & John Ford Coley | I'd Really Love To See You Tonight |
40 | Player | Baby Come Back |
41 | Kenny Loggins | This Is It |
42 | Michael McDonald | I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near) |
43 | Toto | Rosanna |
44 | Daryl Hall/John Oates | Kiss On My List |
45 | The Doobie Brothers | What A Fool Believes |
46 | Christopher Cross | Sailing |
47 | Loggins & Messina | Watching The River Run |
48 | Eagles | The Long Run |
49 | Looking Glass | Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) |
50 | Bread | Everything I Own |
51 | Steely Dan | Reelin' in the Years |
52 | Joe Jackson | Steppin' Out |
53 | Jackson Browne | Doctor My Eyes |
54 | Sanford & Townsend | Smoke from a Distant Fire |
55 | Bobby Caldwell | What You Won't Do For Love |
56 | Fleetwood Mac | Rhiannon |
57 | Ace | How Long |
58 | Daryl Hall/John Oates | Rich Girl |
59 | Toto | Africa |
60 | Steely Dan | Do It Again |
61 | Bertie Higgins | Key Largo |
62 | Rupert Holmes | Escape (The Pina Colada Song) |
63 | Little River Band | Reminiscing |
64 | Jimmy Buffett | Margaritaville |
65 | Fleetwood Mac | Dreams |
66 | Firefall | Just Remember I Love You |
67 | Eagles | I Can't Tell You Why |
68 | Eagles | The Best Of My Love |
69 | Eagles | Take It To The Limit |
70 | Eagles | Tequila Sunrise |
71 | Chicago | Saturday In The Park |
72 | Bob Welch | Sentimental Lady |
73 | America | Sister Golden Hair |
74 | America | A Horse With No Name |
75 | Ambrosia | How Much I Feel |
76 | Alan Parsons | Eye In The Sky |
77 | Air Supply | Lost In Love |
78 | Steely Dan | Dirty Work |
79 | Steely Dan | Only A Fool Would Say That |
80 | Orleans | Still The One |
81 | Stephen Bishop | Sinking In An Ocean Of Tears |
82 | 10cc | The Things We Do For Love |
83 | America | Ventura Highway |
84 | Al Stewart | Year Of The Cat |
85 | Bread | Baby I'm A Want You |
86 | Firefall | You Are The Woman |
87 | George Benson | Gimme The Night |
88 | Barbara Streisand/Barry Gibb | Guilty |
89 | Christopher Cross | Arthur's Theme |
90 | Marty Balin | Hearts |
91 | Poco | Barbados |
92 | Daryl Hall/John Oates | I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) |
93 | Al Stewart | Time Passages |
94 | Jay Ferguson | Thunder Island |
95 | Dr. Hook | Sexy Eyes |
96 | Donald Fagen | I.G.Y. |
97 | Michael McDonald | Gotta Try |
98 | Bread | Make It With You |
99 | Pablo Cruise | Whatcha Gonna Do |
100 | Doobie Brothers | Dependin' On You |
101 | Ozark Mountain Daredevils | Jackie Blue |
102 | Pablo Cruise | Love Will Find A Way |
103 | Starbuck | Moonlight Feels Right |
104 | Billy Ocean | Caribbean Queen |
105 | Linda Ronstadt | Ooh Baby Baby |
106 | Hues Corporation | Rock The Boat |
107 | Loggins & Messina | Danny's Song |
108 | Rupert Holmes | Answering Machine |
109 | Stephen Bishop | On And On |
110 | Bread | The Guitar Man |
111 | Seals & Crofts | Diamond Girl |
112 | Air Supply | Even The Nights Are Better |
113 | Ambrosia | You're The Only Woman |
114 | George Benson | Breezin' |
115 | Daryl Hall/John Oates | She's Gone |
116 | Dave Loggins | Please Come To Boston |
117 | Rickie Lee Jones | Chuck E.'s In Love |
118 | Captain/Tennille | Love Will Keep Us Together |
119 | Dr. Hook | Better Love Next Time |
120 | Chilliwack | I Believe |
121 | Crosby, Stills & Nash | Southern Cross |
122 | Climax Blues Band | Couldn't Get It Right |
123 | Gilbert O'Sullivan | Alone Again (Naturally) |
124 | America | Daisy Jane |
125 | Beach Boys | Sail On, Sailor |
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As a reminder: Yacht Rock is a style of music commonly classified as soft rock from the 70s to the mid-80s. You will hear everything from smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, and disco.
You can play songs that are the pure definition of yacht rock by artists and musicians like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Kenny Loggins. However, you will also find a few Nyacht songs (songs that have sometimes been classified as yacht rock but do not fit the definition).
It’s up to you as we are trying to set a mood for a great chill playlist for any event or party.
Listed alphabetically by artist and then song title.
Ace – How Long Released in 1975 on the album Five-A-Side
Lyrics To Inspire You:
“And you said you was never intending / To break up our scene this way / But there ain’t any use in pretending / It could happen to us any day”
Al Jarreau – We’re In This Love Together Released in 1981 on the album Breakin’ Away
“We got the kind that lasts forever / We’re in this love together / We got a kind that will last forever and evermore”
Ambrosia – Biggest Part Of Me Released in 1980 on the album One Eighty
“Together) We are gonna stay together / (Forever) For me there’s nothing better / You’re the biggest part of me”
Ambrosia – How Much I Feel Released in 1978 on the album Life Beyond L.A.
“How’s your life been goin’ on / I’ve got a wife now / Years we’ve been goin’ strong”
Atlantic Rhythm Section – So Into You Released in 1976 on the album A Rock and Roll Alternative
“From your head to your toe / Gonna love you all over, over and over / Me into you, you into me, me into you”
Bill Withers – Lovely Day Released in 1977 on the album Menagerie
“Just one look at you / And I know it’s gonna be / A lovely day”
Bobby Caldwell – What You Won’t Do For Love Released in 1978 on the album Bobby Caldwell
“But then I only want the best, it’s true / I can’t believe the things I do for you / What you won’t do, do for love”
Boz Scaggs – Lowdown Released in 1976 on the album Silk Degrees
“Got to have a Jones for this, Jones for that / This runnin’ with the Joneses, boy, just ain’t where it’s at, no, no”
Captain & Tennille – Love Will Keep Us Together Released in 1975 on the album Love Will Keep Us Together
“I will be there to share forever / Love will keep us together”
Christopher Cross – Ride Like the Wind Released in 1980 on the album Christopher Cross
“Lived nine lives / Gunned down ten / Gonna ride like the wind”
Christopher Cross – Sailing Released in 1980 on the album Christopher Cross
“Sailing / Takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be / Just a dream and the wind to carry me / Soon I will be free”
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Kiss On My List Released in 1981 on the album Voices
“Because your kiss is on my list of the best things in life / Oh babe, because your kiss, your kiss is on my list”
David Pomeranz – On This Day Released in 2001 on the album On This Day
“Here I stand, take my hand / And I will honor every word that I say / On this day”
DeBarge – All This Love Released in 1982 on the album All This Love
“Say you really love me baby / Say you really love me, darlin’ / ‘Cause I really love you, baby”
Donald Fagen – I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World) Released in 1982 on the album The Nightfly
“What a beautiful world this will be / What a glorious time to be free”
Doobie Brothers – What a Fool Believes Released in 1979 on the album Minute by Minute
“But what a fool believes, he sees / No wise man has the power to reason away / What seems to be”
Dr. Hook – Sexy Eyes Released in 1979 on the album Sometimes You Win
“Sexy eyes, moving ‘cross the floor, couldn’t want for more, sexy eyes / Sexy eyes, getting down with you, I wanna move with you, sexy eyes”
Earth, Wind & Fire – After the Love Has Gone Released in 1979 on the album I Am
“What used to be happy is sad / Somethin’ happened along the way / And yesterday was all we had”
George Benson – Give Me the Night Released in 1980 on the album Give Me the Night
“A little late romance / It’s a chain reaction / You’ll see the people of the world / Coming out to dance”
George Benson – Lady Love Me (One More Time) Released in 1983 on the album In Your Eyes
“Just let me love you one more time / Feel your heartbeat close to mine / Lady, love me all the time”
James Ingram and Michael McDonald – Yah Mo B There Released in 1983 on the album It’s Your Night
“‘Cause it’s a long hard road that leads to a brighter day / Don’t let your heart grow cold, just reach out and call His name”
Kenny Loggins – Heart to Heart Released in 1982 on the album High Adventure
“Now that we’ve grown apart, oh no / Well, the only way to start / Is heart to heart”
Kenny Loggins – This Is It Released in 1979 on the album Keep the Fire
“Let ’em believe / Leave ’em behind / But keep me near in your heart / Know whatever you do, I’m here by your side”
Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks – Whenever I Call You “Friend” Released in 1978 on the album Nightwatch
“Whenever I call you friend / I believe I’ve come to understand / Everywhere we are you and I were meant to be / Forever and ever”
Larry Carlton – Room 335 Released in 1978 on the album Larry Carlton
This song is a guitar instrumental.
Lee Ritenour – Is It You Released in 1981 on the album Rit
“Are you somebody in love? / Show me what you’re doin’ and tell me who you are / Hey, I’m ready for love, for love”
Leon Ware – Slippin Away Released in 1982 on the album Leon Ware
“You ain’t gonna keep on slippin’ away / Somewhere in your mind, I know / You will see that I am on your side”
Lionel Richie – All Night Long (All Night) Released in 1983 on the album Can’t Slow Down
“People dancing all in the street / See the rhythm all in their feet / Life is good, wild, and sweet”
Lionel Richie – Running with the Night Released in 1983 on the album Can’t Slow Down
“We were running with the night / Playing in the shadows / Just you and I / ‘Til the morning light”
Little River Band – Reminiscing Released in 1978 on the album Sleeper Catcher
“I said to myself when we’re old / We’ll go dancing in the dark / Walking through the park and reminiscing”
Luther Vandross – Never Too Much Released in 1981 on the album Never Too Much
“Love is a gamble and I’m so glad that I’m winnin’ / We’ve come a long way and yet this is only the beginnin'”
Marc Jordan – Margarita Released in 1983 on the album A Hole In The Wall
“I step over the borderline / Margarita will you be mine / Oh you think that love’s a game”
Maxus – Keep a Light On Released in 1981 on the album Maxus
“Please keep a light on for me, yeah / ‘Cause tonight I can’t see / Another place that I’d rather be”
Michael Jackson – Human Nature Released in 1983 on the album Thriller
“See that girl / She knows I’m watching / She likes the way I stare”
Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney – The Girl Is Mine Released in 1982 on the album Thriller
“Well I love you endlessly / (Loving we will share) / So come and go with me / Two on the town”
Michael McDonald – I Gotta Try Released in 1982 on the album If That’s What It Takes
“Maybe there ain’t nothin’ left to say / But if our time’s really runnin’ out / Then this is no time to run away”
Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) Released in 1982 on the album If That’s What It Takes
“I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore / I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again”
Michael Miglio – Never Gonna Let You Go Released in 1980 on the album Everytime It Rains
“Your lovin’ turns me on / My lonely days are gone / That’s why I’m never gonna let you go”
Nicolette Larson – Let Me Go, Love Released in 1979 on the album In the Nick of Time
“We shared in the fantasy of / Knowing this love in our lives / Is it ever what it seems to be / Oh and if it’s over / Let me go, love”
Olivia Newton-John – Magic Released in 1980 on the album Xanadu
“You won’t make a mistake / I’ll be guiding you / You have to believe we are magic”
Pablo Cruise – Love Will Find A Way Released in 1978 on the album Worlds Away
“You’ll learn to find your love again / So keep your heart open / Cause love will find a way”
Pages – O.C.O.E. (Official Cat of the Eighties) Released in 1981 on the album Pages
“Rushin’ to the future and runnin’ from the past / Intent on getting higher / So knocked out, so real, a hopeless jag”
Patti Austin and James Ingram – Baby, Come To Me Released in 1982 on the album Every Home Should Have One
“Let me put my arms around you / This was meant to be / And I’m oh so glad I found you”
Paul Davis – Cool Night Released in 1981 on the album Cool Night
“It’s gonna be a cool night / Just let me hold you by the firelight / If it don’t feel right you can go”
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins – Easy Lover Released in 1984 on the album Chinese Wall
“Easy lover / She’ll get a hold on you believe it / Like no other / Before you know it you’ll be on your knees”
Player – Baby Come Back Released in 1977 on the album Player
“Baby come back, yeah, any kind of fool could see / There was something in everything about you”
Pointer Sisters – He’s So Shy Released in 1980 on the album Special Things
“Nothin’ has ever felt so right / And I’m so glad I took the time / That I had to take to make him mine”
Quincy Jones – One Hundred Ways Released in 1981 on the album The Dude
“Maybe she has it in her mind / That she’s just wasting her time / Ask her to stay / Find one hundred ways”
Ray Parker Jr. – A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) Released in 1981 on the album A Woman Needs Love
“So, when you think you’ve fooled her / She just might be fooling you / Remember: if you can do it / She can, too”
Raydio – You Can’t Change That Released in 1979 on the album Rock On
“You’re the only one I love / And you can’t change that / You’re the only one I need”
Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E’s In Love Released in 1979 on the album Rock On
“But that means that Chuck E.’s in love, my, my / Chuck E.’s in love, love, love, love”
Robbie Dupree – Steal Away Released in 1980 on the album Robbie Dupree
“I caught you glancing my way / And I know what you’re after (no second chances tonight) / Why don’t we steal away”
Roger Voudouris – Get Used To It Released in 1979 on the album Radio Dream
“Get used to it / ‘Cause I’ll be around / Yeah, ya better get used to / All my love, please”
Sanford-Townsend Band – Smoke From a Distant Fire Released in 1977 on the album Sanford-Townsend Band
“I know where you goin’ to I knew when you came home last night / ‘Cause your eyes had a mist from the smoke of a distant fire”
Smokey Robinson – Being With You Released in 1981 on the album Being with You
“I don’t care what they think / If you’re leaving / I’m gonna beg you to stay”
Steely Dan – Hey Nineteen Released in 1980 on the album Gaucho
“No, we can’t dance together (We can’t dance together) / No, we can’t talk at all / Please take me along when you slide on down”
Steely Dan – Peg Released in 1977 on the album Aja
“It sure looks good on you / And when you smile for the camera / I know I’ll love you better”
Steve Perry – Foolish Heart Released in 1984 on the album Street Talk
“Foolish heart, heed my warning / You’ve been wrong before / Don’t be wrong anymore”
The Imperials – Living Without Your Love Released in 1979 on the album One More Song for You
“‘Cause living without Your love / Was like not ever living or existing”
Timothy B. Schmit – Tell Me What You Dream Released in 1984 on the album Playin’ It Cool
“Is it someone else’s arms that hold you tight / Or darling, is it me / Tell me what you dream at night”
Toto – Africa Released in 1982 on the album Toto IV
“It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you / There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do”
Toto – Georgy Porgy Released in 1978 on the album Toto
“I’m not the only one that holds you / I never ever should have told you / You’re my only world”
Warren G ft. Nate Dogg – Regulate Released in 1994 on the album Above the Rim
“It was a clear black night, a clear white moon / Warren G was on the streets tryin’ to consume / Some skirts for the eve so I can get some funk”
These are a list of songs that are commonly thought to be yacht rock songs but technically are not. If you have yacht rock enthusiasts, you may want to skip these. Otherwise, they are still great songs that fit the vibe.
10cc – I’m Not In Love Released in 1975 on the album The Original Soundtrack
“Don’t make a fuss / Don’t tell your friends about the two of us / I’m not in love”
Al Stewart – Time Passages Released in 1978 on the album Time Passages
“There’s something back here that you left behind / Oh time passages / Buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight”
America – You Can Do Magic Released in 1982 on the album View from the Ground
“You can do magic / You can have anything that you desire / Magic, and you know / You’re the one who can put out the fire”
Bertie Higgins – Key Largo Released in 1981 on the album Just Another Day in Paradise
“We had it all / Just like Bogie and Bacall / Starring in our old late, late show / Sailing away to Key Largo”
Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are Released in 1984 on the album The Stranger
“I said I love you, that’s forever / And this I promise from the heart / I couldn’t love you any better / I love you just the way you are”
Billy Ocean- Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) Released in 1977 on the album Suddenly
“Oh girl, oh baby, it takes a little time / Then you can love again / But I ain’t got the time”
Climax Blues Band – Couldn’t Get It Right Released in 1976 on the album Gold Plated
“But, I couldn’t see the light, no, I couldn’t see the light / I kept on looking for a way to take me through the night / Couldn’t get it right”
Climax Blues Band – I Love You Released in 1981 on the album Flying the Flag
“Thank you, babe, for being a friend / And shining your light in my life / ‘Cause, oooh, I need you”
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Rich Girl Released in 1977 on the album Bigger Than Both of Us
“You’re a rich girl, and you’ve gone too far / ‘Cause you know it don’t matter anyway / You can rely on the old man’s money”
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Sara Smile Released in 1975 on the album Daryl Hall & John Oates
“And when you feel you can’t go on, I’ll come and hold you / It’s you and me forever”
Doobie Brothers – Listen to the Music Released in 1972 on the album Toulouse Street
“Meet me in the country for a day / We’ll be happy, and we’ll dance / Oh, we’re gonna dance our blues away”
Dr. Hook – When You’re In Love with a Beautiful Woman Released in 1979 on the album Pleasure and Pain
“You want to trust her / Then somebody hangs up when you answer the phone / When you’re in love with a beautiful woman / You go it alone”
England Dan & John Ford Coley – I’d Really Love to See You Tonight Released in 1976 on the album Nights Are Forever
“And I don’t wanna change your life / But there’s a warm wind blowing / The stars are out, and I’d really love to see you tonight”
Exile – Kiss You All Over Released in 1978 on the album Mixed Emotions
“You don’t have to say a thing / Just let me show how much / I love you, need you”
Firefall – You Are the Woman Released in 1976 on the album Firefall
“You are the woman that I’ve always dreamed of / I knew it from the start / I saw your face and that’s the last I’ve seen of my heart”
Fleetwood Mac – Dreams Released in 1977 on the album Rumours
“I keep my visions to myself / But it’s only me who wants to wrap around your dreams, and / Have you any dreams you’d like to sell, dreams of loneliness?”
Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere Released in 1987 on the album Tango in the Night
“We better make a start / You better make it soon / Before you break my heart”
Gary Wright – Love Is Alive Released in 1976 on the album The Dream Weaver
“I’ll try to keep it together / ‘Cause what I say may not happen the same way / Now could be forever”
Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street Released in 1978 on the album City to City
“When you wake up, it’s a new mornin’ / The sun is shinin’, it’s a new mornin’ / You’re goin’, you’re goin’ home”
Gino Vannelli – I Just Wanna Stop Released in 1978 on the album Brother to Brother
“The world ain’t right without you, babe / I just gotta stop / For your love”
Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers – Just The Two Of Us Released in 1981 on the album Winelight
“Building castles in the sky / Just the two of us / You and I”
Jackson Browne – Somebody’s Baby Released in 1982 on the album Fast Times at Ridgemont High Soundtrack
“She’s gonna be somebody’s only light / Gonna shine tonight / Yeah, she’s gonna be somebody’s baby tonight”
Little River Band – Cool Change Released in 1979 on the album First Under the Wire
“If there’s one thing in my life that’s missing / It’s the time that I spend alone / Sailing on the cool and bright clear water”
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Blinded by the Light Released in 1976 on the album The Roaring Silence
“Blinded by the light / Revved up like a deuce / Another runner in the night”
Melissa Manchester – Whenever I Call You Friend Released in 1979 on the album Melissa Manchester
“I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight / Sweet love flowing almost every night / I know forever we’ll be doing it right”
Michael Johnson – Bluer Than Blue Released in 1978 on the album The Dude
“You’re the only light this empty room has ever had / And life without you is gonna be / Bluer than blue”
Orleans – Dance With Me Released in 1975 on the album Orleans II
“The music is just starting / Night is calling, and I am falling / Dance with me”
Orleans – Still The One Released in 1976 on the album Waking and Dreaming
“You’re still the one that I love to touch / Still the one and I can’t get enough / We’re still having fun, and you’re still the one”
Pointer Sisters – Slow Hand Released in 1981 on the album Black & White
“Baby, believe me I understand / When it comes to love you want a slow hand”
Pure Prairie League – Let Me Love You Tonight Released in 1980 on the album Firin’ Up
“Let me love you tonight / There’s a million stars in the sky / Let me love you tonight / I’ll make everything alright”
Rufus and Chaka Khan – Ain’t Nobody Released in 1983 on the album Rickie Lee Jones
“You knew I could not resist / I needed someone / And now we’re flyin’ through the stars / I hope this night will last forever”
Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Pina Colada Song) Released in 1979 on the album Partners in Crime
“If you like makin’ love at midnight / In the dunes on the cape / Then I’m the love that you’ve looked for / Write to me and escape”
Seals & Crofts – Get Closer Released in 1976 on the album Seals and Crofts
“Darlin’, if you want me to be closer to you, get closer to me”
Steely Dan – Do It Again Released in 1972 on the album Can’t Buy a Thrill
“Then you love a little wild one / And she brings you only sorrow / All the time you know she’s smiling / You’ll be on your knees tomorrow”
Stephen Bishop – On and On Released in 1976 on the album Careless
“On and on / He just keeps on trying / And he smiles when he feels like crying”
The Alan Parsons Project – Eye in the Sky Released in 1982 on the album Eye in the Sky
“I am the eye in the sky / Looking at you / I can read your mind”
With over 7 hours of yacht rock songs to play, you can have your fill any need for background music. Whether you think the songs are Yacht or Nyacht, the songs will set a chill theme for any party.
Thank you to Camille “Rocky” Bourg, Jr. of Music by Request for helping us distinguish between real Yacht rock songs and Nyacht songs!
Do you have a favorite Yacht rock song? Please share your song below in the comments!
If you love this list you most likely like classic rock. Check out our list of classic rock love songs !
Other Playlists To Check Out:
DJ, Author, Music Lover
I have always had a love for music and the way it makes you feel. My passion grew for wedding celebrations with years as a wedding DJ. Now, as a wedding music planner, I research popular and unique wedding songs to create personalized playlists for couples and help wedding pros curate crowd-cheering music. Let's get the party started! - Read More About Me
I’ve been wanting to put together a best of Yacht Rock list for quite sometime. Now that we’re into the month of May – I’m inspired to pull this list together and get ready to jam to these (and others) all summer long. As an added bonus, recording artist Carly Shea stopped by to talk about her favorite Yacht Rock songs. She listed her songs during the intermission or halftime on the video countdown below .
As I started writing down names to songs that I felt should be included on the list, I noticed that it was being dominated by Michael McDonald/Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross and America. So I decide to make some ground rules:
Only one song per band would be ranked with solo projects being treated separately. Of course that made for even more decisions. Choosing between the three or four America songs to include on the list was TOUGH. Same with Seals & Croft. Summer Breeze or Diamond Girl ? But then it hit me. A calmness of floating through a no wake zone, if you will. Just relax and make your selections and live with it. At the end of the day, when you are dealing with Yacht Rock – there really aren’t any bad choices.
Speaking of which. A couple of artists got left off of the list. I nearly expanded the list to 30 to make room for anyone. But I decided to keep the top 24. So Hall and Oates (I Can’t Go For That), Toto (Georgy Porgy), Fleetwood Mac (You Make Loving Fun), Kenny Loggins (This Is It), Dobie Gray (Drift Away) and Olvia Newton-John (Magic) – just missed. In fact, the first two names I wrote down initially were Hall & Oates and Toto. It’s a touch business – this Yacht Rock.
Without further ado. Here’s my Top 24 Yacht Rock Songs .
24. England Dan and John Ford Coley – I’d Really Love To See You Tonight
23. Herb Alpert – Route 101
22. Jay Ferguson – Thunder Island
21. Boz Scaggs – JoJo
20. Bobby Caldwell – What You Won’t Do For Love
19. Looking Glass – Brandi (You’re A Fine Girl)
18. Player – Baby Come Back
17. Ambrosia – Biggest Part Of Me
16. Michael Martin Murphey – Wildfire
15. Todd Rundgren – I Saw The Light
14. Michael McDonald – Sweet Freedom
13. Ace – How Long
12. Lionel Richie – All Night Long
11. 10cc – I’m Not In Love
10. Rupert Homes – Escape (Pina Colada)
09. Donald Fagen – I.G.Y.
08. Robbie Dupree – Steal Away
07. Seals & Croft – Summer Breeze
06. America – Horse With No Name
05. Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street
04. Christopher Cross – Ride Like The Wind
03. Steely Dan – Peg
02. Starbuck – Moonlight Feels Right
01. Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes
So there you go. The songs I consider the greatest Yacht Rock Songs ever. Of course, with the twist of only one song per act.
Do you have a favorite? Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram below and let me know which song is your top choice.
-Tommy Marz
You can follow Tommy on Twitter and Instagram let him know what you think.
Jim Beviglia
We tend to think of the yacht rock phenomenon in terms of the American artists who have carved out that special niche among music fans. But the Scotsman Gerry Rafferty stands tall with a pair of monumentally smooth smashes from 1978, including “Baker Street” and “Right Down the Line,” the song we’re spotlighting here.
What is “Right Down the Line” about? What inspired it? And why did Rafferty have such an extended stretch of time to work on it and other songs from his 1978 hit album City to City ? Here is the story behind this yacht rock classic and the artist who put it together.
Gerry Rafferty found a little bit of early success when he joined a band called The Humblebums, which included comedian Billy Connolly, before he ditched music for the stage and screen. (If you haven’t heard of them, check out the baroque pop beauty “Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway,” which will give you an idea of Rafferty’s early songwriting chops.)
Rafferty then released a solo album before joining up with a childhood friend from Scotland named Joe Egan to form the band Stealers Wheel. At an industry party celebrating the band’s signing, Rafferty found himself trapped at a dinner table between a couple of boring executives, which inspired the song “Stuck in the Middle with You.”
That 1973 smash hit seemed like a harbinger of a big career for the band. But even a couple of minor follow-up hits couldn’t convince Rafferty, who was somewhat restless when it came to his career, there was much future in the band. He left to go solo again, but things didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped.
Rafferty had hoped to jump back into his solo career once Stealers Wheel ended in 1975. But his management thought otherwise, as they felt he was breaking his contract. As legal proceedings played out, he was essentially unable to release any music for three years.
Instead of worrying about the stunted momentum, Rafferty worked hard on crafting what would be his masterpiece album, City to City . By the time he was allowed to release the record in 1978, he had cultivated a silky smooth soft-rock sound, albeit one that included sneakily deep lyrical themes. “Baker Street” turned into a runaway hit, opening the door for the next single, “Right Down the Line.”
Featuring the sleek guitar lines of Hugh Burns, “Right Down the Line” was essentially a love song to Rafferty’s wife, who had stuck with him through all the ups and downs of his career. It went to No. 12 on the Billboard charts, and he enjoyed as fruitful a shelf life as “Baker Street.” (Bonnie Raitt did a knockout cover of “Right Down the Line” in 2012.)
You know I need your love, Gerry Rafferty sings at the beginning of “Right Down the Line.” You’ve got that hold over me . That attraction clearly turned into something deeper for the narrator. When I wanted you to share my life / I had no doubt in my mind , he explains.
In the second verse, Rafferty hints at some of the psychic damage his career has done to him, and how his wife knows this pain: Only you can see / The changes that I’ve been through / Have left a mark on me . After comparing her constancy to the Northern Star , Rafferty testifies in the bridge how important it is that she knows all this: I just want to say this is my way / Of telling you everything / I’ve never said before .
He continues singing her praises, boiling it down in the chorus: And it was you, woman / Right down the line . Gerry Rafferty’s discomfort with the limelight contributed to him never again rising to the heights of City to City . But what a peak that album was, aided by the romantic excellence of “Right Down the Line.”
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By AllMusic Staff
Jun. 25, 2014
List of the top 36 songs about yacht rock song you will love.
Best Songs About Yacht Rock Song You Will Love
Yacht Rock is a subgenre of soft rock that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by smooth melodies, polished production, and an emphasis on vocal harmonies. Yacht Rock has since become synonymous with the luxurious lifestyle associated with yacht culture and has gained a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many artists embracing the sound and creating their own modern takes on the genre. One of the key features of Yacht Rock is its use of saxophones, electric pianos, and smooth guitars to create a laid-back and groovy sound that transports listeners to a warm and breezy seaside.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best songs about Yacht Rock that you’ll love. These songs capture the essence of Yacht Rock with their smooth melodies, catchy hooks, and laid-back rhythms. From classic hits like “Sailing” by Christopher Cross to more recent tracks like “California Sunrise” by Dirty Heads, these songs are sure to transport you to a world of sun, sea, and sand. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Yacht Rock or just discovering the genre for the first time, these songs are the perfect soundtrack for your next beachside adventure or yacht party. So, grab a Mai Tai, kick off your shoes, and get ready to sail away with these amazing Yacht Rock songs.
Table of Contents
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” is a soft rock classic by the American band Looking Glass, released in 1972. The song tells the story of a barmaid named Brandy, who works in a seaport town and captures the attention of many sailors. Despite her popularity, Brandy remains loyal to her true love, who is a sailor that can only visit her sporadically. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, combined with its bittersweet lyrics, make it a timeless favorite. The lead singer’s smooth vocals and the use of the saxophone in the instrumental break add to the song’s charm. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” has been covered by various artists over the years and has appeared in several films and TV shows, solidifying its place in popular culture.
“Ride Like the Wind” is a 1979 hit song by Christopher Cross, a singer-songwriter from Texas. The song is a fusion of soft rock and funk, with a prominent use of electric guitar and brass instruments. The lyrics tell the story of a man on the run, pursued by unknown forces, who is determined to keep moving forward and “ride like the wind” to escape his past. Cross’s powerful and emotive vocals are a standout feature of the song, complemented by the catchy chorus and driving beat. “Ride Like the Wind” won Cross a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1981 and remains one of his most popular songs, having been covered by several other artists and featured in various films and TV shows.
“Rosanna” is a classic rock song by the American band Toto, released in 1982. The song is a mixture of rock, pop, and funk with a distinctive piano and guitar riff. It features intricate instrumental sections with complex rhythms, harmonies, and solos, making it a showcase for the band’s musical prowess. The song’s lyrics are about a woman named Rosanna, with whom the lead singer is infatuated, but also express the singer’s doubts about the relationship. The chorus is an infectious, sing-along melody that has become one of the band’s signature hits. “Rosanna” won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and helped Toto establish themselves as one of the most successful bands of the 1980s.
“Peg” is a classic jazz rock song by Steely Dan, released in 1977 as part of their album “Aja.” The song features a tight horn section, intricate guitar riffs, and smooth vocal harmonies. The lyrics are playful and enigmatic, telling the story of a mysterious woman named Peg who has captivated the attention of the narrator. The song’s infectious groove and catchy chorus make it a fan favorite, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years. “Peg” showcases Steely Dan’s signature blend of jazz, rock, and pop, and remains a timeless classic of 1970s music.
“Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart is a nostalgic and dreamy song that takes the listener on a musical journey. The song features intricate guitar work and poetic lyrics that tell a story of a romantic encounter in a mystical setting. The chorus is instantly recognizable and catchy, making it a beloved classic of the 1970s. With its unique blend of folk, rock, and pop, “Year of the Cat” stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences. It remains one of Al Stewart’s most popular and enduring songs, showcasing his skill as a songwriter and storyteller.
“Private Eyes” is a popular song by American duo Hall & Oates, released in 1981. The song features a catchy chorus with a strong beat and a synthesizer riff that became an instant classic of 80s pop. The lyrics describe a man who wants to keep his relationship private, but knows his partner is cheating on him. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy melody contrast with the darker themes of infidelity and secrecy, making it an enduring classic of the era. “Private Eyes” became a top 10 hit in the United States and a fan favorite at Hall & Oates’ concerts.
“Southern Cross” is a classic rock song by Crosby, Stills & Nash. Released in 1982, the song features catchy guitar riffs and harmonious vocals that celebrate the joys of sailing and traveling. The lyrics tell the story of a man who sails across the ocean in search of love and meaning, encountering different cultures and beautiful landscapes along the way. The chorus is especially memorable, with its catchy melody and lyrics that capture the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with exploring the world. “Southern Cross” has since become a beloved classic rock anthem, inspiring generations of listeners to chase their dreams and explore the world around them.
“What a Fool Believes” is a classic rock song by The Doobie Brothers that was released in 1979. The song was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a smooth and catchy melody, with McDonald’s distinctive vocals taking center stage. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is trying to reconnect with a former lover, only to realize that their relationship was never as strong as he thought it was. The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable chorus make it a beloved classic rock staple.
“Just the Two of Us” is a classic R&B song by the legendary singer Bill Withers and the jazz saxophonist Grover Washington. Released in 1981, the song features Withers’ soulful vocals and Washington’s smooth saxophone playing, creating a perfect blend of R&B and jazz. The lyrics tell a story of two people who have found love and are enjoying each other’s company in a peaceful and intimate setting. The song is known for its catchy chorus, which features the memorable line “Just the two of us, we can make it if we try.” It has become a timeless classic, being covered by numerous artists over the years and remaining a beloved track for generations. Withers and Washington’s musical chemistry shines through in this laid-back, romantic song that is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
“Ventura Highway” is a timeless classic by America and produced by George Martin. The song is known for its soothing acoustic guitar riffs, soft harmonies, and mellow vocals that create a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery of a road trip on Ventura Highway, capturing the sense of adventure, freedom, and the beauty of nature. The chorus “Alligator lizards in the air” and “Canyons everywhere” adds to the enchanting quality of the song. George Martin’s production blends the folk and pop elements seamlessly, resulting in a perfect balance of instrumentation and vocals. The song’s gentle and optimistic vibe has made it a staple of soft rock and easy listening radio stations for decades. It’s no wonder that “Ventura Highway” continues to be a beloved track that is often included in road trip playlists and summer jams.
“Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs is a smooth, funky tune with a catchy bassline and groovy guitar riffs. The song features Scaggs’ soulful vocals and the famous saxophone solo by David Sanborn. It was a big hit in the 1970s and continues to be a beloved classic today. The lyrics describe a woman who is “keepin’ her lowdown,” with the narrator urging her to “come on up” and “show some of that love you got.” The song’s infectious rhythm and soulful delivery make it a standout in the Yacht Rock genre, and its influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary artists.
“Summer Breeze” is a classic soft rock song by the American duo Seals and Crofts. Released in 1972, the song has since become a staple of easy listening radio stations and is considered a quintessential summer tune. The song features a gentle acoustic guitar melody and sweet harmonies, evoking the lazy days of summer and the feeling of being carefree. The lyrics describe a lazy afternoon spent relaxing with a lover, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the soothing sound of the breeze. The chorus, with its simple yet catchy melody, is instantly recognizable and has become a sing-along anthem. “Summer Breeze” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Isley Brothers and Type O Negative, and its popularity has endured for decades.
“The Boys of Summer” is a classic 80s rock song by Don Henley, the former drummer and lead vocalist of the Eagles. The song is a nostalgic reflection on lost love and the passing of time, set against a backdrop of summertime imagery. The upbeat and catchy melody, combined with Henley’s distinctive voice and the iconic guitar riff, make the song instantly recognizable and a staple of classic rock radio. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of regret, nostalgia, and the search for meaning in a changing world. The song’s music video, featuring footage of a young boy playing baseball and images of the beach, further enhances its nostalgic and wistful tone. “The Boys of Summer” remains a beloved classic rock anthem and a testament to Henley’s enduring talent as a songwriter and performer.
“Valerie” is a lively and upbeat pop-rock song by Steve Winwood. The song has a distinct 80s sound, featuring a prominent synthesizer riff, a catchy guitar hook, and a driving drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is trying to get over a failed relationship and is seeking solace in the company of a woman named Valerie. Winwood’s soulful vocals and the energetic instrumentation create a fun and danceable atmosphere, making “Valerie” a classic party anthem that still resonates with audiences today. The song was originally released in 1982 and has since been covered by several artists, including Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, bringing it to a new generation of music lovers.
“The Logical Song” is a classic rock song by the British band Supertramp. It was released in 1979 and became one of their biggest hits, reaching the top 10 in several countries. The song features a catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics that explore the pressures of modern society and the loss of innocence. It starts with a simple piano riff and gradually builds up with layers of instrumentation, including synthesizers, saxophones, and guitars. The vocals are smooth and expressive, and the harmonies add an extra layer of richness to the song. The bridge section is particularly memorable, with its poignant lyrics and soaring vocal melody. Overall, “The Logical Song” is a timeless classic that showcases Supertramp’s talent for crafting memorable and meaningful pop songs.
“Listen to the Music” is a classic rock song by The Doobie Brothers, released in 1972. It features a distinctive guitar riff and catchy lyrics about the power of music to bring people together. The song became one of the band’s biggest hits and has since become a beloved classic rock anthem. Its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics make it a perfect summertime tune for road trips, barbecues, and hanging out with friends. The Doobie Brothers’ signature harmonies and tight instrumentation are on full display in “Listen to the Music,” making it an instantly recognizable and timeless classic rock song that continues to be popular today.
“Dirty Work” is a smooth and funky song by the American rock band Steely Dan. The track features a groovy rhythm and catchy lyrics that make you want to dance. With its combination of electric guitar riffs and jazzy horns, the song embodies the band’s signature blend of rock, jazz, and funk. The vocals are delivered with a smooth and cool tone, adding to the laid-back atmosphere of the track. The lyrics tell a story of a man who has been cheated on and is now seeking revenge. The song’s catchy chorus, “You got to try a little tenderness, take some time to close the deal,” has become a classic in its own right. Overall, “Dirty Work” is a standout track in Steely Dan’s discography and continues to be a fan favorite.
“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty is a soft rock classic that features an instantly recognizable saxophone riff that has become iconic in pop culture. The song was released in 1978 and has since become one of Rafferty’s most well-known and beloved tracks. The smooth, melancholic melody of the saxophone is juxtaposed with the introspective lyrics, which explore themes of disillusionment, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. Rafferty’s soulful vocals bring a sense of yearning and emotional depth to the song, making it an enduring favorite among music lovers of all ages. “Baker Street” has been covered by many artists over the years and has been used in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its place as a timeless classic of the soft rock genre.
“Baby Come Back” by Player is a classic soft rock song that was released in 1977. The song starts with a catchy guitar riff and is followed by a simple drumbeat, bass line, and smooth vocals. The lyrics are about a man who is pleading with his lover to come back to him and give their relationship another chance. The chorus is simple and memorable, with the words “Baby come back, any kind of fool could see, there was something in everything about you.” The song’s upbeat melody and memorable lyrics make it a perfect example of the yacht rock genre, which was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. “Baby Come Back” has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by audiences today, making it a timeless classic in the world of soft rock music.
“Dreams” is a classic hit song by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac. Written by vocalist Stevie Nicks, it was released in 1977 as a single from their critically acclaimed album, “Rumours”. The song features a catchy and memorable melody, with Nicks’ distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics about love, loss, and the power of dreams. The song’s opening line, “Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom”, has become iconic in popular culture. “Dreams” became a massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remaining there for one week. It was also the band’s only number one hit single in the US. The song’s enduring popularity has been cemented by its use in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, as well as its recent resurgence on social media platforms like TikTok.
“So Into You” by Atlanta Rhythm is a soulful and romantic love song that captures the intense feelings of infatuation and desire that can overwhelm a person in the early stages of a relationship. The song features smooth and melodic guitar riffs, funky bass lines, and a lively drum beat that sets a playful and upbeat tone.
The lyrics are filled with expressions of deep affection, as the singer croons about being consumed by the object of his affections, unable to resist their charm and allure. The chorus is particularly catchy, with the singer declaring his love and devotion, and his desire to be close to his partner.
The song’s overall mood is nostalgic, evoking the carefree and optimistic vibe of the late 1970s, when it was first released. It has since become a classic, beloved by fans of classic rock and soul, and has been covered by many artists over the years.
Overall, “So Into You” is a timeless love song that captures the excitement and passion of new romance, and is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who hears it.
“Sailing” by Christopher Cross is a soft rock classic that embodies the carefree and optimistic spirit of the 1980s. The song features mellow guitar chords, smooth keyboard melodies, and a gentle, flowing rhythm that conjures up images of calm seas and open skies.
The lyrics are poetic and dreamy, with Cross singing about the joys of sailing, both literally and metaphorically. He describes the feeling of being free and unencumbered, and the beauty of exploring the world with an open heart and mind.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with Cross’s soothing vocals reaching soaring heights as he sings about the endless possibilities that come with setting sail. It’s a song that is both uplifting and comforting, and has become a favorite of many listeners over the years.
Overall, “Sailing” is a classic rock ballad that captures the spirit of adventure and optimism that defined the 1980s. Its timeless melody and inspiring lyrics make it a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, and it remains one of Christopher Cross’s most beloved works.
“I Can’t Tell You Why” by Eagles is a soulful and introspective ballad that explores the complex emotions of a failed relationship. The song features a smooth and sultry melody, with intricate guitar riffs and a gentle, steady rhythm that sets a melancholy tone.
The lyrics are poignant and heartfelt, with the singer struggling to find the words to explain why his love has faded away. He expresses his regret and sadness over the loss of what was once a meaningful connection, and the difficulty of moving on.
The chorus is particularly moving, with the singer lamenting his inability to explain why he no longer feels the same way. The song is a masterclass in emotional restraint, with the subtle shifts in the melody and the singer’s soft, plaintive vocals conveying the depth of his pain.
Overall, “I Can’t Tell You Why” is a poignant and evocative song that captures the bittersweet feelings of love and loss. Its timeless melody and haunting lyrics have made it a favorite of Eagles fans for decades, and it remains a classic example of the band’s unique blend of rock and soul.
“How Long” by Ace is a catchy and upbeat pop-rock song that captures the spirit of the 1970s with its infectious grooves and clever lyrics. The song features a lively rhythm, with a driving bassline and funky guitar riffs that get your toes tapping and your head nodding.
The lyrics are playful and witty, with the singer addressing a lover who has been unfaithful and questioning how long the affair has been going on. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the catchy refrain of “How long has this been going on?” becoming a hook that is impossible to forget.
The song is an excellent example of the clever wordplay and infectious melodies that were a hallmark of 1970s pop music, and it remains a favorite of many fans of that era. Its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics make it a perfect song for dancing, singing along, or just enjoying the fun and carefree vibes of classic rock.
Overall, “How Long” is a classic rock gem that captures the energy and spirit of a bygone era. Its catchy melodies and clever lyrics have made it a favorite of music fans for over four decades, and it remains a beloved part of the pop-rock canon.
“Reminiscing” by Little River Band is a smooth and soulful rock ballad that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The song features a melodic guitar riff, a steady drum beat, and soothing vocals that create a relaxing and dreamy atmosphere.
The lyrics are introspective and contemplative, with the singer reflecting on fond memories of a past love and the time they shared together. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer lamenting the loss of that relationship and expressing a desire to go back to those happy times.
The song’s overall mood is wistful and melancholic, with a sense of regret and yearning for what was lost. Its gentle melody and introspective lyrics make it a perfect song for reflection and reminiscing, and it has become a beloved classic of soft rock.
Overall, “Reminiscing” is a timeless song that captures the bittersweet feelings of looking back on a past love. Its soothing melodies and evocative lyrics make it a favorite of fans of soft rock and a perfect song to listen to when in a reflective mood.
“Smoke From a Distant Fire” by The Stanford/Townsend Band is a bluesy and soulful rock song that captures the gritty energy of the 1970s. The song features a funky guitar riff, a driving bassline, and powerful vocals that exude a sense of urgency and intensity.
The lyrics are vivid and descriptive, with the singer describing the feeling of being caught in the middle of a romantic betrayal. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the haunting refrain of “Smoke from a distant fire” capturing the sense of mystery and uncertainty that surrounds the situation.
The song is a classic example of the blues-infused rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its raw energy and powerful vocals making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Smoke From a Distant Fire” is a powerful and evocative song that captures the intense emotions of a romantic betrayal. Its driving rhythm and bluesy melodies make it a favorite of fans of classic rock, and its haunting lyrics and powerful vocals have made it a timeless classic of the genre.
“Africa” by Toto is a classic rock song that has become a beloved anthem for generations of music fans. The song features a distinctive intro with atmospheric synthesizers, followed by a driving drum beat and soaring vocals that are both powerful and emotive.
The lyrics are evocative and dreamy, describing a mystical vision of Africa that is both alluring and mysterious. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer yearning to return to this enchanted land and rediscover its magic.
The song is a classic example of the epic rock ballad, with its soaring melodies and evocative lyrics capturing the spirit of adventure and exploration. It has become an iconic part of the 1980s music scene, and its timeless appeal has made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
Overall, “Africa” is a classic rock masterpiece that has captured the imaginations of music fans around the world. Its powerful rhythms, emotive vocals, and dreamy lyrics make it a perfect song for those seeking to escape the mundane and discover the magic of the unknown.
“Sail On, Sailor” by The Beach Boys is a soulful and introspective rock song that features powerful vocals and soaring harmonies. The song opens with a bluesy piano riff and a driving drum beat, creating a mood of urgency and intensity that runs throughout the track.
The lyrics are introspective and contemplative, with the singer reflecting on the ups and downs of life and the need to keep moving forward despite the challenges. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the powerful harmonies capturing the sense of determination and resilience that is at the heart of the song.
The song is a classic example of the soul-infused rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its emotive vocals and bluesy melodies making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Sail On, Sailor” is a powerful and evocative song that captures the spirit of perseverance and determination. Its powerful harmonies and introspective lyrics make it a favorite of fans of classic rock, and its timeless appeal has made it a beloved classic of the genre.
“Still The One” by Orleans is a classic rock song that has become a beloved anthem for generations of music fans. The song features a catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo, creating a mood of joy and celebration that runs throughout the track.
The lyrics are heartfelt and romantic, with the singer proclaiming their enduring love for their partner and their joy at having stood the test of time. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer proudly declaring that their partner is still the one that they love after all these years.
The song is a classic example of the upbeat rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its catchy melodies and optimistic lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become an iconic part of the classic rock scene, and its timeless appeal has made it a favorite of fans of all ages.
Overall, “Still The One” is a classic rock masterpiece that captures the enduring spirit of true love. Its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect song for those seeking to celebrate the joys of a long-lasting relationship, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Sara Smile” by Daryl Hall & John Oates is a classic soulful rock song that features smooth vocals, a catchy melody, and emotive lyrics. The song begins with a mellow piano and guitar intro, setting the mood for the introspective lyrics that follow.
The lyrics are poetic and romantic, with the singer expressing his love and admiration for his partner, Sara. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer crooning that he will always be there to comfort and support Sara whenever she needs him.
The song is a classic example of the soulful rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its smooth vocals and emotive melodies making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Sara Smile” is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of love and devotion. Its smooth rhythms, emotive lyrics, and catchy melody make it a perfect song for those seeking to express their love and appreciation for their partners, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Crazy Love” by Poco is a classic rock ballad that features heartfelt vocals, tender melodies, and emotive lyrics. The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff and soft percussion, creating a mellow and romantic atmosphere that runs throughout the track.
The lyrics are poetic and romantic, with the singer expressing his deep and abiding love for his partner. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer proclaiming that his love is crazy, but it’s the only thing that keeps him sane.
The song is a classic example of the soulful ballads that were popular in the 1970s, with its tender melodies and emotive vocals making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Crazy Love” is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of romantic love. Its gentle rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and emotive melodies make it a perfect song for those seeking to express their deepest feelings of love and devotion, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck is a classic rock song that features a catchy and upbeat melody, with an iconic xylophone riff that runs throughout the track. The song opens with a percussive intro, setting the tone for the lively and joyful mood that follows.
The lyrics are playful and romantic, with the singer expressing his excitement and passion for his partner. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer proclaiming that the moonlight feels right when he’s with his lover, and that he’s never felt this way before.
The song is a classic example of the upbeat rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its catchy melodies and optimistic lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Moonlight Feels Right” is a fun and uplifting classic rock song that captures the joy and excitement of love. Its catchy rhythms, playful lyrics, and upbeat melody make it a perfect song for those seeking to celebrate the joy of a new relationship, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Escape” by Rupert Holmes, also known as “The Piña Colada Song,” is a classic pop song that features a catchy melody and whimsical lyrics. The song opens with a bouncy keyboard riff, setting the tone for the lighthearted and playful mood that follows.
The lyrics are playful and romantic, with the singer expressing his boredom and dissatisfaction with his current relationship, and his desire to find someone new. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer proclaiming that he wants to escape with someone who shares his love of piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.
The song is a classic example of the upbeat pop that was popular in the 1970s, with its catchy melodies and tongue-in-cheek lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of pop music, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Escape” is a fun and playful pop song that captures the whimsy and humor of love. Its catchy rhythms, clever lyrics, and upbeat melody make it a perfect song for those seeking to enjoy a lighthearted and carefree moment, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“This is It” by Kenny Loggins is a classic rock song that features a powerful and soulful melody, with strong vocals and emotive lyrics. The song opens with a grandiose and cinematic intro, setting the tone for the epic and uplifting mood that follows.
The lyrics are inspirational and hopeful, with the singer encouraging his listeners to seize the day and make the most of their lives. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer proclaiming that “this is it” – the moment when they have to take charge and make a difference.
The song is a classic example of the uplifting and motivational rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its soaring melodies and inspirational lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “This is It” is an inspiring and powerful rock anthem that captures the spirit of seizing the moment and making the most of one’s life. Its grandiose melodies, emotive lyrics, and powerful vocals make it a perfect song for those seeking to feel uplifted and motivated, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Hey Nineteen” by Steely Dan is a classic rock song that features a smooth and jazzy melody, with sophisticated instrumentation and poetic lyrics. The song opens with a sultry guitar riff, setting the tone for the suave and sophisticated mood that follows.
The lyrics are poetic and reflective, with the singer reminiscing about his younger days and the passage of time. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the singer addressing a younger woman and marveling at the age difference between them, wondering if she even knows who Aretha Franklin is.
The song is a classic example of the sophisticated and jazzy rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its smooth melodies and poetic lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Hey Nineteen” is a suave and reflective rock song that captures the nostalgia and bittersweetness of growing older. Its jazzy instrumentation, poetic lyrics, and smooth melodies make it a perfect song for those seeking to reflect on the passage of time and the changing nature of relationships, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
“Lonely Boy” by Andrew Gold is a classic rock song that features a catchy and upbeat melody, with memorable hooks and lyrics that are both playful and poignant. The song opens with a bouncy piano riff, setting the tone for the lighthearted and cheerful mood that follows.
The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is trying to find his place in the world, with his struggles and loneliness reflected in the catchy chorus that has become one of the song’s most memorable hooks. The song is characterized by Gold’s distinct and emotive vocals, which convey a sense of both vulnerability and resilience.
“Lonely Boy” is a classic example of the upbeat and hook-laden rock that was popular in the 1970s, with its infectious melody and memorable lyrics making it a standout of the era. It has become a beloved classic of classic rock, and remains a favorite of fans of that genre.
Overall, “Lonely Boy” is a playful and poignant rock song that captures the struggles and aspirations of youth. Its catchy melody, memorable hooks, and emotive vocals make it a perfect song for those seeking to embrace their inner loner and find the strength to keep going, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
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Often dissed as slick, overly-produced music made by white men in the '70s, Yacht Rock actually resulted in some amazing pop music beyond Christopher Cross' "Sailing." Here are tracks that define the genre's rich, jazzy textures and irresistible melodies.
12 Songs, 1 hour, 1 minute
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Published April 28, 2023
Yacht rock is a subgenre of soft rock. It became prevalent in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and while it’s no longer as popular now, it still continues to be loved by fans today.
It’s best known for the jazzy arrangements, sophisticated harmonies, and lyrics that would often encapsulate the laid-back lifestyle of yacht owners. Needless to say, yacht rock targets a specific niche, and even those outside of that niche can enjoy the songs the genre offers.
If that sounds like you, then you’re in luck. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best yacht rock songs of all time, from deep cuts to classics that came out from 1972 to 1990.
While yacht rock is often associated with the late 1970s and early 1980s, there have been some recent songs that were able to capture the yacht rock vibe or sound. They’re now quite popular among fans of this genre. Here’s a yacht rock songs list of these songs:
Yacht rock has proven to be a timeless genre that has, for decades, captured the hearts of not only yacht enjoyers and owners, but also music lovers in general. Whether you’re a newcomer to yacht rock or a long-time enthusiast of the genre, the top yacht rock songs in this list will offer a glimpse into the melodic, smooth sound that defines the yacht genre.
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Yacht Rock has nice, summery feel to warm the winter months
KESTRA ENGSTROM
Joey counts down his top ten songs in the niche sub-genre Yacht Rock.
JOEY FRANKLIN November 10, 2022
This list will be slightly different from the rest of my Top 10s, examining a sub-genre of music rather than an artist’s band’s catalog. Like always, I will try to keep this list fairly fresh and try to not include songs that I have already touched on in previous articles.
Yacht Rock is loosely defined as an easy-listening genre of music, songs that would work well out on a boat on a nice summer night. While this article might not be super timely with the incoming snow, we can all turn on the fireplace and place some nice Yacht Rock to remind us of the summer months.
JD Souther wrote songs with the Eagles in the 70s, and this song has been more popularly covered by the legendary band, but I really like Souther’s version of the song. It’s nice and laidback and paints a pretty fun picture
This is a much lesser-known song by The Beach Boys, but it is a really fun song, telling the story of a captain at sea and all the strife and struggles he has to go through. It is chock full of those classic Beach Boys harmonies that made the band famous.
This song is some classic Yacht Rock. It is a very stripped-down song, with a few guitar parts, vocals and a very simple drum track.
The guitar riff on this song is awesome and actually sounds almost identical to John Mayer’s “All I Want Is To Be With You” (Mayer’s song came out much later than Exile’s song).
“Lido whoaaaaaa … ” This song is a classic about a man named Lido robbing a bank, but it is just about the most fun you can have listening to a song about a bank robbery. The groove is just impeccable.
This is a pretty iconic song, starting out with the piano before the legendary Chicago horn section comes in. It is about somebody observing a park on the Fourth of July, and overall is really a wholesome, feel-good song.
5 “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross
What would you do if you got caught between the moon and New York City? Christopher Cross offers a pretty simple solution in this song: fall in love.
This is a stereotypical Yacht Rock song, heavy on the horn section while telling a story about love.
This song evokes the feeling of sitting on a beach during the summer and just taking it easy. Another Yacht song about love, it tells a story that is a very relaxing listen everyone should hear.
This song features some really cool percussion, like a marimba or glockenspiel, which adds a fun tropical feel. It is a romantic song about hanging out with someone special under the moonlight.
From the same artist as the legendary “Baker Street,” this song is one of the best that Yacht Rock has to offer, with a sultry guitar floating around the back of the song.
“Right Down the Line” epitomizes the term “easy listening — ” it is nice and calm. It is a really sweet song about confessing your love for someone.
This song is about rekindling a love from the past, starting with a simple phone call to somebody that you have not talked to in a while, and seeing if they would want to get together and take a walk in a park or a drive on the beach. It also has the single coolest lyric in music history: “There’s a warm wind blowing the stars around.”
Joey Franklin is a junior majoring in communications from Fairwood, Washington.
This story was originally published on June 26, 2015
I n the late 1970s and early 1980s, musical artists like Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Toto, Hall and Oates, and dozens of others regularly popped up on each other’s records, creating a golden era of smooth-music collaboration.
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And on June 26th, 2005, an internet phenomenon was born. In 12 short but memorable episodes — first via the the short-film series Channel 101 and then online — JD Ryznar, Hunter Stair, Dave Lyons, Lane Farnham and their friends redefined an era and coined a term for the sultry croonings of McDonald, Fagen, et al.: “yacht rock.”
As “Hollywood” Steve might say, these guys docked a fleet of remarkable hits. This is the story of Yacht Rock, told from stem to stern — a reimagining of a bygone soft-rock renaissance, courtesy of hipsters with fake mustaches, impeccable record collections and a love of smoothness. Long may it sail.
The Michigan Connection JD Ryznar (Director, “Michael McDonald”): I moved from Ann Arbor to L.A., and ended up making friends with all these other guys from Michigan, like “Hollywood” Steve Huey, Hunter Stair, and David Lyons. Pretty much every weekend I’d have “Chinese Thanksgiving” at my apartment — we’d eat BBQ chicken and burgers, drink beer and listen to records of what I called “yacht rock.” You know, like Michael McDonald is singing background vocals and like there’s guys on boats on the covers; it feels like you’re on a yacht listening to it. And the guys were like, oh, we know this music.
Dave Lyons (“Koko”): You know how, in the Seventies, these big bands started playing arena rock? We liked the idea of these smooth bands playing “Marina Rock.” I thought it was a better name.
“Hollywood” Steve Huey (“Hollywood Steve”): What I mostly remember is JD playing Journey records all the time. He was so into Journey that he had photocopied a photo of Steve Perry and pasted it onto his liquid soap dispenser. He wrote “Steve Perry Soap: Clean as all fuck” on it.
Lane Farnham (editor, “Jimmy Messina”): JD and I had talked about Journey for a year before we did Yacht Rock. In the third episode, that whole “you need to fly like a pilot” bit? Those are direct lines from Steve Perry in this crazy documentary we found. He’s coked to the gills, in the Eighties, just blabbering about who knows what. We got a kick out of that stuff.
Ryznar: My musical tastes are not that interesting, and they never were.
Huey: I turned 30 right before we started doing the series, and I thought, well, this is a nice round number. What do 30-year-olds do? I feel like it’s time I get into Steely Dan. I bought most of the catalogue and was like, This is my new identity. I’m gonna unwind, start listening to Steely Dan, and leave parties early.
Channel 101 Hunter Stair (“Kenny Loggins”): At the time, JD had helped me get a job at a production company, and he asked if I wanted to shoot this thing they were doing for something called Channel 101. I didn’t know anything about it, but I saw that it was started by Dan Harmon and Rob Schrab — who I knew because I had a copy of Heat Vision and Jack [the failed 1999 pilot they wrote that became a huge underground hit, directed by Ben Stiller and starring Jack Black ]. So I was super pumped.
Ryznar : It was a cool scene at the time: Justin Roiland had [Channel 101 series] House of Cosbys, Dan Harmon had Laser Fart. Our friends Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph, who would go on to play Hall and Oates, they had a show about a regular guy who got angry, and turned into a smaller, shirtless weaker guy who didn’t turn green or anything.
Drew Hancock (“Oates”): That was called “Man to Man: Metamorphosis Ultra.” It was the lowest stakes Incredible Hulk show you could possibly have.
Justin Roiland (co-creator of Rick & Morty and House of Cosbys, “Christopher Cross”): Every single month you’re making something, and then you’re testing it in front of a live audience. You see what works, what doesn’t work.
Ryznar : It was a January 2005 screening where we started the school of Channel 101, where you’re showing the stuff you made in front of 200, maybe 300 people. And then they put it on the “internet,” which was very hard to do back then. There was no “YouTube.” Listen to Old Man Ryznar here.
Farnham: JD and I would go down to the beach and play something called “smash ball” — there’s no rules to the game, so we’d just make them up. And he said, this is fucking hilarious, we should make a short film about this. So we got Hunter to direct SmashBoys — and it was funny.
Lyons: Two paddles and a ball that you hit back and forth on the beach. We turned it into a soap opera .
Stair : We started playing Kenny Loggins’ “Playing With the Boys” [from Top Gun ] on repeat as we drove a convertible around Playa del Rey. Just to get in the mood.
Ryznar : There were some Phil Collins music cues, I think. A lot of sports music from Eighties movies — “You’re the Best Around” and whatnot. We used a great Kenny Loggins song for the climax. It’s from Caddyshack II . . .
Stair : “Nobody’s Fool”! It ended up winning the Best Failed Pilot of that year; we lost by eight votes to the Lonely Island guys, who did “The ‘Bu.” They just stuck their middle fingers up at everybody and said, we didn’t make a show but we made a hilarious music video. That was the night I had the idea for Y acht Rock.
Christening the Ship Ryznar : Hunter and Dave Lyons came up with an idea for a show about a couple of jewel thieves who lived on a yacht and listened to that music.
Stair : That was actually called Steal Away.
Lyons: I believe Hunter and I were talking about a private eye detective team called Loggins & Loggins that lived on a houseboat and solved mysteries — like Simon & Simon.
Ryznar : I said: How about we play Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald as they co-write “What a Fool Believes” together? We had Stevie Nicks in there originally, for some reason. And then Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph said, we want to be Hall and Oates. I had gotten into the H&O song “Portable Radio” pretty hard. I needed to introduce it to the world. That was very important to me.
Stair : The seed of Koko the manager is . . . there’s a Doobie Brothers album that has a sweet looking manager dude on it. I remember sitting there with JD and being like, look how awesome this guy is.
Ryznar : Dave Lyons invented the Koko character while out drinking with Hunter one night. He just put on a bunch of garbage Seventies clothes he had around the house, and had a little stupid whistle around his neck. All these little touches — that’s what Dave is so great at.
Lyons: No, [Dan Harmon] wasn’t an immediate fan. That’s because he doesn’t get music. Just listen to the theme song for Community — it’s terrible. Dan looks at things differently than most people, and I don’t think he loves music the way we do. But he came around. He came to really enjoy it. [Harmon would eventually play record producer Ted Templeman in two episodes.]
Ryznar : We thought maybe people would get it, maybe they won’t. But we submitted it. At the prime time panel, everybody but Dan Harmon like it. I think that because he’d never heard of the guys, he didn’t realize how much that music had meant to other people. People knew who everybody was. That’s why we put Hollywood Steve in there to say, hey, this is the deal. Hollywood Steve was a friend and an actual music critic. If you look up a lot of Nineties rap albums on All Music Guide, chances are Hollywood Steve wrote the review.
Huey: I was a published music writer, and that lent me a voice of authority that I might not have otherwise had amongst a hardcore group of music nerds. “Oh this guy’s viewpoint has to be legitimate! He’s published.”
Steve Agee (“Steve Porcaro”): Channel 101 at that point in time was really known for people making videos kind of purposely shitty. So we couldn’t tell if it was made to look bad on purpose.
Hancock: When Wade and I saw the first episode, we were like, eh, this isn’t very good. We didn’t like it. I didn’t understand it. So when it had this meteoric response, I was very surprised.
Ryznar : So Yacht Rock got screened, we were very nervous, and it went over like gangbusters. Just bona fide love from beginning to end from the audience. And we got voted number one on our first try, which hadn’t been done too often on Channel 101.
Stair : It got the biggest laugh of the night. As soon as it was over, we knew we were in. We weren’t totally sure it was going to be number one, but we knew we’d be up there.
Ryznar : A lot of people wanted parts. People had ideas. So we got to work with people we wanted to work with. Before we even knew we were picked up for a second episode, Hunter came up to me and said, “Uh, just talking to Doug Benson. I told him he could play Peter Cetera in the next episode.”
Lyons: The thing about the Channel 101 screenings, they’re always at a place that serves lots of alcohol. And after we saw how well it went over, we’re all drinking at the bar; Dan Harmon is doing a show with Sarah Silverman [ The Sarah Silverman Program ] at the time, and Doug was there with her. Yes, Hunter promised him the role of Peter Cetera. Which is great casting.
Episode Two: The Songwriting Contest In the second episode, Hall and Oates challenge Loggins and Messina to songwriting contest. It ends with the creation of some of the greatest smooth music ever.
Ryznar : I mean, imagine if you saw Hall and Oates where Oates, with all that hair and the mustache, was the top, and Hall was the bottom? They were sort of the opposite of the smooth California scene. So they sort of made the perfect antagonists.
Huey: The only reason they were picked as antagonists is because they’re from Philadelphia, which is a mean place.
Hancock: The wigs we got from our friend Willy, who just happened to have two of the most perfect wigs ever.
Wade Randolph (“Daryl Hall”): The Hall wig is named the De Carlo. I don’t know why.
Hancock: I remember for the mustache, I think I tried a regular handlebar mustache but it just wasn’t thick enough. So I just ended up taking a lock of the wig and fashioning a mustache out of that.
Stair : And Justin Roiland coming in, doing “Sailing.” The way the whole thing flowed, it’s so fast and perfect. I think that was Yacht Rock ‘s the finest hour.
Roiland: JD asked me, would you play Christopher Cross? I’d never heard “Sailing” before, believe it or not. I remember the first few listens going I don’t get the appeal of this fucking song. It’s an acquired taste.
Huey: We didn’t quite know what we had at that point, and so you kind of had to establish the value system. Smoothness is the main value in this world. The second episode, when that screened for the live audience, I’ve never seen a Channel 101 audience go that apeshit for anything. I remember walking out of the screening going, we’re rock stars! Granted, it’s only this one room, with like 300 people in it, but in that one room of 300 people, I think we might be rock stars.
Koko Makes His Final Voyage Lyons: As soon as we got in for the first one, JD called me and said here’s the idea for the second one: I’m gonna kill off Koko. Well, thanks a pantload, JD. He’s like, no it’ll be great. You’ll come back later as a ghost or something.
Stair : So JD wanted this guy Koko to have this totem at this fight; I suggested a trident, since it’s more nautical. But Anchorman had come out, and they had the fight scene with the trident. We still needed something, so we settled on a harpoon.
Lyons: In the second one, I’m supposed to get run through with my own harpoon. And Hunter showed up with a child’s little trident, taped to the handle of a barbecue fork. I was like Hunter, we can do better than this. So my roommates had a woodshop in the backyard; I went out there and drilled some holes, made some dowel rods, and wrapped the handle in rope. When I showed up with it, everyone said holy shit — you made a fucking harpoon, dude! It also split in the middle, so you could run it through someone. And that episode elevated Koko to this mythic level that nobody expected, least of all me.
Stair : You can’t kill Loggins. You can’t kill McDonald. These are real people. Koko had to die.
Lyons: My thought is that Koko fell on his own harpoon and martyred himself. I like to think that Koko was the Jesus Christ of Yacht Rock. [ Pause ] That’s going to sound arrogant. How about: Koko died to deliver smooth music to the rest of the musicians.
Huey: I don’t think it was ever decided who killed Koko until the very end. The important thing is, like Jesus, he died for a cause. Which, in this case, was smooth music. But you know what’s gonna happen if you’re in the middle of a melée with a bunch of guys from the mean streets of Philadelphia. You’re going to die of a harpoon injury. That’s why they call it the city of harpoon murders.
Randolph: I always assumed it was Oates.
Wyatt Cenac (“James Ingram”): Who killed Koko? You know, very good question. If I had to go with anybody… I’d say maybe Loggins and McDonald together. That’s the secret twist. I think they’d been slowly poisoning him for years, and the harpoon was just to throw people of their scent.
Ryznar : I don’t know. Is Tony Soprano dead? Hollywood Steve took the “Koko” answer to his grave.
Stair : I would never name names. Only Hollywood Steve knows for sure, and someone would have to give him big Hollywood dollars to spill.
Any Port in a Storm After 10 stellar installments, including a guest appearance by “Cleveland” Drew Carey , a case for Jethro Tull (the 18th century farmer, not the band) to be considered smooth and a primer on how Michael McDonald influenced Nineties G-Funk , Yacht Rock was canceled by Channel 101 after “FM” — about a gang war between the Eagles and Steely Dan. But help was on the horizon.
Ryznar : The record at the time was 12. We really wanted to beat it — but we didn’t. There might have been Yacht Rock fatigue in the audience.
Lyons: It’s not one of my favorites. I’m not a fan of the Eagles, and not a lot of people get Steely Dan.
Huey: Some people come back to Channel 101 month after month after month. But you always get some new people in there who don’t know what’s going on. You cross your fingers that general audience goodwill is enough to get you by this month. Unfortunately, in this case, it wasn’t.
Ryznar : It was heartbreaking, man. Because the great thing about Channel 101 is, you can feel when the audience isn’t into it. And the audience was not into this. I knew the 101 days were over as soon as the screening was done.
Stair : Nowadays, things have two- or three-year runs at Channel 101. Back then, 10 episodes was a lot.
Ryznar : Not even two weeks after we were canceled, I got an email from someone who booked a bar in Chicago — The Empty Bottle — and wanted to screen all the Yacht Rocks. I forget if they flew us out or if we just happened to be there, but we screened all the episodes back to back. There was a line down the block; the place was filled to capacity. People were quoting lines.
Huey: The show had started to go viral. Working lower level jobs in reality television, and then walking into a bar and being the most famous person in that room didn’t match up with my everyday experience at all.
Cast Off . . . Again After successfully touring the country, JD & co. starting making new episodes, beginning with Footloose. Featuring the likes of Jason Lee and Wyatt Cenac, it tells the story of how Loggins being kidnapped by Jimmy Buffett led to one of the Eighties’ most rockin’ soundtracks.
Huey: Yeah I was really excited to get back into it, because I didn’t really have too much else going on at that point. Let’s do that thing that made me semi-famous again!
Ryznar : We did the Footloose episode. And it turned out even better than I could have imagined. It was nice, since we weren’t limited to five minutes, even though we tried to keep it close: one of the keys to Yacht Rock is jamming everything into five minutes. I had done some work with Jason Lee, who would quote lines every time I saw him. So I asked if he’d play Kevin Bacon, and he was throwing chairs around.
Lyons: We kept talking about the stories that we never got to tell, one of them being Footloose. And I hate Jimmy Buffett ‘s music; I think it’s a soundtrack to date rape. I think it’s garbage music for people who have no interest in listening to anything good.
Ryznar : We portrayed parrotheads being brainwashed idiots. You kind of have to be if you’re into Jimmy Buffett. Or just want to be so tuned out of life, that like hey, whatever — kick back with flip flops, drink some margs, listen to some sweet Jimmy Buffett music and let him paint a rosy picture of a reality that does not exist.
Lyons: I always like that artists like Bertie Higgins, Rupert Holmes and Andy Kim have an authentic longing in their music. Buffett is a rich dude getting richer off of the lack of taste of the poor and stupid. He represents the lowest common denominator in music, even worse than country singers profiting off of 9/11. To summarize: I’m not really a fan.
Ryznar : You might be able to argue that Jimmy Buffett music is about escaping from a dark place, but there’s no soul in there. So we just wanted to make him an absolute idiot. Our good friend Vatche Panos, who is super funny, really hit a home run with that one.
Cenac: I remember when we were shooting that, I had no idea there was a song called “Cheeseburgers in Paradise.” Much less that people actually listened to it and liked it.
Ryznar : I hope he doesn’t mind me telling this story, but Wyatt Cenac had just auditioned for The Daily Show , and he was flat broke.
Cenac: Yeah, I was definitely very broke. That isn’t why I did it. I did enjoy it. But there was also a part of being broke where you’ll do anything.
Ryznar : And then a month later, he becomes Wyatt Cenac, the international sensation.
Cenac: Do I want to say that Yacht Rock was the thing that changed my life? Someone can say it. You can find someone to connect the dots and make that leap on the Internet.
Huey : We did one more, and I didn’t feel like the last episode came together as well as it could have for whatever reason. I think Footloose was a more cohesive episode. Also the original idea for the finale was Gene Balboa was going to kidnap all these people from the “We Are the World” session , take them to an island, and force them to write soundtrack hits for him. Anyone who tried to escape would get hunted down like in The Most Dangerous Game.
Ryznar : That was a hard one to write — the space battle, Hall and Oates shooting lasers, Loggins starting his soundtrack phase. I’m proud of killing off Hollywood Steve and making it a pain drug-induced hallucination. I think that let us go nuts with it. The “We Are the World” part was a fun shoot. You just look around and go, wow, I know so many talented people that are bringing so much to this thing.
Stair : The Hollywood Steve “character” was on morphine, not Huey. Well, he might have been on morphine, I don’t know. That’d be an awesome salacious story about Yacht Rock. Just write that, it’s even better.
Huey : When I was using, it did get increasingly harder to tell where the character stopped and I began. Once you’ve been on VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the Nineties,” the public expects you to maintain a certain image, and I guess I got caught up in a myth. [ Pause ] I’m kidding. But I did murder a homeless woman. Just to see what it felt like.
Farnham: One of my favorite moments of all of Yacht Rock is when Giorgio Moroder is whispering into Kenny Loggins’ ear about “the Danger Zone.” I love that. It’s such a good moment.
Ryznar : Loggins going soundtrack is kind of like the end of Yacht Rock. If “Sailing” is one of the greatest yacht-rock songs ever, and that’s in Episode Two, it’s all death from then on. “Danger Zone” — there’s just nothing smooth about that song at all. By 1985, Michael McDonald had released his last great album. The Doobie Brothers were done. Toto didn’t have any more good songs in them. Steely Dan was broken up. It was over.
How did the actual musical artists react to their portrayal in the show? John Oates (speaking to the Seattle Weekly in 2007): “I think Yacht Rock was the beginning of this whole Hall & Oates resurrection. They were the first ones to start to parody us and put us out there again, and a lot of things have happened because of Yacht Rock. “
Ryznar : People actually contacted me and wanted to see if I wanted tickets to [their] shows at the Hollywood Bowl. We went backstage and met Hall and Oates. There’s a picture out there somewhere of Drew Hancock and Wade Randolph with Hall and Oates — and it’s awesome.
Randolph: I don’t know who contacted who, but Oates had seen the show and was apparently a fan of it. Hall didn’t give a fuck about us at all. He was just like whatever.
Hancock: Oates actually understood what we were doing. First of all, he’s the shortest dude on the planet. I’m 5’8, and he looked at me and said, man you’re way too tall to play me. I think he’s 5’4 and had thick heels on too.
Cenac: Oates is the unsung hero in that group. The moment he decides to turn the jets on, watch out.
Lyons: The only negative thing I’ve ever heard from any of the actual people we’ve portrayed was that Kenny Loggins wasn’t a huge fan. My wife met him once, and said my husband played Koko in Yacht Rock. He just got all, huh. Not mean, not nasty. Just: Huh.
Stair : I’m not sure Loggins liked it, [but] I know his son did. A lot of the kids of the guys in the show like. You know, some serious artists. Michael McDonald, I’m pretty sure he liked it.
“I met Steve Porcaro at a book-release party, and he asked, ‘Do you guys hate us?’ We’re writing a love letter to this music and we meant no ill will toward anybody. Except for Jimmy Buffett.”
Michael McDonald (speaking to Time Out New York in 2008): “I thought Yacht Rock was hilarious. And uncannily, you know, those things always have a little bit of truth to them. It’s kind of like when you get a letter from a stalker who’s never met you. They somehow hit on something, and you have to admit they’re pretty intuitive.”
Lyons: Did JD tell you the story of when we went to see Steely Dan? We got contacted by somebody in their camp, I don’t remember who, but they gave us four or five tickets to see them in Irvine. We were in the third or fourth row, and Michael McDonald was the opening act. Those guys got recognized at the concert. Later, when Michael McDonald came out to perform with Steely Dan, they were all wearing captain’s hats. They were singing the song “Showbiz Kids”: “Showbiz kids, showbiz kids making movies themselves/Showbiz kids, don’t give a fuck about anybody else.” And during that line they threw their hats on the ground and stomped on them. We just looked at each other and went, oh my god, they know who we are.
Agee: About a year ago, I was at Largo, and one of the guys that works there is married to Steve Porcaro’s daughter. He was like, yeah, Steve is actually here tonight; he loves Yacht Rock, and said he wanted to meet me. I cut out early because I was honestly too nervous.
Stair : I met Steve Porcaro at a book-release party, and he kind of pulled me aside and asked, “Do you guys hate us?” And I was like, oh no, I hope that’s not the impression we gave anybody. We’re writing a love letter to this music and we meant no ill will toward anybody. Except for Jimmy Buffett.
Farnham: I actually worked with an editor who was good friends with the Toto folks, and they said it’s uncanny how close some of these stories are. Apparently there’s a lot more truth than we know.
Agee: So I can see how bands would be like, oh, they’re making fun of us. But I’ve known JD for awhile now, and I know for a fact that he loves that music. I don’t think someone who hated what’s now called yacht rock . . they wouldn’t spend so much time making videos about it.
Stair : The way I always looked at Yacht Rock was that we kind of did what the Blues Brothers did. We took the music that we really loved that we weren’t really part of, and reintroduced it to our own generation a little bit. The one thing that I hope we got across is that the music is really good, and that we were huge fans of it. The whole reason we did the show is because we loved it.
Lyons: I felt we always treated the music lovingly. It was always treated with respect; what we were trying to make fun of was all these guys hanging out and the ridiculous things they were into. I heard a story that Kenny Loggins got married in the nude. I don’t know if it’s true or not. But that’s the kind of late Seventies/early Eighties Southern California horse shit that is so delightful about Yacht Rock. Like wanting to find out what your root chakra is. That’s what’s funny about it. [ Pause ] I mean of course Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry are going to be into karate!
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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 ...
69 Yacht Rock Songs About Love · Playlist · 69 songs · 5 likes. 69 Yacht Rock Songs About Love · Playlist · 69 songs · 5 likes. Home; Search; Your Library. Create your first playlist It's easy, we'll help you. Create playlist. Let's find some podcasts to follow We'll keep you updated on new episodes. Browse podcasts.
5. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes. The second tune in our top ten that found its way onto one of the three Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks—as well as its original LP release—comes from yacht rock icon Rupert Holmes. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) tells a story that feels more comical today than it might have in the ...
The song hit the Top 10, and endured not just through its inclusion on yacht rock stations and playlists, but also from being sampled often, most notably by Tupac Shakur on his 1998 song "Do for ...
England Dan and John Cord Foley - 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight'. England Dan & John Ford Coley - I'd Really Love To See You Tonight.avi. A big hit for this duo in 1976, it showcases the very best of the sock rock/AOR/yacht rock sound that the 1970s could offer.
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.
Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes. The hit song 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)' is a must for any yacht rock playlist. Rupert Holmes originally titled the tune 'People Need Other People,' and if you listen closely to the lyrics, they paint the picture of a couple in turmoil despite its cheery melody.
THE 101 GREATEST YACHT ROCK SONGS! 101. NOTHIN' YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT [Airplay; 1980; Chart Position on the Billboard Hot 100: N/A] ... Paul Davis' ultimate love song, even stronger than his iconic ...
Playlist · Yacht Rock - 100 Best Ever - Top Yacht Rock Songs · 114 items · 2.4K likes.
Shakespeare said, "The course of true love never did run smooth." Well, maybe not. But fortunately the MUSIC of true love is a different matter. Especially w...
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 1986 blue-eyed soul song "Higher Love" by English singer Steve Winwood checks a lot of yacht rock boxes even though it came out after the genre's golden era. The number-one song featuring backing vocals by Chaka Khan gave aging boomers a much-needed dose of nostalgia during the MTV era.
As a reminder: Yacht Rock is a style of music commonly classified as soft rock from the 70s to the mid-80s. You will hear everything from smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, and disco. You can play songs that are the pure definition of yacht rock by artists and musicians like Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and Kenny Loggins. However, you will also find a few Nyacht songs (songs that have ...
Here's my Top 24 Yacht Rock Songs. 24. England Dan and John Ford Coley - I'd Really Love To See You Tonight. 23. Herb Alpert - Route 101. 22. Jay Ferguson - Thunder Island. 21. Boz Scaggs - JoJo.
Here is the story behind this yacht rock classic and the artist who put it together. Yacht Rock Essentials: "Right Down the Line," the Ultra-Smooth, Heartfelt Love Song by Gerry Rafferty ...
What is Yacht Rock? To begin with, it was a Web series created by J.D. Ryznar and Hunter D. Stair and hosted by Steve Huey. Ryznar and Huey are AllMusic/Rovi alumni. Each episode mocked and celebrated the soft sounds of the '70s, sending up the smooth likes of the Doobie Brothers, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Steely Dan, and Kenny Loggins.
Overall, "So Into You" is a timeless love song that captures the excitement and passion of new romance, and is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who hears it. 22. Sailing ...
Listen to the The Best Yacht Rock Songs (That Don't Suck) playlist by Rolling Stone on Apple Music. 12 Songs. Duration: 1 hour, 1 minute. ... Yacht Rock actually resulted in some amazing pop music beyond Christopher Cross' "Sailing." Here are tracks that define the genre's rich, jazzy textures and irresistible melodies. 12 Songs, 1 hour, 1 ...
Captain & Tennille's 1975 hit "Love Will Keep Us Together" is a quintessential Yacht Rock ballad celebrating love's power. The song's upbeat tempo, irresistible hook, and Daryl Dragon ...
Here's a yacht rock songs list of these songs: "This Love" by Taylor Swift (2014) "On the Rocks" by The Last Shadow Puppets (2016) "Too Late" by Washed Out (2017) "If You Want It" by Slightly Stoopid (2018) "Feels Like Summer" by Childish Gambino (2018) "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (2018)
They use an objectively hard-scientific means to determine this, called the Yachtskie Scale. Anything 50 points and above on the Yachtskie Scale is Certified Yacht Rock. Anything 49.9 and below, is Nyacht. Sirius/XM saw the rising cult popularity of the comedic shorts. So, they started a station around 10-12 years ago called Yacht Rock Radio.
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...
Christopher Cross offers a pretty simple solution in this song: fall in love. This is a stereotypical Yacht Rock song, heavy on the horn section while telling a story about love. "Southern Cross" by Crosby, Stills & Nash. This song evokes the feeling of sitting on a beach during the summer and just taking it easy.
Dave "Koko" Lyons, center, and Hunter "Messina" Stair regale some young women with tales of smooth-music adventures in 'Yacht Rock.' The viral Internet series celebrates its 10th anniversary.