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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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Yacht rock song list, yachty by nature song list…, we are adding new tunes all the time so feel free to send us a message if you’d like to request a song in fact, here’s a look at us in action on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ozpc561dlcm, song artist, africa toto, ain’t nobody chaka khan, all night long lionel richie, baby come back player, baker street gerry rafferty, biggest part of me ambrosia, brandy looking glass, careless whisper wham, come and get your love redbone, come sail away styx, cool change paul davis, dancing queen abba, don’t go breakin’ my heart elton john/kiki dee, do ya think i’m sexy rod stewart, dreams fleetwood mac, easy commodores, easy lover phil collins/philip bailey, escape (the piña colada song) rupert holmes, fm steely dan, footloose kenny loggins, georgy porgy toto, get down on it kool & the gang, give me the night george benson, good times chic, got to be real cheryl lynn, grease frankie valli, greatest american hero joey scarbury, heart to heart kenny loggins, help is on its way little river band, he’s so shy pointer sisters, hold the line toto, hooked on a feeling blue swede, how long ace, i can’t go for that hall and oates, i keep forgettin’ / regulate michael mcdonald / warren g, i’d really love to see you tonight england dan and john ford coley, in the air tonight phil collins, islands in the stream bee gees, jessie’s girl rick springfield, josie steely dan, jive talkin’ bee gees, just the two of us grover washington, kiss on my list hall and oates, kiss you all over exile, last christmas wham, lido shuffle boz scaggs, lotta love nicolette larson, love will find a way pablo cruise, love will keep us together captain & tennille, lovely day bill withers, lowdown boz scaggs, magic olivia newton john, maneater hall and oates, margaritaville jimmy buffett, more than a woman bee gees, my life billy joel, night fever bee gees, oh what a night (december, 1963) franki valli, one of these nights eagles, peg steely dan, physical olivia newton john, reelin’ in the years steely dan, reminiscing little river band, ride captain ride blues image limited, ride like the wind christopher cross, rock with you michael jackson, rosanna toto, sailing christopher cross, sexy eyes dr. hook, shadow dancing andy gibb, she’s gone hall and oates, silly love songs mccartney & wings, smoke from a distant fire sanford townsend band, smooth operator sade, so into you atlanta rhythm section, somebody’s baby jackson browne, steal away robbie dupree, still the one orleans, summer breeze seals and crofts, takin’ it to the streets doobie brothers, the joker / angel steve miller band, this is it kenny loggins, thunder island jay ferguson, turn your love around george benson, what a fool believes michael mcdonald, whatcha gonna do pablo cruise, you can call me al paul simon, you make me feel like dancing leo sayer, you make my dreams come true hall and oates, you’re so vain carly simon, you’re the only woman ambrosia.
#yachtrocksongs #whatisyachtrock #yachtrock #yachtrockband #yachtybynature
OMG….I’m fan-girling my ass off Carl. Can’t wait til 4/27 at Back Bay
YES!!!! I love it! Stoked you can make it!!!!
You guys are awesome. Thanks Tommy for sharing.
Thanks so much Michelle, you rock! Hope to see you soon 🙂
Please play wild fire. Or lineal Richie ssiling
Two of our faves!!!!!!! We are on it!!!!!
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Captain Carl (949) 510-3264 [email protected]
by Jim Beviglia July 6, 2024, 6:38 am
The finest songs can come from the humblest of sources. In the case of “Reminiscing,” it was a chord newly taught to Little River Band member Graeham Goble that did the trick. That simple springboard led to one of the defining songs of yacht rock.
What is the song about? What inspired the lyrics? And how did Goble’s persistence help push the song across the finish line? Let’s do some “Reminiscing” of our own and find out all about this classic.
Little River Band were one of many groups peddling soft-rock grooves and smooth vocal harmonies on American radio in the mid-1970s, although they stood out somewhat in that they hailed from Australia. They made steady progression on the U.S. charts, including a Top-20 hit in 1977 with “Help is on the Way.”
The song that would launch them higher into the stratosphere started off when lead guitarist David Briggs showed Graeham Goble, who was one of the band’s chief songwriters, a C9 chord shape on the guitar. Goble went home and started fooling around with the chord, and in less than an hour, he had composed the words and lyrics to “Reminiscing.”
Goble sprinkles the lyrics with references to a much earlier time in music, putting the date the events of the song take place around 30 years or so before the release of “Reminiscing” on the 1978 Little River Band album Sleeper Catcher . In an interview with Goldmine , he explained why that era appealed to him:
“When I was growing up, the fantasy world I inhabited was the fantasy world of the black-and-white movies from 1940s and 1950s such as the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies and even the earlier movies of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, and of course, all the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein. And the big-band era, too, like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and the jazz guys like Count Basie. That was what I loved, and to me, it is still the best music ever written. I just love all of that.”
But “Reminiscing” still had to overcome some obstacles before it would become a massive hit (eventually No. 3). First, Goble had written the song thinking the Hurry, don’t be late section would be the middle eight. The band’s producer, John Boylan, made the key suggestion that that section, which featured the band’s trademark harmonies, should essentially be the chorus.
Another problem was the band couldn’t initially secure the keyboardist they wanted to play on the song. Two attempts at it were made with other players, and the results left the band unimpressed. When Peter Jones, the keyboardist they wanted, finally came available, several band members didn’t think it was worth it to try the song again. But Goble insisted, and Jones’ electric piano part was just what the doctor ordered.
Goble’s lyrics for “Reminiscing,” which get a soulful lead vocal from Glenn Shorrock, name-drop Cole Porter. That’s fitting, because the way the words trip lightly over the melody certainly recalls a Porter classic. It’s also clever how the first two verses make you think the events of the song just happened. It’s only at the end when Goble reveals that we’re dealing with a flashback: Older times we’re missing / Spending the hours reminiscing .
Up to that point, we think the couple in question is just looking ahead to the future: I said to myself when we’re old / We’ll go dancing in the dark / Walking through the park and reminiscing . The memory he’s recalling is the one where they spent a special night walking and dancing, and it cinched the deal they’d always be together: On the way back home / I promised you’d never be alone .
The song gave Little River Band serious momentum, and they’d build upon that to score a series of impressive soft-rock classic in the late ’70s and early ’80s. None of that might have happened if a new chord hadn’t started Graeham Goble down the road to “Reminiscing.”
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Yacht rock is a style of soft rock music that rose to prominence in the 1970s and early 1980s. Characterized by its laidback, smooth sound, yacht rock songs have become staples of classic radio playlists as well as modern-day streaming services.
This list highlights some of the genre’s most beloved tracks from artists like Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, and Michael McDonald.
Yacht rock is a style of soft rock music that reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Characterized by its laidback, smooth sound, yacht rock songs feature lush instrumentation, slick production, and often synthesizers or light funk rhythms. Lyrically, yacht rock tends to focus on themes of relaxation, romance, and escapism.
Popular artists associated with the genre include Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oates, and Michael McDonald.
Yacht rock has an enchanting, laidback quality that is both nostalgic and timeless. It evokes a sense of summertime relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The smooth sound and lighthearted lyrics provide a perfect soundtrack for cruising on the open water or lounging by the pool. The genre’s popularity has been further popularized in recent years through a successful podcast and the meme-ification of certain yacht rock songs.
“What a Fool Believes” is a classic yacht rock song by The Doobie Brothers that appeared on their 1978 album Minute by Minute. It was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1979. The song features a soulful vocal performance from McDonald, with tight harmonies from the backing band. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, Hammond organ licks, and an infectious chorus.
“What a Fool Believes” contains many of the quintessential elements of yacht rock. The song has a light funk groove, provided by the syncopated drums and bass line. It also features lush instrumentation, with a Hammond organ providing the main melody and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, featuring layered harmonies and a memorable chorus. Overall, the song conveys feelings of relaxation and escapism, providing the perfect musical backdrop for a leisurely cruise on the open water.
“What a Fool Believes” was an instant hit on release, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1979. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, becoming one of the most awarded yacht rock songs ever. The song has been praised for its smooth sound and timeless appeal; Rolling Stone called it “ a near-perfect piece of soft rock”. It has been covered by a variety of artists, including the Irish pop group The Corrs.
“Ride Like the Wind” is a classic yacht rock song by Christopher Cross, released as the lead single from his self-titled debut album in 1980. Written and produced by Cross, the song features lush instrumentation, a smooth vocal performance, and dreamy lyrics about escaping to a foreign land. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and has been covered by many artists, including country singer Clay Walker.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Ride Like the Wind” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. Cross’ vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of escapism and adventure. The overall mood is one of relaxation, perfect for a leisurely cruise on the open water.
“Ride Like the Wind” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and topping the charts in several countries. It earned Christopher Cross three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and dreamy lyrics; AllMusic called it “a stunningly beautiful piece of music.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Sailing” is a classic yacht rock song by Christopher Cross, released as the second single from his self-titled debut album in 1980. Written and produced by Cross, the song is an uplifting ode to escapism and freedom, with lyrics about sailing away on the open sea. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Sailing” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. Cross’ vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of esc apism and adventure. The overall mood is one of relaxation, perfect for a leisurely cruise on the open water.
“Sailing” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and topping the charts in several countries. It earned Christopher Cross three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and dreamy lyrics; Rolling Stone called it “a near-perfect piece of soft rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Rosanna” is a classic yacht rock song by Toto, released as the lead single from their 1982 album Toto IV. Written by David Paich and produced by Jeff Porcaro, the song is an ode to love and commitment, with lyrics about a woman named Rosanna. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Rosanna” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of love and devotion.
“Rosanna” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and topping the charts in several countries. It earned Toto three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and tender lyrics; AllMusic called it “a classic of modern soft rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Africa” is a classic yacht rock song by Toto, released as the third single from their 1982 album Toto IV. Written by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro and produced by the band, the song is an ode to exploration and adventure, with lyrics about a spiritual journey to Africa. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Africa” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of exploration and excitement.
“Africa” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and topping the charts in several countries. It earned Toto three Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal and Record of the Year. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and imaginative lyrics; Pitchfork called it “a perfect encapsulation of yacht rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Cool Change” is a classic yacht rock song by Little River Band, released as the lead single from their 1979 album First Under the Wire. Written by band member David Briggs and keyboardist Graeham Goble, the song is an ode to personal growth and transformation, with lyrics about leaving behind troubled times and embracing new beginnings. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Cool Change” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of hope and optimism.
“Cool Change” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It earned Little River Band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and uplifting lyrics; AllMusic called it “ a perfect example of yacht rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Summer Breeze” is a classic yacht rock song by Seals and Crofts, released as the second single from their 1972 album Summer Breeze. Written by band members Jim Seals and Dash Crofts, the song is an ode to relaxation and peacefulness, with lyrics about comfortable summer days. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Summer Breeze” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of contentment and relaxation.
“Summer Breeze” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It earned Seals and Crofts a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and peaceful lyrics; Rolling Stone called it “ a perfect encapsulation of yacht rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“Steal Away” is a classic yacht rock song by Robbie Dupree, released as the lead single from his 1980 album Street Corner Heroes. Written by Dupree and producer Arif Mardin, the song is an ode to freedom and escape, with lyrics about running away to find love and solace in a better place. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove, lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “Steal Away” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of hope and freedom.
“Steal Away” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It earned Robbie Dupree a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and uplifting lyrics; AllMusic called it “a perfect example of yacht rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
“How Long” is a classic yacht rock song by the British band Ace, released as the lead single from their 1975 album Five-A-Side. Written by band members Paul Carrack and Phil Harris, the song is an ode to patience and resilience, with lyrics about trying to find peace and solace in difficult times. Instrumentally, it features a light funk groove , lush string arrangements, and an infectious chorus.
Like many yacht rock songs, “How Long” features a light funk groove, provided by muted electric guitars and a steady drum beat. It also contains lush instrumentation, with sweeping strings and piano accompaniment. The vocal performance is smooth and soulful, with a memorable chorus that conveys feelings of hope and perseverance.
“How Long” was a massive hit on its release, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It earned Ace a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. The song has been praised for its lush instrumentation and uplifting lyrics; AllMusic called it “a perfect example of yacht rock.” It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Clay Walker, The Corrs, and Sade.
Yacht rock songs are considered some of the best music of the era for a variety of reasons. One key factor is their lush instrumentation, which creates an atmospheric soundscape that is both mellow and soothing. Additionally, these songs often feature uplifting lyrics about hope and resilience, making them great sources of inspiration and comfort. Finally, yacht rock artists have consistently demonstrated a commitment to craft smanship in their songwriting and production, resulting in timeless classics that can be enjoyed for years to come.
The enduring popularity of yacht rock music is largely due to its timeless sound. The combination of funk grooves, lush strings, and soulful vocals create a soundscape that evokes feelings of nostalgia and relaxation. Additionally, the lyrics often contain uplifting messages about finding peace in difficult times, making them especially comforting in uncertain moments. As a result, yacht rock songs have become staples on classic rock and easy listening radio stations, as well as popular music streaming services.
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Yacht Rock isn’t exactly a genre. It’s more a state of mind. It is the musical equivalent of a mid-afternoon mimosa nap in some nautical location—a cool breeze of lite-FM confection with the substance of a romance novel and the machismo of a Burt Reynolds mustache comb.
Yacht Rock is ‘70s soft schlock about boats, love affairs, and one-night stands.
Typified by artists like Christopher Cross, Rupert Holmes, and Pablo Cruise, Yacht Rock is not only easy to mock, but it’s also deserving of the abuse. There’s a sensitive 70s male brand of chauvinism that permeates this material—like somehow because you could schnarf an 8-ball of cocaine and sail a boat into the sunset, your indulgences and marital infidelity were actually kind of sexy. Cheap pickup lines and beardly come-ons abound.
And yet, this stuff is irresistible on a slow summer day. It reeks of sunshine and laziness, and couldn’t we all use a little of both?
These are the 25 Best Yacht Rock Songs, in order. Zero suspense. (Sorry if that’s less fun for you).
If you would like to learn more about Yacht Rock without getting a sailing license, read on…
So Yacht Rock refers to a type of soft rock, right? But there’s a ton of soft rock out there that doesn’t fit the bill. There’s no room on my boat for Barry Manilow. At the Copa? Sure. But not so much on my boat. So what makes a great yacht rock song exactly?
Ideally, one or more of these themes will be present:
These features pretty much capture everything that’s great about this milieu. But there’s also an important cheese factor at play here. While Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, CSN, and the Doobie Brothers all made songs that might qualify for inclusion here, the artists themselves are–let’s just say it–too good to be considered Yacht Rock.
We’ll make sure to include them in our deluxe playlist at the article’s conclusion.
But in order for a song to be considered for our list, it must be at least slightly embarrassing. Case in point, the top song on our list…
“The Pina Colada Song” is arguably the most perfect embodiment of yacht rock, fulfilling, as it does, all three of the qualifications cited above. Holmes sings about making love in the dunes, attempts to cheat on his wife, then ultimately, rediscovers that his “old lady” is actually the love he’s been searching for all along. That’s the holy trinity of Yacht Rock themes, all wrapped up in a breezy story of casual adultery. And at the turn of a new decade, listeners were feeling it. Released as a single in 1979, “Escape” stood at the top of the charts during the last week of the year. Falling to #2 in the new year, it returned to the top spot in the second week of 1980. This made it the first song to top the charts in two separate, consecutive decades. Fun fact: Rupert Holmes never drank a Pina Colada in his life. He just thought the lyric sounded right. Hard to argue that point.
Formed at Rutgers University in 1969, Looking Glass topped the charts in 1972 with the tale of a lovelorn barmaid in a harbor town haunted by lonely sailors. It would be the band’s only hit. Lead singer Elliot Lurie would go on to a brief solo career before becoming head of the music department for the 20th Century Fox movie studio in the ’80s and ’90s. That means he was the musical supervisor for the soundtrack to Night at the Roxbury . Do with that information what you will. And with respect to “Brandy,” see the film Guardians of the Galaxy 2 for Kurt Russell’s surprisingly detailed treatise on its lyrical genius.
The title track from the soft-rock duo’s breakout 1972 record, “Summer Breeze” is an incurable earworm, a bittersweet twilight dream that captures everything that’s right about Lite FM. From an album inhabited by Wrecking Crew vets and studio aces, “Summer Breeze” curls like smoke drifting lazily through an open window.
Toto singer David Paich had never been to Africa. The melody and refrain for this #1 hit from 1982 came to him fully formed as he watched a late night documentary about the plight of those living on the African continent. The lyrics touch on missionary work and describe the landscape as inspired by images from National Geographic , according to Paich’s own recollection. Putting aside its self-aware inauthenticity, “Africa” is an infectious, 8x platinum AOR monster.
Released in the summer of 1978 and reaching up to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Reminiscing” was guitarist Graeham Goble ‘s nostalgic take on the swing band era. Not only is it the only Australian song ever to reach five million radio plays in the U.S., but rumor is that it was among the late John Lennon’s favorite songs.
Recorded originally by a country-swamp rocker named Jeffrey Kurtz, Dobie’s 1973 cover became his biggest hit, reaching #5 on the charts. Though not explicitly nautical, “Drift Away” captures the distinct sensation of cruising at sunset.
Pablo Cruise may have the most “yachty” of all band names on our list. And “Love Will Find a Way” is sort of the musical equivalent of a ketch skipping along a glassy surface on a crisp summer dawn. Pablo Cruise was formed in San Francisco by expats from various mildly successful bands including Stoneground and It’s a Beautiful Day. And there is a certain slick professionalism to the proceedings here. Of course, Pablo Cruise was never a critic’s darling. Homer Simpson once accurately classified them as wuss rock. Still, they perfectly captured the white-folks-vacationing-in-the-Caribbean energy that was all the rage at the time. Love found a way to reach #6 on the Billboard charts, remaining in constant radio rotation during the red-hot summer of ’78.
Blues Image emerged from South Florida in the late ’60s and served as the house band for Miami’s vaunted Thee Image music venue upon its inception in 1968. This gave Blues Image the opportunity to open for ascendant headliners like Cream and the Grateful Dead. The association landed them a contract Atco Records. Their sophomore record Open yielded their one and only hit, a #4 in 1970 about a bunch of men who disappear into the mists of the San Francisco Bay in search of a hippie utopia.
This #3 hit from 1982 has nothing to do with sailing. But it’s infectiously smooth production sheen, layered synth, and dreamy vocals make it a perfect Lite FM gem–one cut from the stone that gave us yacht rock. The “Project” was actually a British duo–studio wizard Alan Parsons and singer Eric Woolfson. The title track from their sixth studio album is also their very best recording. It’s also often paired with the instrumental lead-in “Sirius,” a song famous in its own right for blaring over unnumbered sporting arena PA systems. If that tune doesn’t make you think of Michael Jordan, you probably didn’t live through the late 80s.
Marty Balin was a pioneer of the San Francisco scene, founding Jefferson Airplane in 1965 as the house band for his own legendary club–The Matrix. But in 1971, deeply shaken by the death of Janis Joplin, Balin quit his own band. Four years later, he was invited to rejoin his old mates on the already-launched Starship. He immediately contributed what would become the biggest hit by any Jeffersonian vessel. “Miracles” reached #3 in 1975. Gorgeous, elegant, and open, this is a complete anomaly in the Airplane-Starship catalogue. Listen closely for the NSFW lyrics that have often flown under the radar of some adorably innocent censors.
In 1972, Robert John had a #3 hit with his cover of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” And yet, just before recording “Sad Eyes”, the Brooklyn-born singer was employed as a construction worker in Long Branch, New Jersey. By the summer of ’79, he would have a #1 hit. In fact, the charting success of “Sad Eyes” was part of a cultural backlash against the reign of disco. A wave of pop hits swept on to the charts, including this slick soft rock throwback. With his sweet falsetto and doo wop sensibility, Robert John knocked The Knack’s “My Sharona” from its 6-week stand atop the charts.
Before launching headlong into his music career, Walter Egan was one of the very first students to earn a fine arts degree from Georgetown, where he studied sculpture. The subject would figure into his biggest hit, a #8 easy listening smash from 1978. Featured on his second solo record, “Magnet and Steel” enjoys the presence of some heavy friends. Lindsey Buckingham produced, played guitar and sang backup harmonies with Stevie Nicks. By most accounts, Nicks was also a primary source of inspiration for the song.
Of course, not all yacht rock songs are about sailing on boats. Some are about missing boats. Boz Scaggs looks dejected on the cover of 1977’s Silk Degrees , but things turned out pretty well for him. This bouncy #11 hit is a classic rock mainstay today. The band you hear backing Boz–David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, and David Hungate–would go on to form the nucleus of Toto that very same year. Toto, as it happens, is essentially a recurring theme of the genre. Before rising to massive success in their own right, the members of Toto absolutely permeated rock radio in the 70s, laying down studio tracks with Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, Michael McDonald, and more.
This smooth-as-silk tune reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its 1978 release. It also reached #6 on the Hot Selling Soul Singles Chart. This is significant only because of Caldwell’s complexion. He was a white man signed to TK Records, a label most closely associated with disco acts like KC and the Sunshine Band. Catering to a largely Black audience, the label went to minor lengths to hide their new singer’s identity–dig the silhouetted figure on the cover of his own debut. Suffice it to say, once Caldwell hit the road, audiences discovered he was white. By then, they were already hooked on this perfect groove, which you might also recognize as a sample in 2Pac’s posthumous 1998 release, “Do For Love.”
Technically, Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” is an adaptation of an earlier tune by the same name. In fact, the original “I Keep Forgettin” was conceived by the legendary songwriting duo Leiber and Stoller–best known for iconic staples like “Hound Dog”, “Kansas City”, “Poison Ivy” and much much more. The original recording is by Chuck Jackson and dates to 1962. But McDonald’s 1982 take is definitive. If that wasn’t already true upon its release and #4 peak position on the charts, certainly Warren G. and Nate Dogg cemented its status when they sampled McDonald on “Regulate”. Get the whole history on that brilliant 1994 time capsule here .
Oh and by the way, this tune also features most of the guys from Toto. I know, right? These dudes were everywhere.
To the casual listener, Gerry Rafferty’s name may sound vaguely familiar. Indeed, you may remember hearing it uttered in passing in the film Reservoir Dogs . In a key scene, the DJ (deadpan comedian Steven Wright) mentions that Rafferty formed half the duo known as Stealers Wheel, which recorded a “Dylanesque, pop, bubble-gum favorite from April of 1974” called “Stuck in the Middle With You.” In the same scene, Mr. Blonde (portrayed with sadistic glee by Michael Madsen), slices off a policeman’s ear. At any rate, this is a totally different song, and is actually Rafferty’s biggest hit. “Baker Street” is a tune that reeks of late nights, cocaine, and regret. Peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Baker Street” soared on wings of the decade’s most memorable sax riff. Raphael Ravenscroft’s performance would, in fact, lead to a mainstream revitalization of interest in the saxophone writ large.
There are several interesting things about Silver that have almost nothing to do with this song. First, bass guitarist and singer Tom Leadon was both the brother of Bernie Leadon from the Eagles and a member of Tom Petty’s pre-fame band, Mudcrutch. Second, the band’s keyboardist was Brent Mydland, who would go on to become the Grateful Dead’s longest tenured piano guy. Third, Silver put out their only record in 1976, and future Saturday Night Live standout Phil Harman designed the cover art. With all of that said, Arista executives felt that their first album lacked a single so they had country songwriter Rick Giles cook up this ridiculous, gooey concoction that I kind of love. Let’s say this one falls into the “so bad it’s good” category. Anyway, the song peaked at #16 on the charts. The band broke up in ’78, leading Mydland to accept the deadliest job in rock music. He defied the odds by playing with the Grateful Dead until an accidental drug overdose claimed his life in 1990.
I admit, I’m kind of hard-pressed to make Ambrosia interesting. In fact, they were extremely prolific, and earned high regard in early ’70s prog rock circles. And in the 1990s, lead singer David Pack would actually be the musical director for both of Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration concerts. But this Southern California combo is much better known to mainstream audiences for their top-down, hair-blowing-in-the-wind soft rock from the decade in between. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, “Biggest Part of Me” is the group’s best-known tune–a seafoamy bit of blue-eyed soul served over a raw bar of smooth jazz and lite funk.
Player released their self-titled debut album in 1977 and immediately shot up to #1 with “Baby Come Back.” Bandmates Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley had both recently broken up with their girlfriends. They channeled their shared angst into this composition, a self-sorry guilty pleasure featuring former Steppenwolf member Wayne Cook on keys. Granted, Steppenwolf’s edgy disposition is nowhere to be found on this record, but it is pretty infectious in a late-summer-night, slightly-buzzed, clenched-fist sort of way. Player endured various lineup changes, but never returned to the heights of their first hit.
Remember that scene in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) where there’s this dude in a turtleneck singing a super cloying folks song before John Belushi mercifully snatches away his guitar and smashes it to smithereens? That guy was Stephen Bishop, who was actually in the middle of enjoying considerable success with his 1976 debut album, Careless . “On and On” was the album’s biggest hit, a vaguely Caribbean soft-rocker that reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in ’77. The gentle electric riffs you hear there are supplied by guitarist Andrew Gold–who wrote the theme song for the Golden Girls . (I freakin’ know you’re singing it right now).
The classic tale of boy-meets-girls, bangs-her-in-his-van, and brags-to-his-buds, all with backing from the world famous Wrecking Crew studio team. In 1975, a lot of people super related to it. It sold over a million copies and reach #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. I can’t tell you this song is good. But I also can’t tell you I don’t like it.
Firefall’s lead guitarist Jock Bartley perfectly captures this song’s impact, calling the band’s biggest hit “a singing version of [a] Hallmark card.” That feels right. The second single from Firefall’s 1976 self-titled debut was only a regional hit at first. But it was driven all the way to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the strength of radio requests. As Bartley explained, “Every female between the ages of 18 and 24 wanted to be the woman portrayed in the song, and that caused their boyfriends and spouses to call radio stations and subsequently flood the airwaves with dedications of the song and the sentiment.”
Arguably, “Sailing” is the single most emblematic song of the Yacht Rock genre. Its thematic relevance requires no explanation. But it’s worth noting that the song is inspired by true events. During a tough time in his youth, Cross was befriended by Al Glasscock. Serving as something of an older brother to Cross, Glasscock would take him sailing. He recalls in his biggest hit that this was a time of escape from the harsh realities of his real life. In 1979, Cross released his self-titled debut. In early 1980, “Sailing” became a #1 hit, landing Cross a hat-trick of Grammys–including recognition as best new artist. Though Cross and Glasscock would lose touch for more than 20 years, they were reunited during a 1995 episode of The Howard Stern Show . Cross subsequently mailed a copy of his platinum record to Glasscock.
Apparently, this song was perceived as so blatant a ripoff of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins’ “What a Fool Believes” that legal action was actually threatened. It never formulated. Instead, Robbie Dupree landed a #6 Billboard Hot 100 hit with the lead single from his self-titled 1980 debut. Critics hated it, but it was a dominant presence in the summer of 1980. It even earned Dupree a Grammy nomination for best new artist. He ultimately lost to the man just above–Christopher Cross.
You didn’t think we’d get through this whole list without an actual Kenny Loggins tune. This song has the perfect pedigree, teaming Loggins and Michael McDonald on a 1979 composition that became the lead single off of Kenny Loggins’ Keep the Fire. Coming on the tail end of the ’70s, “This is It” felt positively omnipresent in the ’80s. I may be biased here. I grew up in Philadelphia, where a local television show by the same name adopted “This is It” as its theme song. But then, it did also reach #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And in that spirit…this is it, the end of our list.
But as usual, here’s a bonus playlist–an expanded voyage through the breezy, AOR waters of the mid-’70s to early ’80s.
Whether sailing the high seas or cruising on a tranquil lake, there’s no denying the magical combination of boating and music. And nothing quite fits the bill like yacht rock songs when it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for your boat party. With their smooth melodies and laid-back vibes, yacht rock tunes are the ideal soundtrack to accompany your nautical adventures.
Curate the ultimate playlist for your next boat party with these suggestions so you can set sail with style and groove to the sounds of the sea.
Yacht Rock emerged in the late ’70s and early ‘80s , epitomizing the era’s smooth, soft rock music. Characterized by its polished production, jazz-influenced arrangements and evocative lyrics, yacht rock often features leisure, escapism and coastal lifestyle themes. These songs would be played aboard luxury yachts, capturing the essence of sunny days, ocean breezes and carefree adventures on the water.
Yacht rock songs for boats’ relaxed yet sophisticated nature make it a perfect complement to any boating experience. As the boat glides through the water, the soothing rhythms of the best lake songs create an atmosphere of tranquility and joy, taking your boat party to a new level of enjoyment.
To create the ultimate summer boating songs playlist, we considered various factors contributing to the perfect sailing ambiance. The selected songs boast uplifting beats, catchy melodies and lyrics that evoke images of boats, sailing and the sea. Moreover, we’ve included diverse songs to cater to different musical tastes.
With so many options out there, we’re excited to share our top songs about boats and sailing and the best songs to listen to on a boat.
Whether you use them to create a more extensive playlist or keep them on standby for future voyages, these yacht rock gems will elevate your boat party’s ambiance. Let the melodies of these honorable mentions serenade you as you create unforgettable memories on your nautical journey. Here are our best boat party songs:
As you set sail on your boat party adventure, let the smooth melodies of yacht rock be your trusted companions. The carefully curated playlist will transport you and your guests to a world of blissful boating, where the worries of the shore are left behind. Grab your sunglasses, feel the wind in your hair and embark on a memorable journey with the ultimate yacht rock playlist for your boat party.
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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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Winner – 2023 best of las vegas – tribute act – las vegas review journal, 2023 best tribute act – vegas411, 2021 wami – best tribute artist 2019 wami – new artist of the year.
Imagine that it’s 1981 and you’re cruising the Atlantic shores of the Hamptons with your friends. Bikinis are fluorescent, polo collars are popped, and boat shoes are rocked sockless. In the background, your booming sound system is playing the soft-rock sounds of Olivia Newton-John, Toto, Kenny Loggins, The Carpenters, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Christopher Cross, and Air Supply.
The Docksiders are made up of music industry veterans – led by 3-time Grammy™ nominee, Kevin Sucher. Their unique tribute act of your favorite “soft rock” songs of the 70s and 80s – now defined as Yacht Rock – have been entertaining thousands of people for years and the revival of this genre and audiences are only getting bigger.
The Docksiders just completed a 50+ show run at The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas… and now Headline at Notoriety Live on Fremont St.
Show stopping hit song after hit song, costume changes, and production, is only topped by their world-class performance.
Take some time to discover our many videos on our YouTube Channel and stop by our Facebook page for additional entertaining content!
Keep it SMOOTH friends – Thanks for stopping by our website!
“in a short amount of time, this dazzling couple has made a meteor-sized impact on las vegas entertainment. they’re everywhere, doing everything, and winning hearts wherever they go. erin and kevin sucher truly are gifts to our city. please support their efforts, along with the amazing colleagues, band members, friends, and collaborators who join them in making our city a brighter and happier place.” – sam novak – vegas411, “i just wanted to drop a note to tell you how much i loved the show last night. i seriously wish i could book this band, like, every other week. you are so fun to listen to, and you sounded fantastic. really on point with vocals and musicianship. thanks so much for coming to omaha, i hope to get you back here at some point down the road” – erika hansen, booking manager – omaha performing arts center.
America’s favorite yacht rock band™.
The band playing at the RNC has been in the spotlight all week during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
And when the teleprompter experienced a malfunction on Monday, the house band Sixwire got to show off more of its set.
But that was OK for many since people were loving the country music band, which played songs from the Foo Fighters, Cheap Trick, the Doobie Brothers and more.
Sixwire continued to play at the RNC all week.
Here's what to know about the band at the RNC.
Sixwire is the band playing at the RNC inside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Sixwire is a country music band based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Members include Andy Childs (lead vocals, guitar), Steve Hornbeak (keyboards, vocals), John Howard (bass guitar), Steve Mandile (guitar, vocals) and Chuck Tilley (drums, percussion).
The band formed in 2000.
A teleprompter malfunction when U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson was speaking on Monday afternoon temporarily paused the proceedings at the RNC inside Fiserv Forum.
But that wasn't an issue for those who wanted to hear more of Sixwire.
No. Despite some on social media thinking Doobie Brothers are at the RNC, they are not.
Sixwire is playing some of their songs.
Sixwire played Collective Soul, Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me," Grand Funk Railroad's "We're an American Band" as well as songs from the Foo Fighters.
CONVENTION NEWS: Wisconsin RNC delegation embrace new tone of unity after Trump assassination attempt
Soul asylum and hippo campus drop new songs, album news ahead of minnesota yacht club gigs.
Two of Minnesota's top-selling rock bands from different eras, Hippo Campus and Soul Asylum each released new songs and accompanying album news this week ahead of big hometown gigs at this weekend's Minnesota Yacht Club festival.
On Wednesday, Soul Asylum debuted its dirt-shaking new tune, "High Road," alongside news that it reunited with the Rolling Stones' new drummer Steve Jordan to produce an LP due out this fall, titled "Slowly But Shirley." The album title and its cover art both pay homage to drag-racing pioneer Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney, who was a childhood hero of frontman Dave Pirner.
A seasoned session drummer and sideman also known to Pirner from when the old lineup of his band toured with Keith Richards' X-Pensive Winos, Jordan previously produced one of Soul Asylum's best-loved albums from its pre-"Runaway Train" days, 1990′s "And the Horse They Rode In On… ." He came to Minneapolis to work with them on the new recordings at the Terrarium studio last year.
Hippo Campus already announced it would have a new album out this year on Sylvan Esso's record label, Psychic Hotline. The release date and title of the record were unveiled Tuesday along with a new song and details of it all being co-produced by a big name in the indie-rock world.
Brad Cook — an ex-bandmate of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon who has also produced for Waxahatchee and Nathaniel Rateliff — co-helmed the new Hippo Campus album with the band's longtime collaborator, Caleb Wright. Titled "Flood," the LP is due out Sept. 20.
To help hype presales , the group released a third track off the album Tuesday, an off-kilter but ultra-catchy ditty titled "Paranoid," which will be the lead single from it. Twin Cities fans might recognize the library setting in the song's music video as the historic James J. Hill Center, a few blocks from the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Arts, which the band members attended.
Soul Asylum and Hippo Campus are both on Saturday's schedule at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival in St. Paul. The former is set to play at 3 p.m. and the latter at 5 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by semi-local favorites the Hold Steady — who will hopefully also have some new music to share soon.
Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.
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YACHT is a band formed in 2002 in Portland, Oregon, and currently based in Los Angeles, California. The band was originally Jona Bechtolt's solo project. Its name is an acronym for
Yacht (stylized as YACHT, Y CHT or Y CHT) is an American dance-pop band from Portland, Oregon, currently based in Los Angeles, California.The core group consists of Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, and when touring expands to include Bobby Birdman.. Yacht has released albums on States Rights Records, Marriage Records, DFA Records, and Downtown Records.
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 ...
Putting aside its self-aware inauthenticity, "Africa" is an infectious, 8x platinum AOR monster. 5. "Reminiscing" by Little River Band. Released in the summer of 1978 and reaching up to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Reminiscing" was guitarist Graeham Goble 's nostalgic take on the swing band era.
Yacht Lyrics - 39 song lyrics sorted by album.
We almost picked 'Africa', but we reckon this tune just about pips it in the yacht rock game.. Written by David Paich, he has said that the song is based on numerous girls he had known. As a joke, the band members initially played along with the common assumption that the song was based on actress Rosanna Arquette, who was dating Toto keyboard player Steve Porcaro at the time and ...
Released in 1972, the one-hit wonder by Looking Glass, Brandy, established a much bigger name for itself than the band ever managed to achieve on its own.As one of the smoothest and catchiest songs of the '70s, Brandy consistently appears on nearly every Yacht Rock, adult contemporary, or easy listening playlist available. The song tells a melancholic tale that is open to interpretation ...
Sailing the Seas of Yacht Rock. Jed Gottlieb Published: July 4, 2021. UCR. Louis Armstrong said, "If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.". Duke Ellington said, "There are ...
YACHT was founded in 2002 and has released seven full-length albums and handfuls of singles, EPs, and other special ephemera. They have created and sold unplayable compact discs, published a ...
Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass. Written by the band's lead guitarist Elliot Lurie, pop-rock band Looking Glass is a one-hit wonder thanks to their popular single 'Brandy (You're a Fine Girl).'. The song tells the story of a young "barmaid" in a bustling seaport who brushes off endless propositions as she longs for ...
Officially, to be considered Yacht Rock, the song must have been released between 1976 and 1984, and I adhere to this rule for the 101. That means no songs that are proto-Yacht Rock, such as Seals ...
Yacht rock Songs subgenre. Now, there's what we call Yacht Funk or R&B where we dip into some George Benson, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and even perform Warren G's Regulate. The Yacht Prog can be seen in Toto, Ambrosia, Alan Parsons and even narrowly Crosby, Stills, and Nash. In fact, Yacht Country makes a splash from time to time.
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.
Yacht rock (originally known as the West Coast sound or adult-oriented rock) is a broad music style and aesthetic commonly associated with soft rock, one of the most commercially successful genres from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Drawing on sources such as smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, and disco, common stylistic traits include high-quality production, clean vocals, and a focus on light ...
I Can't Go For That. Hall and Oates. I Keep Forgettin' / Regulate. Michael McDonald / Warren G. I'd Really Love to See You Tonight. England Dan and John Ford Coley. In the Air Tonight. Phil Collins. Islands in the Stream.
Goble sprinkles the lyrics with references to a much earlier time in music, putting the date the events of the song take place around 30 years or so before the release of "Reminiscing" on the ...
Yacht Rock Revue originated as a one-time joke project by Atlanta indie-rock band Y-O-U for a theme night at their club residency: A show full of smooth 70s hits, performed in the
"Cool Change" is a classic yacht rock song by Little River Band, released as the lead single from their 1979 album First Under the Wire. Written by band member David Briggs and keyboardist Graeham Goble, the song is an ode to personal growth and transformation, with lyrics about leaving behind troubled times and embracing new beginnings.
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.
"Cool Change" by Little River Band: "Cool Change" is an introspective Yacht Rock anthem that captures the essence of tranquility and self-discovery. Its calming rhythm and soul-stirring lyrics make it an excellent addition to your boat party playlist, especially during introspection on the open waters.
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. 67 Best Yacht Rock Songs List
[Bridge] If your arms, legs, feet, and your hands are numb You've fallen and you can't get up It's a brand-new dance, this is my Chris anthem, I'm Givin' Chris Reeves his chrysanthemums [Verse 3 ...
The Docksiders are made up of music industry veterans - led by 3-time Grammy™ nominee, Kevin Sucher. Their unique tribute act of your favorite "soft rock" songs of the 70s and 80s - now defined as Yacht Rock - have been entertaining thousands of people for years and the revival of this genre and audiences are only getting bigger.
Sixwire is the band playing at the RNC on Monday inside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Sixwire is a country music band based in Nashville, Tennessee. Members include Andy Childs (lead vocals, guitar ...
Yacht Party Lyrics: One deep in traffic, I know damn well I shouldn't be / Don't need your love, and I never needed company / Before you hear me call, I'll drown in my tears / 'Cause I lose all my
Soul Asylum and Hippo Campus are both on Saturday's schedule at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival in St. Paul. The former is set to play at 3 p.m. and the latter at 5 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. by ...
[Verse 1: 2 Chainz & Eminem] Standin' on the speaker, tall as Burj Khalifa Powder on the plate that turn your girl into Eureka Remember, if I don't see it, then I don't believe it I done did some ...