Recommended For You
Dan Sharp "Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up" - Review
Built To Spill "Keep It Like a Secret" - Retrospective Review
Wolf Parade "Apologies to the Queen Mary" - Retrospective Review
The Housemartins "London 0 Hull 4" - Retrospective Review
The Libertines "All Quiet On the Eastern Esplanade" - Review
Franz Ferdinand "Franz Ferdinand" - Twentieth Anniversary Review
Cage the Elephant "Out Loud & Neon Pill" - Single Review
The Decemberists "The King Is Dead" - Retrospective Review
Modest Mouse "Good News For People Who Love Bad News" - Twentieth Anniversary Review
The Vaccines "Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations" - Review
Top 100 Greatest Yacht Rock Songs of All Time
Yacht Rock, a term that has steadily grown in popularity, refers to the smooth, groovy rock music of the '70s and '80s that has been popularized over the recent years. Initially categorized as soft rock or adult contemporary, Yacht Rock places a stronger emphasis on the groove rather than the lyrics, making it some of the easiest and catchiest easy listening music for many rock fans. Interestingly, nearly all Yacht Rock songs were created 35-40 years before the genre was officially recognized as its own distinct style, leaving room for interpretation about what exactly qualifies as Yacht Rock. For our criteria, we analyzed the entire catalog of Sirius XM Yacht Rock Radio alongside Spotify and Apple Music’s Yacht Rock playlists and ranked the songs accordingly. Each song included has been deemed Yacht Rock by at least one of these sources and was scored against all other entries. Some songs may rank higher in a broader rock or soft rock sphere, but here are what we have deemed to be the 100 Greatest Yacht Rock Songs of All Time complete with a playlist of all 100 Songs . For a broader list across at songs across the rock realm, be sure to check out the Top 200 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time .
1. What a Fool Believes - The Doobie Brothers
Deemed almost unanimously as the quintessential Yacht Rock tune by the few publications that have taken the time to dive into this same endeavor , What a Fool Believes stands out as one of the grooviest rock tunes to ever achieve mainstream success. Featuring the quintessential Yacht Rock vocalist, Michael McDonald, the song topped charts across North America and became one of the most recognizable and frequently played songs of the '70s. Michael McDonald, who joined The Doobie Brothers in 1975, had become the band's primary vocalist by the release of Minute by Minute in 1978, which houses What a Fool Believes . With this album marking a new sound for the band, especially following the temporary health-related departure of Tom Johnston, the band's new sound was polished to perfection, a dramatic shift from the Toulouse Street sound of the early part of the decade. Nevertheless, What a Fool Believes is a serious earworm, a critically "perfect" pop-rock song, if you will, and a song that reinvented The Doobie Brothers.
2. Peg - Steely Dan
One of the most talented groups on our list, if not the most talented, Steely Dan transcended the typical confines of Yacht Rock during their initial ten-year run. Covering genres from Yacht Rock to jazz rock, progressive rock, and funk rock, Steely Dan captivated audiences uniquely throughout the '70s and early '80s. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen consistently collaborated with the world's finest studio musicians, producing albums of perfectionist caliber. Within the realm of Yacht Rock, Peg takes their top spot, ranking just behind What a Fool Believes in the genre. Once again, Michael McDonald provides backing vocals, harmonizing behind Donald Fagen and Paul Griffin. The silky smooth vocals paired with top-notch instrumentals make Peg a standout track. Furthermore, Aja , the album that houses Peg , is one of the most impressive American albums of all time , beyond its Yacht Rock appeal.
3. Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
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, though it is generally understood to describe an attractive bartender based in Northern New Jersey. Featuring catchy harmonies, clean soft guitar, and subtle horn use, what's not to love about this song?
4. Sailing - Christopher Cross
If it were up to us at Melophobe, the "Yacht Rock Crown" would go to San Antonio’s own Christopher Cross. Although Cross really shined with just his first two studio albums before his later releases (post-1983) fell into obscurity, his early work still grabs all the attention. From his self-titled debut album, Sailing stands out as a top ten hit that's the epitome of Yacht Rock. Interestingly, the term "yacht rock" itself is often linked right back to this song. His debut album is loaded with iconic tunes in this style, with Sailing rightfully taking its place at the forefront.
5. Escape (The Pi ñ a 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 ‘70s, describing a personal ad in search of a like-minded, carefree, fun-loving companion. Beyond the quirky lyrics, the sounds of crashing waves and clean guitars have turned the tune into a timeless earworm, cementing its status as a yacht rock masterpiece long before the term even existed. Guardians of the Galaxy wasn't just a great series for action lovers; who would've guessed its soundtrack would become almost as iconic as the movies themselves?
6. Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
Part of the same studio musician collective that worked with Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs hit major commercial success in 1976 with the release of his richly decorated album Silk Degrees . Boz Scaggs found success as one of the few artists to achieve substantial mainstream success in the jazz rock world aside from Steely Dan, with both artists utilizing many of the same studio musicians. Released from Silk Degrees , the standout yacht rock tune is Lowdown , a tightly produced masterpiece. Similar to Christopher Cross, Boz's peak in the mainstream was relatively brief, with his fame primarily anchored to Silk Degrees and sporadic airplay of his other songs over about a decade.
7. Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
Yet another tune from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks to make our top ten is Come and Get Your Love , released in 1975 by the swamp rock band Redbone. While often labeled as a one-hit-wonder, Redbone actually scored another American top 40 hit in 1971 and enjoyed scattered success in the R&B scene throughout the '70s. Come and Get Your Love has since been celebrated as one of the greatest pop songs of the '70s and also managed to somewhat subtly tap into the disco craze of the era.
8. Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
The question of whether Jimmy Buffett fits into the yacht rock category has stirred some debate lately, with the answer remaining somewhat unclear since the term itself is still relatively new. Most agree that Buffett's music is in a category of its own, but there are still those who argue that his unique sound has a place within yacht rock. Regardless, Margaritaville and a few other Buffett tunes are staples on yacht rock radio stations, so we've deemed them eligible. Buffett's music embodies a carefree lifestyle that mirrors the feel and attitude of yacht rock. His iconic song Margaritaville instantly puts listeners in a vacation mindset, a unique characteristic that has garnered it extensive praise and airplay over the years. The passing of Jimmy Buffett, an American legend, touched the hearts of many.
9. Africa - Toto
The first track from the 1980s to make our top ten is Africa from Toto's fourth album, aptly named Toto IV , released in 1982. Africa topped the charts across North America and performed exceptionally well worldwide with its powerful chorus, extensive keyboard usage, and subtle guitar playing. Alongside Rosanna , also from Toto IV , Africa has become a yacht rock staple, but it didn’t stop there—it transcended the genre to become one of the most iconic songs of the '80s. Today, it's still adored, nearing two billion streams on Spotify. The song has also become a favorite for covers, from bar bands to top-notch acts like Weezer.
10. Baby Come Back - Player
Player carved out a slice of mainstream success in the late '70s, as soft rock began to resonate with those not taken by styles like punk rock and disco. Their biggest hit by far was the North American chart-topper Baby Come Back . Aside from being a soft rock staple, the song has also gained a new life as a meme across the internet. While yacht rock songs typically shy away from overly heartfelt or emotional lyrics, focusing more on the groove, Baby Come Back manages to do both masterfully. The song blends notable emotional depth with an undeniably groovy beat, making it incredibly memorable—so much so that it's recognized by just about every American
11. Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington Jr, Bill Withers
12. Southern Cross - Crosby, Stills & Nash
13. Take it Easy - Eagles
14. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) - Christopher Cross
15. Year of the Cat - Al Stewart
16. Hey Nineteen - Steely Dan
17. Still the One - Orleans
18. Sharing the Night Together - Dr. Hook
19. Sister Golden Hair - America
20. Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
21. Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft
22. Guitar Man - Bread
23. Thunder Island - Jay Ferguson
24. Lido Shuffle - Boz Scaggs
25. Give Me the Night - George Benson
26. How Much I Feel - Ambrosia
27. Reminiscing - Little River Band
28. Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne
29. Sara Smile - Hall & Oates
30. Rosanna - Toto
31. All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
32. I.G.Y. - Donald Fagan
33. Minute By Minute - The Doobie Brothers
34. If You Leave Me Now - Chicago
35. Time Out of Mind - Steely Dan
36. Kokomo - The Beach Boys
37. Eye in the Sky - Alan Parsons Project
38. Sentimental Lady - Bob Welch
39. Rich Girl - Hall & Oates
40. What You Won't Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell
41. Ride Like the Wind - Christopher Cross
42. I'd Really Love to See You Tonight - England Dan & John Ford Coley
43. Lovely Day - Bill Withers
44. Graceland - Paul Simon
45. Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes - Jimmy Buffett
46. Time Passages - Al Stewart
47. One of These Nights - Eagles
48. She's Gone - Hall & Oates
49. Silly Love Songs - Wings
50. Hold On - Santana
51. Steal Away - Robbie Dupree
52. Dance With Me - Orleans
53. Listen to the Music - The Doobie Brothers
54. How Long - Ace
55. So Into You - Atlanta Rhythm Section
56. Diamond Girl - Seals & Croft
57. Lotta Love - Nicolette Larson
58. We Just Disagree - Dave Mason
59. Mexico - James Taylor
60. Keep on Loving You - REO Speedwagon
61. Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty
62. Tender is the Night - Jackson Browne
63. Love Will Find a Way - Pablo Cruise
64. You Can Do Magic - America
65. Key Largo - Bertie Higgins
66. When You're In Love With a Beautiful Woman - Dr. Hook
67. Dirty Work - Steely Dan
68. All Out of Love - Air Supply
69. I Saw the Light - Todd Rundgren
70. Let Me Love You Tonight - Pure Prairie League
71. I Love You - Climax Blues Band
72. I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near) - Michael McDonald
73. This is It - Kenny Loggins
74. The Things We Do For Love - 10cc
75. Say You Love Me - Fleetwood Mac
76. Biggest Part of Me - Ambrosia
77. You're the Inspiration - Chicago
78. Dream Weaver - Gary Wright
79. Longer - Dan Fogelberg
80. You Are - Lionel Richie
81. Just a Song Before I Go - Crosby, Stills & Nash
82. Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty
83. New Frontier - Donald Fagan
84. I Love a Rainy Night - Eddie Rabbitt
85. Cool Night - Paul Davis
86. Get Down On It - Kool & The Gang
87. It's Raining Again - Supertramp
88. Vincent - Don McLean
89. Crazy Love - Poco
90. Spooky - Atlanta Rhythm Section
91. Vienna - Billy Joel
92. Cool Cat - Queen
93. Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You - George Benson
94. Hypnotized - Bob Welch (Also Released by Fleetwood Mac)
95. Casablanca - Bertie Higgins
96. Think of Laura - Christopher Cross
97. Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
98. Private Eyes - Hall & Oates
99. Lonesome Loser - Little River Band
100. Moonlight Feels Right - Starbuck
All of the picks from this list have been compiled into a streamable Spotify Playlist below entitled Yacht Rock Top 100 .
Top 200 Greatest Rock Songs Post 1960
Top 50 Greatest Singer-Songwriter Albums of All Time
Top 100 Greatest American Rock Artists of All Time
Listen now on spotify.
50 Fantastic Long-form Rock Songs
Top 100 Greatest Pop-Punk Songs of All Time
Top 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time
Top 100 Greatest Alternative Rock Albums of the '90s
Top 15 Songs by Vampire Weekend
Top 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums of 2000-2009
Top 100 Greatest American Albums of All Time
100 Underrated Indie Rock Songs
Top 100 Greatest Rock Vocalists of All Time
100 Greatest Alternative Albums
100 Gre atest Alternative Artists
100 Greatest Debut Alternative Albums
100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums
100 Greatest Indie Rock Artists
100 Greatest Indie Rock Songs
100 Greates t Indie Rock Songs Post 2000
100 Fantastic Indie Rock DEEP CUTS Post 2000
100 Greatest Alternative Rock Songs of the '90s
100 Greatest Rock Artists
100 Greatest Rock Albums
100 Greatest Rock Albums of the '70s
100 Most Influential Rock Albums
10 Iconic Ea rly Alternative Rock Songs
ANOTHER 10 Iconic Early Alternative Rock Songs
10 Fantastic Song Titles
Five Underrated Albums of the 2000's
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 |
Please join our FREE Newsletter
Related articles more from author, see photos from acm takeover of downtown nashville, everything new coming to max in september 2024, miranda lambert to receive country icon award at 2024 people’s choice country awards, close to home news, tennessee fish and wildlife commission approves 2025-26 budget, reviews new deer..., the shalom foundation with partner vanderbilt children’s hospital celebrate 10,000 surgeries..., don’t miss the last weekend of wilson county fair/ tn state..., southwest airlines to add two nonstop international flights, one domestic flight..., close to home events, miranda lambert to receive country icon award at 2024 people’s choice..., williamson weekend: 5 happenings this weekend, save the date for college and industry fair, see the documentary ‘when patsy cline was crazy’ in franklin, tickets are available to brentwood bruins under the lights event, them dirty roses to perform at the cannery hall, get ready for the rhea lana’s of franklin consignment sale, tickets go on sale next month for nashville zoo’s zoolumination, franklin author will hold book release at landmark booksellers.
Curated by Amazon's Music Experts
Raise your sail high, pour some bubbly, turn up this smooth rock mix, and let it happen, Cap'n.
126 SONGS • 8 HOURS AND 56 MINUTES
Smooth Breakfast with Eamonn Kelly 6am - 10am
I Can Make You Feel Good Shalamar Download 'I Can Make You Feel Good' on iTunes
27 July 2022, 17:50
By Tom Eames
We can picture it now: lounging on a swish boat as it bobs along the water, sipping cocktails and improving our tan. Oh, and it's the 1980s.
There's only one style of music that goes with this image: Yacht rock.
Also known as the West Coast Sound or adult-oriented rock, it's a style of soft rock from between the late 1970s and early 1980s that featured elements of smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, funk, rock and disco.
Although its name has been used in a negative way, to us it's an amazing genre that makes us feel like we're in an episode of Miami Vice wearing shoulder pads and massive sunglasses.
Here are the very best songs that could be placed in this genre:
Player - Baby Come Back
Not the reggae classic of the same name, this 1977 track was Player's biggest hit.
After Player disbanded, singer Peter Beckett joined Australia's Little River Band, and he also wrote 'Twist of Fate' for Olivia Newton-John and 'After All This Time' for Kenny Rogers.
It's tough just choosing one Steely Dan song for this list, but we've gone for this banger.
Used as the theme tune for the 1978 movie of the same name, the song is jazz-rock track, though its lyrics took a disapproving look at the genre as a whole, which was in total contrast to the film's celebration of it. Still, sounds great guys!
Bobby Goldsboro - Summer (The First Time)
A bit of a questionable subject matter, this ballad was about a 17-year-old boy’s first sexual experience with a 31-year-old woman at the beach.
But using a repeating piano riff, 12-string guitar, and an orchestral string arrangement, this song just screams yacht rock and all that is great about it.
Kenny Loggins - Heart To Heart (Official Music Video)
If Michael McDonald is the king of yacht rock, then Kenny Loggins is his trusted advisor and heir to the throne.
This track was co-written with Michael, and also features him on backing vocals. The song is about how most relationships do not stand the test of time, yet some are able to do so.
Nothin' You Can Do About It
You might not remember US band Airplay, but they did have their moment on the yacht.
Consisting of David Foster (who also co-wrote the Kenny Loggins song above), Jay Graydon and the brilliantly-named Tommy Funderburk, this tune was a cover of a Manhattan Transfer song, and was a minor hit in 1981.
Boz Scaggs - Lowdown (Official Audio)
We've moved slightly into smooth jazz territory with this track, which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
The song was co-written by David Paich, who would go on to form Toto along with the song's keyboardist David Paich, session bassist David Hungate, and drummer Jeff Porcaro.
Steve Winwood - Valerie (Official Video)
This song is probably as far as you can get into pop rock without totally leaving the yacht rock dock.
Legendary singer-songwriter Winwood recorded this gong about a man reminiscing about a lost love he hopes to find again someday.
Eric Prydz later sampled it in 2004 for the house number one track ‘Call on Me’, and presented it to Winwood, who was so impressed he re-recorded the vocals to better fit the track.
Toto - Rosanna (Official HD Video)
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 coincidentally had the same name.
Chicago - Hard To Say I'm Sorry (Official Music Video)
Chicago began moving away from their horn-driven soft rock sound with their early 1980s output, including this synthesizer-filled power ballad.
The album version segued into a more traditional Chicago upbeat track titled ‘Get Away’, but most radio stations at the time opted to fade out the song before it kicked in. Three members of Toto played on the track. Those guys are yacht rock kings!
Michael Jackson - Human Nature (Audio)
A few non-rock artists almost made this list ( George Michael 's 'Careless Whisper' and Spandau Ballet 's 'True' are almost examples, but not quite), yet a big chunk of Thriller heavily relied on the yacht rock sound.
Michael Jackson proved just how popular the genre could get with several songs on the album, but 'Human Nature' is the finest example.
The Doobie Brothers - What A Fool Believes (Official Music Video)
Possibly THE ultimate yacht rock song on the rock end of the spectrum, and it's that man Michael McDonald.
Written by McDonald and Kenny Loggins, this was one of the few non-disco hits in America in the first eight months of 1979.
The song tells the story of a man who is reunited with an old love interest and attempts to rekindle a romantic relationship with her before discovering that one never really existed.
Michael Jackson once claimed he contributed at least one backing track to the original recording, but was not credited for having done so. This was later denied by the band.
Christopher Cross - Sailing (Official Audio)
We're not putting this in here just because it's called 'Sailing', it's also one of the ultimate examples of the genre.
Christopher Cross reached number one in the US in 1980, and VH1 later named it the most "softsational soft rock" song of all time.
The Boys Of Summer DON HENLEY(1984) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Mike Campbell wrote the music to this track while working on Tom Petty’s Southern Accents album, but later gave it to Eagles singer Don Henley, who wrote the lyrics.
The song is about the passing of youth and entering middle age, and of a past relationship. It was covered twice in the early 2000s: as a trance track by DJ Sammy in 2002, and as a pop punk hit by The Ataris in 2003.
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.
Dan Seals is the younger brother of Jim Seals of Seals and Crofts fame. Which leads to...
Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft #1 Hit(1972)
Before The Isley Brothers recorded a slick cover, 'Summer Breeze' was an irresistible folk pop song by Seals & Crofts.
While mostly a folk song, its summer vibes and gorgeous melody make for a perfect yacht rock number.
Ride Like The Wind Promo Video 1980 Christopher Cross
If Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins are in charge of the yacht rock ship, then Christopher Cross has to be captain, right? Cabin boy? Something anyway.
The singer was arguably the biggest success story of the relatively short-lived yacht rock era, and this one still sounds incredible.
The eagles - I can't tell you why (AUDIO VINYL)
Many Eagles tunes could be classed as yacht rock, but we reckon their finest example comes from this track from their The Long Run album in 1979.
Don Henley described the song as "straight Al Green", and that Glenn Frey, an R&B fan, was responsible for the R&B feel of the song. Frey said to co-writer Timothy B Schmit: "You could sing like Smokey Robinson . Let’s not do a Richie Furay, Poco-sounding song. Let’s do an R&B song."
Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (Official Video)
Gerry Rafferty probably didn't realise he was creating one of the greatest yacht rock songs of all time when he wrote this, but boy did he.
With the right blend of rock and pop and the use of the iconic saxophone solo, you can't not call this yacht rock at its finest.
Michael McDonald - Sweet Freedom (1986)
If you wanted to name the king of yacht rock, you'd have to pick Michael McDonald . He could sing the phone book and it would sound silky smooth.
Possibly his greatest solo tune, it was used in the movie Running Scared , and its music video featured actors Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (Official Video)
This duo knew how to make catchy hit after catchy hit. This R&B-tinged pop tune was co-written with Sara Allen (also the influence for their song 'Sara Smile').
John Oates has said that the song is actually about the music business. "That song is really about not being pushed around by big labels, managers, and agents and being told what to do, and being true to yourself creatively."
Not only was the song sampled in De La Soul's 'Say No Go' and Simply Red 's 'Home', but Michael Jackson also admitted that he lifted the bass line for 'Billie Jean'!
See more More Song Lists
The 100 greatest songs of the 1990s, ranked, crowded house's 10 greatest songs, ranked, keane's 10 greatest ever songs, ranked, the xx's 10 greatest ever songs, ranked, more features.
See more More Features
Barry gibb and andy gibb sing rare duet of 'to love somebody' in candid video from 1987, how whitney houston met elvis presley as a child, and later sang the hit song he wanted to sing.
Whitney Houston
The story of... 'like a prayer' by madonna, smooth playlists, smooth's all time top 500, smooth soul, smooth country hot hits, smooth chill concentration, smooth podcast picks, they don't teach this at school with myleene klass, take that: this life, runpod with jenni falconer, the news agents.
Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You'll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!
© 2024 xmplaylist.com All rights reserved.
Not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Sirius XM Radio Inc. The official SiriusXM website can be found at siriusxm.com . The channel names, marks, emblems and images are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Jacob Uitti
Yacht rock is one of those genres of music that you know when you hear it. It’s a combination of a lot of styles, from rock to jazz to blue-eyed soul to disco, but in the end what it constitutes is smooth music that gives you a jolt and a reason to start moving your feet. Even if those feet are in deck shoes planted firmly on a giant boat in the middle of the ocean.
Here below, we wanted to, ahem, dive into three songs from the genre that still get the boat a-rocking. A trio of tracks that boast the appeal of the genre as well as legitimate staying power. Indeed, these are three eternal yacht rock songs that continue to inspire the boatside dance moves.
[RELATED: Yacht Rock Essentials: “Time Passages,” the Smash Hit Al Stewart Wrote and Performed but Never Much Liked]
Believed by many to be the quintessential yacht rock song, this track, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, has it all: a sharp-yet-mellow singing voice, drifting musical melodies, and a poignant delivery. Couple that with the title and this song becomes the top track to put on your yacht rock playlists. It’s like melding into an ocean breeze and finding yourself traveling from shore to island and back again. Not only was this track a success on the charts but it won Cross Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year. He also garnered the Best New Artist award, too. On the floating single, he sings,
Well, it’s not far down to paradise At least it’s not for me And if the wind is right you can sail away And find tranquility Oh, the canvas can do miracles Just you wait and see, believe me
It’s not far to never never land No reason to pretend And if the wind is right you can find the joy Of innocence again Oh, the canvas can do miracles Just you wait and see, believe me
If we’re talking yacht rock, why not offer a song that gives listeners a far-off destination to think of. And for those listening in the Western world, the continent of Africa is just that. This track from Toto is one of those that music listeners love to sing along to, especially when it comes to the chorus. Its synthesizers and vocal harmonies are catnip to yacht rock fans—and, really, music fans of any kind. On the compelling track, David Paich sings,
I hear the drums echoing tonight But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation She’s coming in, 12:30 flight The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”
When it comes to blending rock with disco and soul, perhaps no group did it better than Hall & Oates and this track is one of the prime examples of that. A toe-tapper and easy-listener, this song is driven by pianos and percussion but is accentuated by Daryl Hall’s bright, soaring voice. If you’re ever on a boat and in charge of the music, if you put this song on the playlist, just sit back and watch your fellow travelers begin to sing and get down with big smiles on their faces as this tune plays. It’s the perfect balance of pop stickiness and yacht rock flavor. On the track, Hall sings,
(Because your kiss) your kiss is on my list Because your kiss is on my list of the best things in life (Because your kiss) your kiss is on my list (Because your kiss) your kiss I can’t resist (Because your kiss) is what I miss when I turn out the lights
I go crazy wondering what there is to really see Did the night just take up your time, ’cause it means more to me Sometimes I forget what I’m doing I don’t forget what I want, what I want Regret what I’ve done, regret you, I couldn’t go on
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Photo by Monday Jr./ Mad Ink PR
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.
You may also like.
Follow us online to find out when we launch., spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs – from old favorites to the latest hits. just hit play to stream anything you like..
Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV.
No ads. No interruptions. Just music.
Keep playing, even when you don't have a connection.
Get ready for incredible sound quality.
There are no songs in this setlist because the concert hasn't started yet.
If you know the scheduled start time of Yacht Rock Revue or the time the venue's doors open, you could add set times .
Otherwise, just check back later to view, add or edit the setlist.
1 activity (last edit by AlanGreenPhD , 23 Apr 2024, 18:47 Etc/UTC )
Dos equis pavilion.
Share or embed this setlist.
Use this setlist for your event review and get all updates automatically!
<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/yacht-rock-revue/2024/dos-equis-pavilion-dallas-tx-63a826f7.html" title="Yacht Rock Revue Setlist Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX, USA 2024" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=63a826f7" alt="Yacht Rock Revue Setlist Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX, USA 2024" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=63a826f7&step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/yacht-rock-revue-63dc3253.html">More Yacht Rock Revue setlists</a></div></div>
Last.fm Event Review
[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/yacht-rock-revue/2024/dos-equis-pavilion-dallas-tx-63a826f7.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=63a826f7[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=63a826f7&step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/yacht-rock-revue-63dc3253.html]More Yacht Rock Revue setlists[/url]
Marquee memories: foster the people.
70s + 80s Soft Rock for a day on the boat. Island tunes, chill summer hits + nothing but smooth sailing while jamming to hits from TOTO, Looking Glass, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates + more.
98 Songs, 6 hours, 38 minutes
Featured artists, looking glass, the doobie brothers, rick springfield, daryl hall & john oates, bill withers, seals & crofts, bobby caldwell, africa, middle east, and india.
©2020 CRM S.r.l. P.Iva 11921100159
24 agosto 2024
M a davvero tocca a una donna di 62 anni provare a liberarci dalla schiavitù di reggaeton et similia? Oddio, non che Katie Puckrik abbia mai avuto esattamente questo , in mente, ma il suo ammirevole tentativo di diffondere il verbo yacht-rock potrebbe davvero sortire effetti imprevisti e straordinari. Americana, Puckrik parte forte in Inghilterra, negli anni ’90, presentando “The word” su Channel 4 e “The Sunday show” su BBC Two. Una buona partenza, sebbene il suo nome non venga immediatamente accostato a quello di una Julie Burchill (NME, The Face) o di una Anne Nightingale (la radiofonia al femminile in casa BBC). Non siamo a quel livello di stima e fama. Tuttavia Puckrik si trasforma piano piano in una scommessa già vinta per chiunque investa su di lei. Nel 1999 pubblica un’autobiografia, “Shooting from the lip”, la cui struttura prevede che siano le canzoni a dettare i tempi (e i temi, in parte) della narrazione. Dopo anni di varie collaborazioni che tengono il suo nome un po’ nell’ombra, Puckrik decide però di associare il suo sorriso al filone yacht-rock. E lì scatta una magia. Perché lo yacht-rock è un segreto che periodicamente necessita di essere svelato. Non è un autentico mistero da più di 40 anni, cioè da quando è stato seriamente considerato (e studiato) come sottogenere (un’evoluzione del più generico “soft-rock”). Tuttavia, le generazioni si succedono, il passato oggi rischia di essere più un impiccio che una risorsa a cui attingere, e allora qualcuno deve ri-svelare i segreti già precedentemente svelati…
I l circo pop offre, mastica e trita di tutto a ritmi così elevati che, al tramonto degli anni ’80, lo yacht-rock scompare quasi dai radar mainstream, andandosi a rannicchiare in un campetto per ossessivi aficionados che poco ha avuto a che fare con la sua natura spudoratamente pop. E sì, perché l’etichetta yacht-rock potrà senza dubbio insospettire, ma per circa 15 anni sotto tale ombrello si sono rifugiati alcuni successi letteralmente colossali, brani che hanno colonizzato i palinsesti radiofonici per anni a venire: “Ride like the wind” di Christopher Cross , “This is it” di Kenny Loggins , “Lowdown” di Bozz Scaggs , “Africa” dei Toto , “Fly like an eagle” della Steve Miller Band . Tutti artisti inclusi nel box di 4 cd (o doppio vinile) intitolato “ Kate Puckrik presents A yacht rock odyssey ” (uscita, 30 agosto), una mappa sonora che torna ad occuparsi (si va a folate) di un sottogenere che con la sua estetica leccata, cose da cartoline esotiche provenienti da qualche atollo per assoluti priviliegiati, ha fatto a lungo sognare il pubblico occidentale. Yacht-rock che esplode, fragoroso, nella seconda metà degli anni ’70 per poi irrompere, potente e virale, negli anni ’80 (pensate che persino un gruppo sofisticato come gli Steely Dan furono accusati, nel 1980, di essersi eccessivamente “yacht-izzati” con “Gaucho”). E che oggi torna ad essere recuperato, stavolta da colei che se ne era occupata, nel 2018, sulla BBC, con “I can go for that: the smooth world of yacht-rock”, documentario in due parti che fece registrare un sorprendente successo.
F orse perché l’immaginario yacht, associato a brani impeccabilmente concepiti e divinamente arrangiati, spesso baciati da melodie cristalline quanto i mari su cui si affacciano, è destinato a sopravvivere a ogni mutamento tecnologico-politico. Ah, perché “yacht”? Potrebbe risponderci Mauro Ronconi , giornalista, scrittore e critico musicale fra i più esperti nel settore. Nel suo “Canzoni per un mondo senza Beatles. Dai Santana ai Coldplay, il meglio dopo l'indispensabile” (Arcana, 2022) compaiono parecchie gemme “yacht”. In copertina, poi, c’è Ronconi medesimo nei panni di Donald Fagen formato “The nightfly”. Fagen non è un artista “yacht” ma, come accennato prima, anche gli ultimi (prima del ritorno nel 2000) Steely Dan evocarono lo stile. Quindi “yacht-rock” perché i brani sono spesso caratterizzati da un’ambientazione “fissa” particolarmente affascinante e persuasiva: mare, amori, brezze, libertà. Sublime disimpegno cesellato da strepitosi session-men e da tutti gli artisti che Puckrik passa in rassegna nella sua imminente, elefantiaca, compilation. Quanto un’operazione simile, figlia di un’altra ardita operazione (il documentario del 2018 andato in onda sulla BBC), possa rimettere in circolo, in epoca di tensioni belliche e crisi economiche, il verbo yacht è tutto da vedere. Di certo, questo sussulto, l’ennesimo di un sottogenere che rifiuta la morte forse perché la morte è un tema che non ha mai contemplato, fa sognare tutti gli over-40 massacrati dalla povertà creativa di suoni soprattutto estivi come il famigerato reggaeton. Che la più improbabile delle sfide abbia inizio, allora.
Come mai nella serie netflix sul caso yara gambirasio non si parla del fatto che bossetti ammise di essere stato nel campo dove fu trovato il corpo della tredicenne.
di Otto De Ambrogi
di Gianni Miraglia
di Grazia Sambruna
di Naike Rivelli
di Maria Francesca Troisi
di Giulia Ciriaci
IMAGES
COMMENTS
A look at the very best silky smooth yacht rock songs.
Playlist · YACHT ROCK - CERTIFIED PLAYLIST · 626 songs · 13.6K likes
Tie a sweater around your neck and set sail for the high seas with these smoother than smooth yacht rock classics.
Sailing: The Best Of Yacht Rock is the ultimate #YachtRock playlist of the smoothest classic rock songs ever written.
This is the ultimate playlist of favorites from the 70's, 80's and in between. No fillers or obscure artists you've never heard of. Only the greatest rock, soft-rock and pop hits.
Listen to the YACHT ROCK | TOP 100 SONGS playlist by Filtr on Apple Music. 101 Songs. Duration: 6 hours, 52 minutes.
Apple Music Classic Rock In 2005, the actor/screenwriter J.D. Ryznar wrote, directed, and produced a TV series for the Los Angeles short-film festival Channel 101 called Yacht Rock. The idea was to tell comically overblown backstories about the creation of a strain of ultra-smooth music from the late '70s and early '80s. Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins—to paraphrase ...
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
Top 100 Yacht Rock Songs. A new music service with official albums, singles, videos, remixes, live performances and more for Android, iOS and desktop.
Listen to the Yacht Rock playlist on Apple Music. 20 Songs. Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes.
Best Yacht Rock Songs - Ultimate Yacht Rock Music (Playlist Updated in 2024) If you liked this playlist, we recommend you also listen to these music lists: 1...
Reviewer Peter Nason counts down the greatest 101 YACHT ROCK HITS for your summertime listening pleasure.
Some songs may rank higher in a broader rock or soft rock sphere, but here are what we have deemed to be the 100 Greatest Yacht Rock Songs of All Time complete with a playlist of all 100 Songs. For a broader list across at songs across the rock realm, be sure to check out the Top 200 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time. 1.
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.
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.
Raise your sail high, pour some bubbly, turn up this smooth rock mix, and let it happen, Cap'n. Listen to the Yacht Rock Hits playlist with Amazon Music Unlimited.
Playlist · Yacht Rock · 130 songs · 1.6M likes
The greatest yacht rock songs ever. Picture: Getty/Michael McDonald/Michael Jackson By Tom Eames
Don't know what song's been playing on the radio? Use our service to find it! Our playlist stores a Yacht Rock Radio track list for the past 7 days.
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...
Recently played songs from Yacht Rock Radio: Smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!
Believed by many to be the quintessential yacht rock song, this track, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, has it all: a sharp-yet-mellow singing voice, drifting musical melodies, and ...
Playlist · YACHT ROCK | TOP 100 SONGS · 153 songs · 52.9K likes
Get the Yacht Rock Revue Setlist of the concert at Dos Equis Pavilion, Dallas, TX, USA on August 26, ... There are no songs in this setlist because the concert hasn't started yet. If you know the scheduled start time of Yacht Rock Revue or the time the venue's doors open, you could add set times.
Listen to the Yacht Rock | Top 100 Songs playlist by Filtr Global on Apple Music. 98 Songs. Duration: 6 hours, 38 minutes.
Katie Puckrik, 62enne americana, presentatrice e broadcaster che ha sempre avuto successo in Inghilterra, ha da anni associato il suo nome a quello dello yacht-rock, sublime sottogenere anni '70-'80 che ha prodotto decine di classici (fra tutti, "Africa" dei Toto). Dopo un documentario del 2019 per la BBC, Puckrik ha curato un mastodontico box a tema (4 cd e 2 vinili) di imminente uscita.