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Yacht Rock Quiz

By greg prato.

Comments: 2

• Chin Music from Jerkwater, Usa Capezio dance shoes are readily available these days (2020).
• Douglas Smith from Hartford City, In Did pretty good on the Trivia Questions. I got the last question wrong but ACTUALLY I got it right. The Orleans did NOT appear topless for the girls. It was because it was a last minute shot. No biggie.

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Who Sang These Songs: The Yacht Rock Music Subgenre Quiz

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The idea of yacht rock conjures up a particular lifestyle, but beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of sophisticated hits that continue to resonate.

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Even some of those who signed up to the subgenre subtleties of what became known as yacht rock may consider it to be a time-locked phenomenon. Certainly, its chief protagonists first cast their subtle soft-rock sophistication in the 70s and 80s, but its melodic echoes can still be heard all these decades later.

Perhaps unusually, the phrase itself was coined as a kind of lighthearted castigation of the adult-oriented rock that seemed to exude privileged opulence: of days in expensive recording studios followed by hedonistic trips on private yachts, typically around southern California. The web TV series of the mid-00s that parodied the lifestyle was even named Yacht Rock ; one of the biggest hits of a chief exponent of the sound, Christopher Cross, was, of course, “Sailing.”

The recent resurgence in the long career of another staple, Michael McDonald, is testament to the durability of a style that was, after all, grounded in musicianship and melodicism of the highest order. Nearly 40 years after he and fellow yacht rock principle Kenny Loggins co-wrote and performed the Grammy-winning “This Is It,” the pair were afforded the high praise of a collaboration with acclaimed modern-day jazz-funk bassist Thundercat, on his track “Show You The Way.” Ahead of that, McDonald’s guest appearance with Thundercat at the 2017 Coachella Festival was a viral sensation.

Setting sail

Like other subgenres that grew from an existing style, just as Americana did from country, the starting point of yacht rock is a matter of endless debate. Some hear it in the early 70s soft rock of Bread and hits such as “Guitar Man,” or in Seals & Crofts, the duo of the same period whose 1973 US Top 10 hit “Diamond Girl” and its follow-up, “We May Never Pass This Way (Again)” are pure, classy, elegantly played and harmonised yacht rock.

As the 70s progressed and album rock radio became an ever more powerful medium in the US music business, studio production grew along with the budgets to fund it. High-fidelity citadels such as Sunset Sound and Ocean Way were the industry epitome of the Los Angeles hedonism of the day, and played host to many of the artists we celebrate here. Perhaps it was the combination of financial independence and the sun-kissed surroundings that gave rise to the phenomenon, but this was music that not only sounded opulent – it made you feel somehow more urbane just by listening to it.

California singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop was another of the artists who would retrospectively become part of what we might call the yachting club. Indeed, it’s important to point out that “yacht rock” was not a term that existed at the time the music was being made. Bishop’s acclaimed 1976 debut album, Careless , was a masterclass in well-crafted pop music for those no longer hanging on the words of every chart pin-up. Its tender opening ballad, “On And On,” which peaked just outside the mainstream US Top 10 and reached No.2 on the Easy Listening chart, is a prime example.

Making waves

McDonald, for his part, might be afforded the questionable honor of the Yacht Rock theme tune with his solo hit “Sweet Freedom,” but had earlier been a key part of the unconscious movement as a member of the Doobie Brothers. The double Grammy-winning landmark “What A Fool Believes,” again written by McDonald with Loggins, stands tall in this hall of fame. Similarly, Toto, another band of master studio craftsmen whose critical and commercial stock has risen again in recent times, stood for all the principles of yacht rock with tracks such as “99” and the undying “Africa.”

That 1982 soft-rock calling card came from the Toto IV album, which was, indeed, recorded in part at Sunset Sound and Ocean Way. But Steely Dan , one of the bands to prove that yacht rock could come from other parts of the US where the attendant lifestyle was less practical, made perhaps their biggest contribution to the subgenre after Walter Becker and Donald Fagen moved back to their native East Coast.

After their initial incarnation as a live band, Steely Dan were well established in their peerless cocoon of pristine studio production when they moved back east. That was after recording 1977’s superb Aja , the album that announced their ever-greater exploration of jazz influences. Fans and critics of the band both used the same word about them, perfectionism: some as a compliment, others as an accusation. But 1980’s equally impressive Gaucho was their yacht rock masterpiece.

Ripple effect

In such a subjective phrase, other artists seen by some as yacht rock representatives, such as Daryl Hall & John Oates, Journey, the Eagles, or even Canada’s Gordon Lightfoot, are thought by others to be creatively or geographically inappropriate, or just too mainstream to break out of the overreaching AOR terminology.

But a significant number of other artists, whose names are less quoted today, had their finest hours during the pop landscape of the late 70s and early 80s that we’ve been visiting here. Amy Holland won a Best New Artist Grammy nomination in 1981 helped by “How Do I Survive,” written by McDonald, whose wife she became soon afterwards. Robbie Dupree, a Brooklyn boy by birth, also epitomized the style with his 1980 US hit “Steal Away.” Then, in 1982, America, the band known for their definitive harmonic rock of a decade earlier, mounted a chart return with the suitably melodic “You Can Do Magic.”

The final word goes to Michael McDonald, the unwitting co-founder of the yacht rock sound. When the aforementioned mockumentary series was at the height of its popularity, he was asked if he had ever owned a yacht, and replied (perhaps disappointingly) in the negative. But, he added, “I thought Yacht Rock was hilarious. And uncannily, you know, those things always have a little bit of truth to them.

“It’s kind of like when you get a letter from a stalker who’s never met you. They somehow hit on something, and you have to admit they’re pretty intuitive.”

Listen to the Soft Rock Forever playlist for more yacht rock classics .

October 28, 2019 at 8:42 pm

if you dig this sound, you gotta check out Yachty by Nature the best yacht rock band on the West Coast. They play it all live without the backing tracks (yuck) that some bands do. They just got voted #1 Best Live Cover Band in Orange County and spreading yacht rock all over the country. Dive in!!! #yachtrock https://yachtybynature.com

October 28, 2019 at 8:44 pm

BTW, great article!!!!! Well written and thoughtfully addressed the idea of Nyacht Rock artists to the purists following the genre!

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If the Yacht Is a Rockin': Riding the Yacht Rock Nostalgia Wave

By maggie serota | jun 12, 2020.

It’s not often that an entire genre of music gets retconned into existence after being parodied by a web series, but that’s exactly what happened after writer, director, and producer J.D. Ryznar and producers David B. Lyons and Hunter D. Stair launched the Channel 101 web series Yacht Rock in 2005. Hosted by former AllMusic editor “Hollywood” Steve Huey, the series was a loving sendup of the late '70s/early '80s smooth jams to which many Millennials and late period Gen-Xers were likely conceived.

The yacht rock aesthetic was innovated by a core group of musicians and producers including, but not limited to, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Robbie Dupree, Kenny Loggins, Toto, David Foster, and hirsute soft rock titan Michael McDonald, along with scores of veteran session musicians from the Southern California studio scene.

The Yacht Rock web series was perfectly timed to coincide with a contemporary renaissance of smooth music from the late '70s, the kind that was previously considered a guilty pleasure because it fell out of fashion in the mid-'80s and was soon thereafter regarded as dated and square compared to other burgeoning genres, like punk rock and hip-hop.

Yacht Rock's Early Years

The yacht rock era began roughly around 1976, when yacht rock pillar Kenny Loggins split up with songwriting partner Jim Messina to strike out on his own. That same year, fellow yacht rock mainstay Michael McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers. The two titans of the genre joined forces when Loggins co-wrote the definitive yacht rock hit “What a Fool Believes” with McDonald for the Doobies. They collaborated several times during this era, which was par for the course with such an incestuous music scene that was largely comprised of buddies playing on each other’s albums.

"Look at who performed on the album and if they didn’t perform with any other yacht rock hit guys then chances are [it's] ‘nyacht’ rock,” Ryznar said on the  Beyond Yacht Rock podcast, referencing the pejorative term frequently used to describe soft rock songs that just miss the boat.

"The basic things to ask yourself if you want to know if a track is yacht rock are: Was it released from approximately 1976 to 1984? Did musicians on the track play with Steely Dan? Or Toto?," Ryznar said. "Is it a top 40 radio hit or is it on an album meant to feature hits?" And, of course, does the song celebrate a certain breezy, SoCal aesthetic?

Building the Boat

There are certain key ingredients necessary for a track to be considered yacht rock. For starters, it helps (though is not necessary) to have album art or lyrics that specifically reference boating, as with Christopher Cross's landmark 1980 hit “Sailing.” The music itself is usually slickly produced with clean vocals and a focus on melody over beat. But above all else, the sound has to be smooth . That’s what sets yacht rock apart from "nyacht" rock.

"Its base is R&B, yet it’s totally whitewashed," Ryznar explained on  Beyond Yacht Rock . "There [are] jazz elements. There can be complex, challenging melodies; the solos are all cutting-edge and really interesting. There’s always something interesting about a true yacht rock song. It goes left when you expect it to go right."

Yacht rock’s complex musicianship can be attributed, in part, to the session players on each track. Musicians like percussionist Steve Gadd, guitarist and Toto founding member Steve Lukather, and Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro don’t have much in the way of name recognition among casual soft rock listeners, but they’re the nails that hold the boat together. Steely Dan, “the primordial ooze from which yacht rock emerged,” according to Ryznar, famously cycled through dozens of session musicians while recording their 1980 seminal yacht rock album Gaucho .

"These musicians were not only these slick, polished professionals, but they were highly trained and able to hop from style to style with ease,” Huey explained on  Beyond Yacht Rock . “Very versatile.”

In Greg Prato’s 2018 tome, The Yacht Rock Book : An Oral History of the Soft, Smooth Sounds of the 70s and 80s , Huey broke down “the three main defining elements of yacht rock,” explaining that it requires “Fusing softer rock with jazz and R&B, very polished production, and kind of being centered around the studio musician culture in southern California … It’s not just soft rock, it’s a specific subset of soft rock that ideally has those elements."

Soft rock untethered

Whereas the music of the late 1970s and early ‘80s is often associated with the anti-establishment music of punk pioneers like the Dead Kennedys and the socially conscious songs being written by early hip-hop innovators like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, yacht rock is the antithesis of the counterculture.

Yacht rock occupies a world that is completely apolitical and untethered to current events. Between the oil crisis, a global recession, and inflation—not to mention the fact that the U.S. was still licking its wounds from the loss of the Vietnam War and the disgrace of Watergate—the late '70s were a dark time for Americans. Yet yacht rock, at its heart, is a tequila sunrise for the soul, whisking the listener away to a world where they have the time, and the means, to idle away the hours sipping piña coladas at sea while decked out in flowy Hawaiian shirts and boat shoes.

Yacht rock was never edgy, nor did it ever feel dangerous. Yacht rock didn’t piss off anyone’s parents and no one ever threatened to send their kid to boot camp for getting caught listening to Kenny Loggins's “This Is It.” Yacht rock tracks are more of a siren song that invite your parents to join in on the chorus anytime they hear Toto’s "Rosanna."

Yacht rock songs are meant to set the soundtrack to a life where the days are always sunny, but as Ryznar pointed out on Beyond Yacht Rock , there’s “an underlying darkness”—just not the kind that’s going to derail a day of sailing to Catalina Island. No, yacht rock has elements of low-stakes heartbreak with sensitive male protagonists lamenting their own foolishness in trying to get back together with exes or hitting on women half their age.

The aspirational aspect of the genre dovetailed nicely with the overarching materialism defining the Reagan era. “Yacht rock was an escape from blunt truths, into the melodic, no-calorie lies of ‘buy now, pay never,’ in which any discord could be neutralized with a Moog beat,” Dan O’Sullivan wrote in Jacobin .

Some Like it Yacht

Although the cult comedy series Yacht Rock ceased production in 2010, the soft rock music revival it launched into the zeitgeist is still going strong. For the past few years, SiriusXM has been running a yacht rock station during prime boating season, or what those of us without bottomless checking accounts refer to as the spring and summer months. Yacht rock tribute acts like Yacht Rock Revue are profitable business endeavors as much as they are fun party bands. There’s also a glut of yacht rock-themed song compilations for sale and a proliferation of questionably curated genre playlists on Spotify.

Whether you believe yacht rock is an exalted art form or the insidious soundtrack to complacency, any music lover would probably agree that even a momentary escape from the blunt truths of life is something we could all use every now and then.

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The 20 greatest yacht rock songs ever, ranked

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.

What is 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.

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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'

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.

Steely Dan - 'FM'

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)'

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'

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.

Airplay - 'Nothing You Can Do About It'

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'

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'

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'

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'

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 10 greatest Chicago songs, ranked

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'

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'

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'

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.

Don Henley - 'The Boys of Summer'

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 and John Cord Foley - 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight'

England Dan & John Ford Coley - I'd Really Love To See You Tonight.avi

A big hit for this duo in 1976, it showcases the very best of the sock rock/AOR/yacht rock sound that the 1970s could offer.

Dan Seals is the younger brother of Jim Seals of Seals and Crofts fame. Which leads to...

Seals & Crofts - 'Summer Breeze'

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.

Christopher Cross - 'Ride Like the Wind'

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.

Eagles - 'I Can't Tell You Why'

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'

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.

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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'

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.

Hall & Oates - 'I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)'

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').

• Hall and Oates' 10 best songs, ranked

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'!

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Yacht Rock Trivia

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Whip up a frozen daiquiri, kick back, and cruise through this easy-listening easy-going trivia game for all your trivia fans of yacht rock!

Which of these bands would NOT be considered Yacht rock?

Which dynamic yacht rock duo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014?

Which yacht rockers had hits in the 1970s with "Ventura Highway" and "Sister Golden Hair"?

What yacht rock band won the Record of the Year Grammy Award in 1983 with the song "Rosanna"?

Whose chart-topping song "Sailing" was named the most "softsational soft rock" song of all time by VH1?

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Defining 'yacht rock' once and for all with the genre's creators

Jd ryznar and dave lyons coined the joke genre while making the mid-2000s comedic web-series of the same name.

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JD Ryznar and Dave Lyons are the co-creators of the mid-2000s comedic web-series Yacht Rock.  

While the joke genre they coined led to a legitimate smooth-music renaissance in pop culture, it has also led to a distorted definition of what yacht rock is all about.

The pair join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about setting the record straight with this week's launch of their podcast Yacht or Nyacht , where they'll adjudicate which songs belong to the yacht rock canon using a scientific scoring system.

WATCH | Yacht Rock Episode 1 :

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts .

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This Is the Definitive Definition of Yacht Rock

By Timothy Malcolm July 12, 2019

Michael McDonald. One might say the smoothest mother in music history.

Image: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

About 10 years ago , somebody showed me a YouTube video of Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins writing a song that’s smoother and more polished than anything else on the airwaves.

That video—lovingly spoofing the writing of the Doobie Brothers' 1978 hit “What a Fool Believes”— was the first episode of a series called Yacht Rock . Premiering in 2005 on the Los Angeles-based television incubator Channel 101, Yacht Rock struck a chord with a generation of music nerds who attempt to compartmentalize and categorize the songs they heard as children. The term “yacht rock” itself grew out of the video series, permeating our culture today as much as the music had back in the late 1970s and early '80s.

But here’s the thing about terms that permeate our culture today: They get compromised and bastardized to fit other people’s cozy narratives, typically based on their own nostalgia. Google “yacht rock” and you’ll find articles from across the media spectrum attempting to define the term , failing hard because these writers just don’t get it. There’s even a new BBC series about yacht rock , and while it went into great detail providing context on the emergence of the musical style, it still turned out to be one person’s definition that included songs that were—as some of us might say— nyacht rock.

I’m here to set the record straight—or smooth. Yacht rock is music, primarily created between 1976 and ‘84, that can be characterized as smooth and melodic, and typically combines elements of jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock. You’ll hear very little acoustic guitar (get that “Horse With No Name” out of there) but a lot of Fender Rhodes electric piano. Lyrics don’t get in the way of the song’s usually high musicality (some of the finest Los Angeles session players, including members of the band Toto, play on many yacht rock tunes.) The lyrics may, however, speak about fools. The songs are as light and bubbly as champagne on the high seas, yet oddly complex and intellectual.

And just to hammer this home: Fleetwood Mac is not yacht rock. Daryl Hall & John Oates are 98 percent not yacht rock. Those folkie songs from America, Pure Prairie League, and Crosby, Stills & Nash? Nope. Rupert Holmes's "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)"? Too wordy and not musically interesting—not yacht rock. How about "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts? A little too folky, but close.

I’m not affected by personal nostalgia (I was born in 1984, just as the yacht rock era was ending); instead, I’m an objective music lover who just so happens to have been researching yacht rock for the past several years. I know the men who coined the term “yacht rock” ( they have a great podcast and actually rate whether or not a song is yacht rock ), and they can back me up on this. 

So whether you’re docked for the summer or about to set sail on an adventure, allow me to steer you in the right direction. I've crafted for you the definitive yacht rock playlist—below are a few highlights:

“What a Fool Believes,” The Doobie Brothers

I won’t get any nerdier, I’ll just say that this is the song that epitomizes yacht rock. It’s effortlessly melodic, bouncy, and bright, features a prominent Fender Rhodes electric piano, and includes an ultra-smooth vocal from Michael McDonald.

“Heart to Heart,” Kenny Loggins

Loggins never quite knew whether to be a jazzy folkie or a rocker, but in between those two phases were a couple yachty gems, including this cool breeze on a warm summer day, from the 1982 album High Adventure . Just listen to Loggins’s vocal—it’s butter.

“FM,” Steely Dan

Steely Dan brought a New York edge and a habit of wanting the best players on their records to Los Angeles. In time their sound morphed into the whitest smooth jazz on the planet, aka yacht rock. “FM,” from 1978, has both that snarky exterior and smooth center, but look up the band’s classic albums Aja and Gaucho for a number of yachty delights.

“Human Nature,” Michael Jackson

Once you get to know yacht rock, you can begin traveling into yacht soul—smooth songs from top studio players that lean just a little harder on the R&B. This classic song from the 1982 album Thriller was written and performed by Toto. Jackson provides the gorgeously breezy vocal.

“Rosanna,” Toto

Speaking of Toto, these guys were and still are awesome musicians. The 1982 hit “Rosanna” proves this in spades—the drum shuffle is iconic, the twists are remarkable, and the sound is smoother than a well-sanded skiff.

“Nothin’ You Can Do About It,” Airplay

Who is Airplay? A one-album band created by mega-producer David Foster and session guitarist Jay Graydon. These guys wrote Earth, Wind & Fire’s “After the Love Has Gone,” then this absolute stunner from 1980, a bouncy, giddy, and gentle pop classic.

“I Really Don’t Know Anymore,” Christopher Cross

Emerging out of nowhere with a Grammy-winning album in 1979, Cross is the perfect yacht rock figure, a normal-looking white dude who just so happens to sing like the wind on a summer’s evening. This song, from that debut album, is essential yacht rock with a noticeable background singer—of course, Michael McDonald.

If you want to catch McDonald and sing along to some of his yacht rock classics, he’s performing Friday night at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands. Chaka Khan—who also has a few yacht rock tunes in her catalog—will open. Tickets start at $39.50; prepare accordingly with this  summer yacht rock playlist on Spotify . You’re welcome.

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8 .   Soft Rock Lyrics - You Determine the Artist     Multiple Choice   10 Qns Here is a short quiz about lyrics to songs. All of these songs are considered soft rock. You determine the artist. Good luck! Tough , 10 Qns, looney, Dec 12 07 Tough looney 2363 plays

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• Approval of God : John Oates and Michael McDonald expressed their love the show, with the former congratulating the show for bringing in a Newbie Boom for Daryl Hall & John Oates .
• Non-Singing Voice : Played for Laughs , of course.
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How to Host a Yacht Rock Themed Party

Table of Contents

Getting the Basics for Your Yacht Rock Party

To get the basics sorted for your yacht rock party, you need to know how to select the right venue, determine the appropriate size of the party, create invitations and manage the guest list, and pick out the ideal party decorations. In this section, we’ll walk you through each of these sub-sections to ensure that your yacht rock themed party is a memorable success.

Selecting Your Venue

Searching for the ideal spot to hold your yacht rock party? You’re in the right place! Think about these things when deciding where to go:

Ready to choose? Take into account music policy and alcohol/catering restrictions . Ask about docking fees too!

For a unique twist on your yacht rock gathering, host aboard a vessel that suits your party’s theme – like a model ship museum for a pirate-themed occasion!

In Spain, they have themed boat parties such as “Pirates Adventure” from Magaluf marina daily.

Go search for the ideal venue for your smooth sailing shindig! Remember, the size of your yacht rock party should not be determined by the size of your yacht – unless you want a boat-full of unhappy guests.

Size of the Party

Throw a yacht rock party to remember! Size matters – consider:

• How many can fit in your space?
• What’s your budget for food, drinks and decorations? Smaller groups may allow for more splurges.
• What kind of experience do you want? Intimate or larger?

Don’t forget the unique details. Theme photo booth? Signature cocktail? Safety first – consider limiting guests if needed for social distancing.

Nielsen Music’s 2019 report saw a 43% increase in Yacht Rock streaming services.

Make sure your guest list includes people who are comfortable acting like they own the yacht – or at least know someone who does!

Invitations and Guest List

To rock your yacht party, guest list and invites are key. Here’s how to do it:

• Consider the theme and how many people you can comfortably fit. Not everyone likes 70s and 80s music.
• Set the tone with creative invites. Use retro graphics, fonts, attire recos and fun quotes from classic yacht rock songs.
• Track RSVPs carefully. Have a backup list in case of cancellations or no-shows.

Pro Tip: Ask guests to bring their fave bottle of wine or beer. Takes pressure off you and adds camaraderie.

Go for seashell garlands but don’t forget sunscreen for your furniture.

Decorations for the Party

Getting ready for a yacht rock party requires many elements, including decorations to make it special. Let’s look at the basics for party decorations!

• Incorporate nautical things like ropes, anchors and lifebuoys .
• Opt for blue and white color schemes to give an ocean feel.
• Set up a cocktail bar with fresh drinks and cute marine-themed stirrers.
• Drape twinkle lights along deck railings or tie them to an overhead canopy .
• Fill glass jars with shells and put them on tables around the venue.
• Go all out with classic upscale furniture; like leather sofas .

Be creative! Get an oversized photo booth cardboard cutout with Captain Jack Sparrow or night sky canvas prints .

Check with your vendors ahead of time for any items or supplies they need to avoid last-minute stresses.

Lastly, make sure your yacht rock playlist will make Kenny G jealous.

Choosing the Right Music for Your Yacht Rock Party

To create the perfect musical experience for your Yacht Rock party, you need to understand the Yacht Rock genre and create a playlist that resonates with your guests. This can help to engage your guests with the interactive music choices, creating a fun and memorable party atmosphere.

Understanding Yacht Rock Genre

Yacht rock music is the go-to genre for those looking to have a good time on a boat. This genre was born in the late ’70s and early ’80s and has a smooth and mellow sound. To create the perfect yacht rock party, understanding the essentials is key.

To pick the right music, know what makes yacht rock unique. It has a slow but upbeat tempo, with guitar riffs that don’t overpower. Balance cheesy classics and lesser-known gems.

Christopher Cross’s “ Sailing ” was a number one hit in 1980. However, he called his work soft rock . Hall & Oates were not seen as part of this genre until DJs picked up their songs like “ I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) “.

Make your yacht party rock with the perfect playlist!

Creating Your Party Playlist

Creating the perfect playlist for your yacht rock party can be a challenge. But don’t worry! Here are 5 tips to make sure your guests get up and dance:

• Start with the classics – Steely Dan and Hall & Oates have some great yacht rock tunes.
• Mix in some deep cuts – Surprise your guests with some lesser-known songs.
• Organize into themed sets – Group songs into categories like “sailing songs” or “summer jams”.
• Include modern artists – Who have been influenced by yacht rock legends, such as Tame Impala or Blood Orange .
• End with an upbeat banger – Leave guests wanting more with a high-energy song.

To really stand out, consider songs with sailing or boating lyrics. Or choose tracks that match the color scheme of your decor . Attention to detail is key.

And don’t worry too much if things don’t go as planned. Even Michael McDonald once accidentally played Phil Collins’ “Sussudio” instead of his own hit song! So have fun and get your guests up and dancing.

Engaging Guests with Interactive Music

Music is key for a yacht rock party. It sets the mood and tone of your event. Consider your guests’ age group, musical taste, and occasion when selecting music. Have a playlist ready for any requested songs.

To keep your guests entertained, opt for interactive music. Try karaoke hour before dinner or host a game show. Music trivia games can add fun too.

Yacht rock gets its name from cruising yachts that played soft rock in the ’70s. This genre blends R&B with mellow pop sounds, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

To sum up, interactive music is essential for yacht rock parties. Select music that fits your guests’ age group, taste, and occasion. Incorporate classic hits into games like karaoke and music trivia. Maintain a balance between lively engagement and relaxation for memorable moments. Drinks and food complete the perfect party, like Lionel Richie & Michael McDonald !

Planning Drinks and Food for Your Yacht Rock Party

To plan a successful Yacht Rock themed party with recommended drinks, appetizer ideas, main course options, desserts, and refreshments, this section with the title “Planning Drinks and Food for Your Yacht Rock Party” provides the perfect solution. Whether you’re hosting a small intimate gathering or a large yacht party, this section will guide you through all the essential food and drink preparations needed to make your party a hit.

Recommended Drinks

Hosting a yacht rock party? Not sure what drinks to serve? Look no further! Here are some recommended beverages to set the mood and make your guests feel like they’re on a luxury boat.

• Start with Rum-based Cocktails: Mojitos or Daiquiris . These tropical drinks add flavor and color.
• Serve Wine: White wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay . For red wine lovers, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Don’t Forget the Beer: Lagers, pilsners or anything light and refreshing .
• Cater to Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Mocktails or fruit juices. Virgin Pina Colada, lemonade or Iced Tea.

Garnish the drinks with ocean-themed decorations . Extra ice cubes are a must to keep drinks cold. And don’t forget the appetizers!

Appetizer Ideas

Ready to set sail? Serve up some appetizers for your Yacht Rock party! Try these three:

• Shrimp Cocktail – Classic and delicious!
• Charcuterie Board – Meat & cheese lovers, this one’s for you!
• Cold Dip Platter – Pairs perfectly with warm weather.

For extra fun, serve on nautical plates & trays. Pair appetizers with cocktails for a special touch.

Here’s a true story to share: Friends once had a Yacht Rock party and served mini lobster rolls! Such a hit, everyone talked about it for days! Who needs a captain when you have yummy appetizers?

Main Course Options

When throwing a yacht rock party, it’s important to choose the main course wisely! Seafood is a classic option that goes perfectly with the nautical theme. Freshly caught fish and shrimp can be grilled or baked with sides like rice pilaf or roasted vegetables.

These are other main course options:

Don’t forget to include vegetarian & vegan options, like quinoa salad with mixed greens & avocado dressing, or grilled portobello mushroom burgers . At a yacht rock party I attended, the host surprised us with a sushi bar for the main course – it was definitely a highlight of the evening! Lastly, don’t forget dessert – it’s the only way to make your yacht rock party smoother than the waves!

Desserts and Refreshments

Hosting a yacht rock party can be great fun. Get creative with the menu. Offer light summery options like fruit skewers or sorbet. Create a DIY ice cream sundae bar. Serve classic desserts with a nautical twist, like blueberry cobbler or sea salt caramel brownies. Provide non-alcoholic refreshments, like lemonade, infused water or iced tea. Add an adult touch with boozy frozen cocktails or spritzers.

As an extra touch, get nautical-themed plates or napkins. Display drinks in glass jars or beach pails . Accommodate any dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests. Have plenty of options on hand. Get inventive with desserts. It may become the highlight of the party! Don’t forget games and activities – like yacht rock Jenga !

Fun Yacht Rock Party Games and Activities

To amp up the excitement level at your Yacht Rock Themed Party, you need Fun Yacht Rock Party Games and Activities. Karaoke or Lip Sync Battles, Yacht Rock Trivia and Quizzes, Name that Tune Game, Nautical Relay Race or Scavenger Hunt could be your perfect solutions to this. Enjoy these sub-sections and make your party a hit!

Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle

Want to make your next yacht rock party a night to remember? Think about karaoke or lip sync battle! It’s a classic and easy to set up. Here are some ideas to get the party going:

• Choose classic yacht rock songs like ‘Escape (The Pina Colada Song)’ or ‘Sailing’
• Encourage guests to dress up in 70s/80s fashion
• Create teams for a group challenge
• Add a surprise element – put song titles on slips of paper
• If you’re short on time, pick from an existing playlist

Take it one step further with disco balls, fog machines and a makeshift stage . Get everyone involved and try Karaoke or Lip Sync Battle at your Yacht Rock Party! Plus, why not add some trivia and quiz games to test yacht rock knowledge?

Yacht Rock Trivia and Quizzes

Yacht Rock Trivia questions can be both easy and tricky. Ask about the artist’s name or the title of a song . Plus, add some fun facts about the artists or songs.

Engage people with audio quizzes . Create short sound clips from yacht rock songs and ask to guess the name.

Picture quizzes where participants need to identify the artists based on pictures related to yacht rock songs.

Design custom-made Yacht Rock Bingo cards with logos and titles of bands/musicians related to this genre.

A unique feature : Players collaborate and have fun conversations about their favorite bands/artists while dancing to toe-tapping beats. Plus, it offers opportunities for socialization and making new friendships.

Pro Tip : Have practical prizes ready for winners.

Test your music knowledge with Name that Tune . Turn your yacht party into a smooth-sailing adventure.

Name that Tune Game

Test your guests’ knowledge of classic yacht rock hits with a ‘Name that Tune’ game at your next yacht party! Guests will hear snippets of popular tracks and need to guess both the name and artist. Compete in teams or individually, and the team with the most points wins. Include some unfamiliar tunes for an extra challenge – and maybe even offer prizes!

Did you know that ‘Name That Tune’ first aired on TV in 1952? It was a hit and ran for decades in America and abroad. Spice up the party with a nautical relay race or scavenger hunt – just don’t forget the compass (or Dramamine)!

Nautical Relay Race or Scavenger Hunt

Organizing an entertaining yacht rock party may seem daunting, but adding marine activities like the Nautical Relay Race or Scavenger Hunt will keep your guests engaged.

Split guests into teams of four to six. Set a course with challenges for each team. Focus on nautical tasks like running a sailor’s obstacle course, swimming with anchors and rowing inflatable boats.

Set up a scavenger hunt for various ocean-related items like shells, whistles and flags. Guests will have fun competing and exploring the sea’s delights. Sea Star Base Galveston provides educational marine science and ecology programs for kids.

To make the yacht rock party even better, select captains for each team and create logos or badges. Provide game manuals with rules and safety instructions. Have prizes ready for first through third place and participation rewards.

Time to dress up in your best Captain Stubing and Gopher costume!

Dress Code and Costume Ideas for Your Yacht Rock Party

To complement the music and ambiance of your yacht rock party, dressing up in the appropriate attire is a must. With the help of yacht rock fashion trends and ideas for creating a themed costume or outfit, your guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience. Encourage your guests to dress up and make it a part of the party with the right dress code and costume ideas.

Yacht Rock Fashion Trends

Yacht rock fashion is a classic trend from the ’70s that’s still popular today. A go-to look is a polo shirt paired with pastel-colored shorts or pants . An iconic look is a nautical striped shirt with white trousers and boat shoes . Add extra style with sunglasses, loafers, and sports coats . Spice it up with vintage elements like retro bathing suits or wide-legged pants. For women, try flowy dresses in tropical prints or elegant maxi dresses in neutral colors.

Choose a theme for your party to inspire creativity and add more fun. Encourage guests to dress their best nautical or honor yacht rock icons like Lionel Richie or Christopher Cross. Someone once attended a yacht rock party where everyone wore sailor hats and oversized sunglasses. Those pictures are still shared today!

Dress up for a yacht rock party to embrace smooth tunes and laid-back vibes. Get deck shoes and a captain’s hat. Be a captain of cool and dress to impress!

Ideas for Creating a Themed Costume or Outfit

Hosting a themed party is now super exciting! The latest trend is the ‘Yacht Rock Party.’ Get imaginative and dress up like you’re on an actual yacht cruise. Here are some ideas for costumes and outfits:

• Throwback clothes – go vintage and classic from 70s – 90s.
• Sailor-themed attire – stripes, navy blazers, white skirts or shorts.
• Accessories – shades, watches, bracelets, hats, beanies.
• Shoes – yacht shoes, retro sports sneakers or flip flops.
• Patterns – paisley, flowers, geometric prints.
• Hair & Makeup – blow-dried hairdos, afro styled wigs, bold eyeliner, bright lip colors.

For an extra authentic touch, choose cotton blends with either nautical inspired or tropical prints.

Our expert tip for standing out – an all-white suit , just like Captain Stubing’s Love Boat uniforms!

A group of friends once rocked it as The Village People at a Yacht Party. Have fun creating a unique outfit that fits your style while still honoring the theme.

Remember, a bad outfit choice can seriously affect your reputation!

Encouraging Your Guests to Dress Up

Your Yacht Rock party isn’t just about the music. Dress code is important too! Encourage guests to dress up by clearly mentioning it on the invitation – give them time to plan their costumes. Here are some ideas:

• Nautical-wear and accessories
• 70s and 80s-style outfits
• Vintage sunglasses and hats
• Bold colors, patterns and prints

It’s all in good fun – no pressure! Offer a prize for the best dressed guest, for extra creativity. Get style cues from classic yacht rockers like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald and Steely Dan . If all else fails, share a funny story of a previous party. That will loosen up the mood and make everyone enjoy their attire. Anchor your yacht and wrap up the party. The only thing sinking tonight are the disco balls!

Wrapping Up Your Yacht Rock Party

To wrap up your yacht rock party with a bang, explore the sub-sections of party favors and souvenirs, thank you notes and feedback, tips for hosting a successful yacht rock party. This is the ultimate guide to make sure your guests leave happy and satisfied with their experience at your party.

Party Favors and Souvenirs

Customized Koozies – Keep drinks cold! Choose from designs or create one that fits your party.

Goodie Bags – Filled with candy, snacks, and music-themed accessories.

Vinyl Records – Gift vinyl records for a sense of authenticity.

Plus, party hats, tees, muslin curtains can be personalized for guests to remember the event.

Party favors date back to ancient European traditions. Nowadays, they express gratitude to guests. Lastly, thank you notes give closure to your party.

Thank You Notes and Feedback

After a successful Yacht Rock Party, expressing gratitude and collecting feedback is key. Send handwritten thank you notes to show appreciation. Ask guests for constructive criticism using surveys or interviews. Promote the event on social media with images, videos, and highlights.

Reach a broader audience by acknowledging comments on social media. Encourage RSVPs early via email lists or social media to prepare for future parties. With these tips, you’ll have all the tools needed for success! Hosting a yacht rock party? Steer clear of rocky playlists!

Tips for Hosting a Successful Yacht Rock Party.

Yacht Rock Party success? It’s easy! Follow these five tips.

• Get a yacht-like ambiance , indoors or outdoors.
• Set up a top-notch sound system .
• Serve light finger foods – no need for cutlery.
• Ask guests to dress in 70s-80s yacht style .
• Plan a fun activity- like yacht music trivia.

Plus, add tunes that speak of love, life on a boat and easy living. Then let folks relax on open decks with sun umbrellas, sipping cocktails with mint leaves or lemon slices.

I did this for my birthday and it was amazing! Everyone was dancing in their silk scarves and blouses, singing along to Michael McDonald and other legendary yacht rock artists.