In my opinion.
When I first heard the term Yacht Rock, I wasn’t sold. The name conjured images of lavish boat parties and celebrities draped in white and navy linen. Hard pass.
I was so wrong. I love Yacht Rock.
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Coined in 2005 by the comedic web series of the same name, Yacht Rock describes the smooth, sophisticated soft rock of the late ’70s and early ’80s. It’s defined by glossy production, clean vocals, and lyrics that bring about images of a life full of leisure. The genres might vary, but the refined, laid-back aesthetic is what ties it all together.
Sure, Yacht Rock is a little daggy. But if you ask me, or any Yacht Rock fan, it actually rules. Here are 10 of the greatest Yacht Rock songs that have graced our ears.
Sailing – Christopher Cross
If only for the title, this track is the epitome of Yacht Rock. It’s smooth and a little luxurious, wrapped up in bittersweet nostalgia. The chorus is made to be sung in out-of-tune harmonies with whoever’s nearby, preferably while leaning against a railing with a cold drink in hand. Cross’s vocals float effortlessly over pristine production that defined the era.
What a Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
Michael McDonald’s voice is a treasure, and this track proves it. The piano groove is infectious, the key changes as smooth as the bass, and that falsetto hits different every single time. It won Record of the Year at the Grammys for good reason—this is pure yacht fuel.
I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) – Michael McDonald
Okay, this is a personal favourite. ‘I Keep Forgettin'” is exactly what I imagine it feels like to be on an expensive yacht. You’re pouring a whiskey, on the rocks, down in the cabin of your yacht. The sun is about to set. You’re heading up to watch another day turn to night, whiskey in hand, listening to Michael McDonald. It doesn’t get much better. Plus, that verse to chorus transition hits different.
Peg – Steely Dan
You can’t spell Yacht Rock without Steely Dan. And ‘Peg’ is the perfect showcase of why Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are absolute perfectionists. The guitar solo, played by Jay Graydon after multiple session players couldn’t nail it, is legendary. Every element sits perfectly in the mix—tight horns, pristine vocals, and that effortlessly cool groove. This is studio craftsmanship at its finest.
The track’s influence extends well beyond Yacht Rock too. De La Soul famously sampled it for their 1989 hip-hop classic “Eye Know,” introducing Steely Dan’s sophisticated sound to a whole new generation.
Baby Come Back – Player
This is the kind of song that makes you want to slow dance in your kitchen—dim lights, something bubbling on the stove, wine in hand. It’s a certifiable party track that tugs at your heartstrings. Pure, unapologetic sentiment wrapped in silky production.
Reminiscing – Little River Band
Australian legends Little River Band brought their own flavour to the Yacht Rock scene, and ‘Reminiscing’ is their crowning achievement in the genre. There’s warmth and nostalgia to this track. The harmonies are pristine, the arrangement is lush without being overdone, and that guitar tone is superb.
Rich Girl – Hall & Oates
Daryl Hall and John Oates were masters of the sophisticated pop sound, and ‘Rich Girl’ showcases their knack for writing hooks that burrow into your brain and never leave. The marimba groove is instantly recognisable, and the social commentary wrapped in such a smooth package makes it smarter than it initially appears.
Sara Smile – Hall & Oates
If ‘Rich Girl’ is Hall & Oates at their catchiest, ‘Sara Smile’ is them at their most tender. Written by Daryl Hall for his then-girlfriend Sara Allen, this ballad drips with sincerity. The Rhodes piano, the gentle guitar work, and Hall’s emotive vocals capture true intimacy in four minutes of pristine sound.
What You Won’t Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell
Bobby Caldwell’s smooth soul-jazz masterpiece deserves every bit of recognition it gets. That opening piano line is pure class, and Caldwell’s voice has a lived-in quality that sells every word. This track has been sampled countless times in hip-hop, cementing its influence beyond the Yacht Rock sphere.
Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington Jr. feat. Bill Withers
Bill Withers brings his unmistakable warmth to this Grover Washington Jr. collaboration. The Rhodes, guitar licks and Withers’ conversational delivery bring a sophisticated romantic feel without being saccharine.
Yacht Rock isn’t really about the boats, the leisure, the aesthetic. It’s about precision, clean, silky production, sophistication, and incredible hooks, representing a moment in time when studios had unlimited budgets, musicians were at the top of their game, and smooth was the name of the game.
