Essential Yacht Rock Playlist

Introduction: The Smooth Sailing Sound of Yacht Rock

Yacht rock refers to a soft rock music style that reached peak popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Sometimes known as "west coast sound," yacht rock is characterized by its smooth, mellow sound marked by lush vocal harmonies, prominent electric guitars and synthesizers, and polished production. The name "yacht rock" stems from many of the genre’s songs having nautical or sailing themes, evoking a lush, breezy lifestyle.

Yacht rock has its roots in Southern California, with bands like the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and Toto crafting quintessential yacht rock hits. The laidback yacht rock sound proved hugely popular in its heyday, with acts like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and Hall & Oates dominating radio airplay and the charts.

In recent years, yacht rock has experienced a major resurgence and reappraisal. The rise of streaming services like Spotify allowing easier rediscovery of yacht rock classics has played a big role. Yacht rock’s signature smooth, effortlessly catchy sound has appealed to both nostalgic listeners who grew up with it and younger generations discovering it for the first time. Internet culture has also fueled yacht rock’s revival through memes celebrating its earnestness and poking fun at some of its cheesier qualities. This has introduced yacht rock to new demographics.

Overall, yacht rock’s timeless melodies and lush production continue to find new audiences. Its relaxing yet uplifting sound makes it the perfect accompaniment for laidback living, leisurely sails, and sunny vibes – no wonder yacht rock is sailing into renewed popularity.

The Top 20 Essential Yacht Rock Songs

1. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross

Released in 1980, "Sailing" is often considered the quintessential yacht rock anthem. With its breezy melody, lush production, and lyrics filled with nautical metaphors, this track encapsulates everything that makes yacht rock so smooth and irresistible. Christopher Cross’ tender lead vocals evoke both escapism and romance as he sings of being "on an endless ocean" and "on the crest of a wave." The song’s iconic saxophone riffs, dreamy harmonies, and uplifting vibes make it the perfect tune for setting sail into the yacht rock soundscape.

2. "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers

The 1979 smash hit from The Doobie Brothers features the unmistakable soulful vocals of Michael McDonald. His heartfelt performance on "What A Fool Believes" exemplifies the blend of R&B and pop that defined yacht rock. The song’s message of holding onto hope in the face of unrequited love resonated strongly with listeners, leading to Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year. From its smooth piano intro to McDonald’s vocal runs on the chorus, "What A Fool Believes" will keep you cruising at sea level.

3. "Rosanna" by Toto

With its sultry groove punctuated by simmering percussion, Toto’s 1982 chart-topper "Rosanna" is a prime example of yacht rock’s polished production. The lyrics tell a wistful tale of longing for an elusive woman, brought to life through soulful vocals and lush keyboard work from the band. Steve Lukather’s iconic guitar solo is the cherry on top, making "Rosanna" a true yacht rock classic.

Smooth Yacht Rock Love Songs

The lush production and silky smooth vocals of yacht rock were a perfect match for singing about love and romance. Some of the genre’s most iconic tracks are soulful love ballads that capture the longing, joy, and heartbreak of relationships. These smooth yacht rock love songs make ideal additions to a romantic evening playlist.

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross is one of the definitive yacht rock love songs. Released in 1980, Cross sings in his distinctive soft tenor about his lover being the wind in his sails and wanting to be with her forever. Backed by mellow acoustic guitar and sweeping strings, "Sailing" became a massive hit and encapsulates the breezy romanticism of yacht rock.

Michael McDonald’s soulful crooning on tracks like "What A Fool Believes" brought an R&B sweetness to The Doobie Brothers’ late ’70s albums. McDonald’s most romantic moment comes on the achingly beautiful "You Belong To Me." McDonald’s heartfelt delivery and the sax and keyboard-laden arrangement makes this ballad soar.

No yacht rock love song list would be complete without Toto’s Grammy-winning "Rosanna" from 1982. With its jazz-influenced instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies, "Rosanna" tells an evocative tale of longing for an elusive lover. Steve Lukather’s iconic guitar line, David Paich’s silky keys, and Bobby Kimball’s passionate vocals cement "Rosanna" as a quintessential yacht rock serenade.

For smooth as honey love songs, Boz Scaggs delivered yacht rock classics like "Look What You’ve Done To Me." Scaggs’ signature raspy, blue-eyed soul vocals shine over laidback funk rhythms on this timeless 1977 track celebrating new love. Scaggs’ mix of R&B and soft rock made for ideal make-out music.

No yacht rock love song list would be complete without Hall & Oates. Their 1977 soft rock ballad "It’s A Laugh" features the duo’s immaculate harmonies over a dreamy shuffle beat and jazz-pop keys. Daryl Hall sings of being lovesick and emotionally adrift without his partner in this silky smooth yacht rock standout.

Upbeat Yacht Rock Feel-Good Anthems

Get ready to raise your sails with these feel-good yacht rock hits guaranteed to put wind in your hair. While many yacht rock songs lean into smooth romance or wistful storytelling, this category shows off the genre’s upbeat side. These are the punchy pop anthems and singalong classics that capture the breezy, carefree essence of yacht rock.

"What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers is an irresistible number one smash that makes you want to sing right along. Michael McDonald’s soulful vocals glide over punchy keyboards and guitar licks. "I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)" is another Doobie Brothers gem, with McDonald channeling Motown energy over a slick R&B groove.

No yacht rock playlist is complete without Toto’s "Africa." The driving beat, catchy hook, and lush instrumentation create an exotic anthem that’s both danceable and dreamy. For similar sunny vibes, check out Toto’s Top 10 hit "Rosanna" or the breezy soft rock of "99" by Toto member David Paich.

Other feel-good yacht rock classics include "Cool Change" by Little River Band, brimming with laidback optimism, and the tropical celebration "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys. So raise the sails and let the good times roll with these upbeat yacht rock favorites.

Epic Yacht Rock Storytelling Tracks

Yacht rock isn’t just about feel-good party anthems – some of the genre’s most acclaimed songs are epic storytelling journeys, with vivid lyrics and captivating narratives that sweep listeners away. These tracks showcase the lyrical talents of yacht rock’s finest songwriters.

• "Africa" by Toto – This massive 1982 hit encapsulates the escapism and wanderlust of yacht rock. Its poetic lyrics tell the story of a man longing for a faraway land, with evocative images like "mountains high" and "Serengeti moon." The soaring chorus is pure yacht rock euphoria.

• "The Logical Song" by Supertramp – A coming-of-age tale with a tinge of sadness, this 1979 hit contemplates growing up and becoming disillusioned with the world. Thoughtful lyrics ponder deep questions in a resonating way. The piano and saxophone interplay is sublime.

• "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas – A meditative acoustic ballad musing on the impermanence of life. This pensive 1977 track stands out for its philosophical lyrics and fingerpicked guitar melodies, showcasing Kansas’ prog-rock artistry through intimate storytelling.

• "Sister Golden Hair" by America – Driven by gorgeous vocal harmonies, this 1975 smash tells a yearning romantic tale of a man pleading for commitment from an indecisive lover. The vivid lyrics make you feel immersed in the story.

• "Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass – A 1972 chart-topper that unfolds an engaging narrative about a barmaid pining for a seafaring man who can never fully be hers. The lyrics transport you into the melancholy tale as the melodic hooks stick with you.

Yacht Rock Songs of the Sea

The ocean, sailing, and escapism are common themes in many beloved yacht rock anthems. These tracks use nautical imagery and references to the sea to evoke feelings of freedom, relaxation, and adventure.

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross is perhaps the quintessential yacht rock sailing song. Released in 1980, it became a massive hit and helped define the breezy yacht rock sound with its mellow groove and Christopher Cross’ smooth vocals gliding over lyrics like "Sailing takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be."

The Doobie Brothers embrace a tropical vibe with "What a Fool Believes," describing "a ship without a sail" and "endless ocean" in the lyrics. Michael McDonald’s soulful lead vocal made it a yacht rock classic.

"Come Sail Away" by Styx uses sailing as a metaphor for a spiritual journey, with references to ships, harbors, and "sailing into the mystic" creating vivid imagery. The epic piano opening and prog-rock theatrics give this 1977 track a cinematic, seafaring feel.

Hall & Oates get stranded on a "deserted island" in "Out of Touch," singing "S.O.S., send me an ocean liner, ’cause I’m stranded all alone." The bouncy, upbeat tune contrasts with the lyrics about isolation and calling out for rescue at sea.

Key Yacht Rock Artists

Michael McDonald was a key figure in yacht rock, first rising to fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers where his smooth, soulful vocals defined hits like "What a Fool Believes" and "Takin’ It to the Streets." As a solo artist in the 80s, McDonald continued delivering yacht rock classics like "I Keep Forgettin’" and "Sweet Freedom." His backing band The Doobie Brothers and collaborations with artists like Kenny Loggins made McDonald one of the most ubiquitous voices of the genre.

Steely Dan stood out for their jazz influences and meticulous studio production. Core members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker crafted complex, literary lyrics and worked with elite LA session musicians to create a signature yacht rock sound. Albums like Aja and songs like "Deacon Blues" exemplified their musical and lyrical sophistication.

Toto was comprised of elite LA session musicians who brought incredible musical chops to yacht rock. Their talents encompassed everything from guitar virtuosity to orchestral arrangements, heard on massive hits like "Africa", "Rosanna", and "Hold the Line." Toto members like guitarist Steve Lukather and keyboardist David Paich also appeared as session players on countless yacht rock recordings.

Defining the Yacht Rock Sound

Yacht rock is instantly recognizable by its smooth, melodic musical qualities and escapist lyrics. The genre is defined by its sophisticated vocal arrangements, with artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross becoming icons thanks to their warm, soulful voices and impeccable harmonies.

Musically, yacht rock makes frequent use of rhythmic electric guitars, synths like the Yamaha DX7, and horns like saxophone to create a lush, polished sound. The drumming tends to be more muted and laidback compared to rock music. Other signature instruments include electric piano, melodic basslines, and bright percussion accents. The production is pristine and clean, with a focus on creating an atmospheric, nautical sonic texture.

Lyrically, yacht rock embraces themes of love, relationships, luxury, and escapism. Songs are often built around metaphors of sailing, the ocean, and relaxation, using wordplay to equate the object of the singer’s affection with a ship to sail away on. Clever nautical references and imagery reinforce the breezy, carefree mood. Even when covering emotional topics like heartbreak, the tone remains smooth and mellow. Yacht rock lyrics are well-crafted and poetic compared to typical pop music.

Quintessential yacht rock hits like "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers, and "Rosanna" by Toto demonstrate how the genre combines sophisticated songwriting with silky arrangements centered on vocal harmonies and evocative lyricism. The lush production provides a dreamlike, escapist sonic texture that compliments the narrative themes. Yacht rock’s distinctive blend of musical and lyrical elements creates its definitive laidback yet luxurious style.

The Legacy of Yacht Rock

Yacht rock has left an indelible mark on popular music despite its relatively short heyday in the late 70s and early 80s. Its smooth sounds and laidback themes touched a cultural zeitgeist, cementing its place in music history.

Even after yacht rock faded from the charts, its influence continued through future generations of musicians. Bands like Hall & Oates and Toto remained touring staples, while Michael McDonald’s distinctive vocal style was widely imitated. Yacht rock also became a touchstone for 90s acts like Spin Doctors and Hootie and the Blowfish.

In the 2000s, yacht rock experienced a major nostalgic revival. The term itself was coined in 2005 when the online video series "Yacht Rock" poked fun at the genre’s nautical aesthetic. This sparked renewed interest, especially among millennials discovering smooth 70s hits. Yacht rock compilations, radio stations, and even cruise ship parties soon followed.

The yacht rock resurgence also birthed "neo-yacht" bands like Vulfpeck that add modern twists to the breezy retro sound. Major artists like Bruno Mars, Harry Styles, and Justin Timberlake have cited yacht rock influences in interviews as well.

Beyond music, yacht rock remains ubiquitous in movies, shows, and commercials needing to evoke a certain easygoing 70s-80s mood. Yacht rock style is also referenced frequently in fashion, design, and pop culture. For many, it epitomizes a bygone era of excess and soft California cool.

Four decades later, yacht rock persists both ironically and unironically. Its lush production and mellow vibes seem to never go out of style, sailing smoothly on through the ages. For both longtime fans and new generations, yacht rock continues to be the perfect soundtrack for taking it easy.

Building the Perfect Yacht Rock Playlist

Crafting the ideal yacht rock playlist takes some smooth sailing. The laidback, breezy vibes of this genre lend themselves perfectly to curating playlists for relaxing weekends or summer parties. Here are some tips for assembling your dream yacht rock mix:

• Start with the classics. You can’t go wrong opening your playlist with iconic hits like "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, "Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty, or "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers. These familiar favorites will draw listeners in.

• Mix up tempos. Follow a mid-tempo track with an upbeat jam, then bring it back down with a ballad. Varying the pace and mood keeps the playlist engaging.

• Feature lesser-known gems. Sprinkle in some deeper cuts beyond the biggest hits to showcase your yacht rock knowledge. The more obscure tracks will delight true fans.

• Organize by themes. Group together romantic sunset songs, laidback cruising tunes, or smooth summer jams that evoke a similar vibe. Thematic sections add flow.

• Keep it smooth. Make the transitions seamless by paying attention to the melody, tempo, and key of songs as you sequence them. Avoid jarring jumps between tracks.

• Go for length. Yacht rock playlists can run long since the easygoing sound lends itself to extended listening. Shoot for at least 2 hours for full immersion.

• Take requests. Ask friends for their yacht rock faves to add variety. Tailor the playlist to your audience for maximum enjoyment.

With the right blend of classics, rarities, and smooth transitions, your yacht rock playlist will be primed for sailing. Cue it up, sit back, and enjoy the laidback vibes. Bon voyage!