Yacht Rock is a broad label but usually refers to soft rock, R&B or folk rock. The genre is so popular today that tribute bands such as the amazing Yacht Rock Revue play to thousands of fans every night singing along to classics from the 70’s and 80’s. There is plenty of debate on what is or isn’t Yacht Rock, but the list below is tough to dispute as some of the top yacht rock songs and most essential tracks.
“Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #2
Did You Know?: Christopher Cross was also an accomplished guitarist. In fact, he once sat in for guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore for a 1970 Deep Purple gig.
Further Listening: Check out Cross’ smoking guitar solo at the end of the song somewhat obscured by the backing vocals. Also, listen to British heavy metal band Saxon’s cover on their 1988 Destiny album.
“Peg” by Steely Dan (1978)
US Billboard Hit 100 Peak Position: #11
Did You Know?: You guessed it, that is Michael McDonald’s smooth as silk background vocals in the chorus. It was one of many appearances McDonald made on Steely Dan records including four consecutive albums – Katy Lied (1975), The Royal Scam (1976), Aja (1977) and Gaucho (1980). McDonald was not the only famous vocalist appearing on background vocals for Steely Dan. Timothy B. Schmit of Eagles fame – and voice behind the hit “I Can’t Tell You Why” – sang on a number of Steely Dan tracks including “Rikki Don’t Lost That Number.”
Further Listening: De La Soul sampled guitar, keyboards and vocals from “Peg” on the song “Eye Know” from their 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising. “Eye Know” peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart but was unreleased as single in the US.
“Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree (1980)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #6
Did You Know?: That is not Michael McDonald on background vocals. although it sounds very similar. The song was also a hit in Canada where it peaked at number 14 on the singles chart.
Further Listening: Robbie Dupree is sometimes considered a one hit wonder. That is actually not true. His second single from his debut album – “Hot Rod Hearts” – went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is another Yacht Rock classic with more of a Jackson Browne feel.
“You Are the Woman” by Firefall (1976)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #9
Did You Know?: Firefall’s founding member Rick Roberts (lead vocals and guitar) was previously with The Flying Burrito Brothers where he was hired to replace the legendary Gram Parsons.
Further Listening: Although “You Are the Woman” was the highest charting single of Firefall’s career, they did crack the Billboard Top 40 five more times including “Just Remember I Love You” in 1977 (Billboard #11) and “Strange Way” in 1978 (Billboard #11).
“What A Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers (1979)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #6
Did You Know?:Michael McDonald co-wrote “What A Fool Believes” with his good friend and frequent collaborator Kenny Loggins. In fact, Loggins released a version of the song five months prior to the release by The Doobie Brothers on his album Nightwatch. The Loggins version was not released as a single. Instead, Loggins hit the jackpot on another single from the album – “Whenever I Call You Friend” – a Top 5 hit with Stevie Nicks.
Further Listening: Over the four albums that McDonald recorded with The Doobie Brothers from 1976-1980 (Takin’ It to the Streets, Livin’ on the Faultline, Minute by Minute and One Step Closer), the band hit the Billboard Top 40 a total of seven times with classics including “Takin It to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute” and “Real Love.”
“Lotta Love” by Nicolette Larson (1978)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #8
Did You Know?: “Lotta Love” was written by Neil Young and originally released on his 1978 album “Comes A Time” which Larson provided backing vocals for most of the album. Larson also sang backing vocals on Young’s American Stars ‘n Bars and Rust Never Sleeps.
Further Listening: “Lotta Love” was Larson’s only Top 10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, she would hit the Top 10 on the US Country singles chart in 1986 with “That’s How You Know When Love’s Right” with Steve Wariner. Larson also sang background vocals with Emmylou Harris on her albums Luxury Liner (1976) and Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (1978). Her duet on “Hello Stranger” from Luxury Liner is a great example of Larson’s vocal powers.
“Biggest Part of Me” by Ambrosia (1980)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #3
Did You Know?: Founding member of Ambrosia, Joe Puerta (bassist / vocalist) was also a founding member of Bruce Hornsby and The Range playing bass on all three albums (The Way It Is, Scenes from the Southside and A Night on the Town. Hornsby also played briefly with Ambrosia as a touring member in 1982. Alan Parsons engineered the first Ambrosia record and all four founding members played on the first Alan Parsons Project record Tales of Mystery and Imagination.
Further Listening: Ambrosia had four other songs in the Top 40 including “How Much I Feel” (#3 in 1978) and “You’re the Only Woman (You & I)” (#13 in 1980).
“Love Will Find A Way” by Pablo Cruise (1978)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #6
Did You Know?: “Love Will Find a Way” was the first single off their fourth album Worlds Away. The album sold over 1 million copies and included contributions from Mike and Steve Porcaro (both members of Toto) and James Newtown Howard – Grammy award winning composer of more than 100 films including Pretty Woman, Space Jam and The Dark Knight.
Further Listening: Pablo Cruise released a total of five Top 40 hits including Top 10 hit “Whatcha Gonna Do?” (1977) and “Cool Love” (#13 Billboard Hot 100 in 1981).
“Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs (1976)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #3
Did You Know?: “Lowdown” was the second single off the multi-platinum Silk Degrees album and was Scaggs’ first major hit. The song included David Paich (keyboards), David Hungate (bass) and Jeff Porcaro (drums) – all three were original members of Toto who would release their first album two years after Silk Degrees. “Lowdown” also featured Fred Tackett of Little Feat on guitar.
Further Listening:Silk Degrees is packed with pop classics including “Lido Shuffle” (#11 on Billboard Hit 100 in 1978) and “What Can I Say?” Also, check out “Jojo” and “Breakdown Dead Ahead” both Top 20 hits from his 1980 album Middle Man. “Breakdown Dead Ahead” features David Hungate on Toto (bass) and the guitar duo of Steve Lukather (Toto) and Ray Parker Jr. best known for his hit “Ghostbusters.”
“Reminiscing” by Little River Band (1978)
US Billboard Hot 100 Peak Position: #3
Did You Know?: Little River Band were as Australian band originally known as Mississippi. “Reminiscing, from their 1978 album Sleeper Catcher, was their highest charting single in the US. The band cracked the US Billboard Top 40 13 times, including six times in the Top 10.
Further Listening: Little River Band recorded numerous classic songs that fit in to the Yacht Rock playlist including “Cool Change,” “Happy Anniversary,” “Lady,” “Lonesome Loser” and “Take it Easy on Me.”
