Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Black Sunshine Media
Yacht rock is a playfully mocking term for an ample range of glossy, intelligent jazz rock, pop rock, soft rock, and occasionally hard rock that permeated FM radio airwaves from the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
Also associated with adult alternative rock (not to be confused with album-oriented rock) or the “West Coast Sound,” the term was originated in 2005 by J. D. Ryznar (with Steve Huey, David Lyons, and Hunter Stair), and served as the basis of fictional web video series (Yacht Rock) that revitalized an appreciation for bands like Toto, Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald-era Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and obscure artists like Airplay and Steve Kipner.
Unlike most rock genres, yacht rock is an after-the-fact aesthetic (aka neologism) that suffers from a lack of context, i.e., we’re not talking about music that’s exclusively about boats. Culturally, the style reflected Southern California’s late-’70s lifestyle: affluent, easygoing, and musically sophisticated.
| Origin | Mid-1970s jazz, pop, and soft rock |
| Peak popularity | 1972-ish–1985 |
| Defining artists | Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Toto, Hall & Oates |
| Exemplary album | Christopher Cross, Christopher Cross (1979) |
What is Yacht Rock?
Ryznar et. al attempted to crystalize the definition of yacht rock, and have been critical of overly expansive definitions of the term. In 2016, they invented the term “nyacht rock” to refer to songs that have sometimes been classified as yacht rock but that they felt did not fit the definition, particularly the folk-driven soft rock of the Eagles and Gordon Lightfoot. Ryznar and friends have since developed a Yacht or Nyacht? Podcast and a Certified Yacht Rock rating system.
As originally conceived by Ryznar, the genre is defined by:
- High production values
- Use of “elite” Los Angeles–based studio musicians and producers associated with yacht rock
- Jazz and R&B influences
- Use of electric piano
- Complex and wry lyrics about heartbroken, foolish men, particularly involving the word “fool”
- An upbeat rhythm called the “Doobie Bounce”
- Placement on the fairly scientific Yachtski Scale, based on perfection, importance, statistical deviation, and an X/Y axis (aka The Pritchard Scale) based on a Hollywood movie, Dead Poet’s Society (1989), starring Robin Williams
In 2014, AllMusic’s Matt Colier identified the “key defining rules of the genre“:
- Keep it smooth, even when it grooves, with more emphasis on the melody than on the beat
- Keep the emotions light, even when the sentiment turns sad (as is so often the case in the world of the sensitive yacht-rocksman)
- Always keep it catchy, no matter how modest or deeply buried in the tracklist the tune happens to be
The Origins of Smooth Music
Whenever a new genre appears on the zipline of popular music, there’s debate about the definition of said genre. However, the difference between 70s and 80s soft rock and what we now call “yacht rock” is a matter of taste. Ryznar prefers to call it “smooth music”.
According to purists, yacht rock must include but is not limited to expensive production values, inclusion of electric piano, quirky lyrical themes about dumb dudes, and a mid-tempo rhythm around 100 BPM.
Once we get the parameters defined, we must argue about the origin. It’s safe to say that this type of sophisticated pop rock can be traced to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys (the albums Today! (1965), Pet Sounds (1966), and especially, “Sail on Sailor” (1973)).
It developed into a slick type of coddling, contemporary rock that remained oblivious to present-day realities, i.e., it sounded good without saying very much.
Where Does the “Yacht” Come Into Play?
Yacht rock is not an umbrella for any song whose lyrics include nautical references. So, that wipes out 95% of the Jimmy Buffett catalog, thankfully.
The general idea is gleaned from 70s and 80s pop/party culture. Imagine being invited to a party on a yacht owned by some eccentric yet suave rich white Wall Street dude. The forecast calls for topsider boogie with a likelihood of cocaine. The ambient soundtrack of the party would consist of songs from bands like Toto, Hall & Oates, and The Doobie Brothers.
Yacht Rock FAQ
Is Steely Dan considered yacht rock?
Yes and no. Much of their music falls into the “smooth music” niche, and their 1977 album Aja is considered one of the defining landmarks of the genre, but Donald Fagan famously disavowed the association.
According to J.D Ryznar, Steely Dan is the Gold Standard of yacht rock, and their 1977 hit “Peg” sits at the top of many best yacht rock song listicles. Several other tracks like “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and “Hey Nineteen” would be included on any “smooth music” playlist.
What’s the Doobie Bounce?
If you’re asking me, it’s any mid-tempo rock song of the era that’s got congas. More specifically, a cross between an R&B shuffle and any Latin dance rhythm. Prime example: “Takin’ it to the Streets” by the Doobie Brothers (1976). The Doobie Bounce isn’t a dealbreaker. Plenty of songs don’t have it, and we should be okay with that.
10 Exemplary Yacht Rock Songs
I don’t want to argue with anybody about a bit from a 20-year-old podcast. These are some tracks that I think of when I think of yacht rock.
- Baby Come Back – Player (1977)
- Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty (1978)
- Two Tickets to Paradise – Eddie Money (1979)
- You Are the Woman – Firefall (1976)
- Whatcha Gonna Do – Pablo Cruise (1977)
- The Biggest Part of Me – Ambrosia (1980)
- Sentimental Lady – Bob Welch (1977)
- Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross (1980)
- What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers (1979)
- On & On – Stephen Bishop (1977)
150+ Yacht Rock and/or Pool Party Songs to Set the Tone
Do you have a boat with a sound system that needs a rock-oriented playlist for your next soireé at sea? Are you planning an adult pool party but don’t have time to curate a soundtrack? Having some friends over tonight to guzzle some cocktails and talk shit about each other? You’ve come to the right…
Top 10 “Certified” Yacht Rock Songs
| Yachtski | Song | Artist |
| 100 | What a Fool Believes | The Doobie Brothers |
| 99.625 | Heart to Heart | Kenny Loggins |
| 98.5 | I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) | Michael McDonald |
| 98.25 | This Is It | Kenny Loggins |
| 96.75 | Nothin’ You Can Do About It | Airplay |
| 96.125 | Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong | Kenny Loggins |
| 95.75 | Rosanna | Toto |
| 95.5 | Human Nature | Michael Jackson |
| 95 | Girls Know How | Al Jarreau |
| 94.5 | Sailing | Christopher Cross |
