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Yacht Rock 311

Channel 311 Yacht Rock Radio celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late '70s and early '80s. You’ll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and other titans of smooth music. It's the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

Rupert Holmes

Channel 311

Yacht rock radio.

SiriusXM’s tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s. You’ll hear artis … more

SiriusXM’s tribute to Yacht Rock celebrates the smooth-sailing soft rock from the late 70s and early 80s. You’ll hear artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other titans of smooth music. It’s the kind of rock that doesn’t rock the boat!

I'm The Captain Now

Each week, we let a new celebrity takes the yacht for a spin around the marina and pick out their favorite Yacht Rock songs. … more

Each week, we let a new celebrity takes the yacht for a spin around the marina and pick out their favorite Yacht Rock songs. Because ... they're the captain now!

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Playlist of the Week: Top 100 Songs of Yacht Rock

Each week we’re featuring a playlist to get your mind going and help you assemble your favorites. This week we take a deep dive into the soft rock hits of the late ’70s and early ’80s, which have come to be known in some circles as Yacht Rock. The term Yacht Rock generally refers to music in the era where yuppies enjoyed sipping champaign on their yachts — a concept explored in the original web series Yacht Rock, which debuted in 2005 and has developed a cult following. Artists most commonly thought of in the Yacht Rock era include Michael McDonald, Ambrosia, 10cc, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Boz Scaggs, and Christopher Cross. Yacht Rock has become the muse of a great number of tribute bands, and is the current subject of a short-run channel on Sirius XM.

Here is a stab at the Top 100 Songs of Yacht Rock — not necessarily in rank order, with a few more added for honorable mention. We welcome your comments. What songs are ranked too high? What songs are ranked too low? What songs are missing? Make your case. Also, please let us know concepts for playlists you’d like to see — or share a favorite list of your own.

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Vote For the Top ’80s Yacht-Rock Hits, Then Hear the Countdown Labor Day Weekend

From hits by Hall and Oates to classics by Olivia Newton-John, select your favorites for the ‘Yacht Rock of the ’80s Countdown.’

Make your end-of-summer dreams come true with a special fan-voted countdown of the top yacht-rock songs of the ’80s for Labor Day weekend!

Before setting sail during the three-day weekend, we need your votes to create the “ Yacht Rock of the ’80s Countdown .” From favorites by Hall & Oates and Olivia Newton-John to classics by Kenny Loggins and Christopher Cross, select up to five smooth-sailing songs from the list below now. Then, tune in to Yacht Rock Radio (Ch. 14 through September 8) or Yacht Rock 311 (Ch. 311 all year round) from September 2 through September 5 to hear the entire countdown. The full special will also be available on the SXM App after its premiere.

This poll closed on   September 1 at 11:59pm ET .

Yacht Rock Radio is available on Channel 14 and on the SXM App through September 8. To hear your favorite smooth-sailing songs from the ’70s and ’80s anytime, stream Yacht Rock 311 all year round on the SXM App. Check out more information about Yacht Rock 311 here .

In addition to the “Yacht Rock of the ’80s Countdown,” SiriusXM will air a number of other fan-voted countdowns — featuring genre- and era-spanning music — throughout Labor Day weekend. See more of our Labor Day polls here .

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Music to sleep to, from ambient and downtempo to white noise and nature sounds, vote now for the top 10 women voices in classic rock, usher radio plays 30 years of nonstop usher hits, from ‘u got it bad’ to ‘coming home’, music, sports, news and more.

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Yachty by Nature

Yacht Rock Radio

As you may know, Yacht Rock has become ubiquitous in the hearts and minds of America.  In fact, when our band Yachty by Nature started 4 years ago, there was no such radio.  In the interim, the smooth genre has exploded and the stations and playlists have too.  Sirius/XM radio has led the way and made it easy for us to get mellow.  However, make sure you check out JD Ryznar and Hollywood Steve on their Certified Spotify Playlist .  This collection of tunes is amazing.  From deep cuts to the anthems that make the band go, it is one smooth pleasure cruise to grooviness.  Your superstars are alive and well including Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, George Benson, Michael Jackson, Christopher Cross and more.

It’s a quick education on what truly makes smooth music go.  In addition, music from Amazon, Sonos, and the Yacht Rock Radio aim to smooth you up.  Take advantage of so much great music but get it live when our band plays.  Please take a moment and comment on your favorite tunes here on this Blog Post!!!

Tiki Bar 2020

Speaking of which, Yachty by Nature just cracked the seal on 2020.  With the Emilio Nares Foundation fundraiser at the Observatory in December, we closed out the year in style.  In fact, Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray gave us a shout out for the fundraiser and proclaimed us the best Yachty band name!  Yacht Rock radio certainly heard he has a new album.  Additionally, last Saturday’s capacity show at Tiki Bar blew the doors off the place, softly.  From the sound check on, we knew it was going to be a night for the ages.

We are so thankful and humbled by the Sold Out show and line out the door.  Again, thanks for your patience and glad that we got so many Yachty by Nature fans into the venue.  As well, we heard that Green Day rocked the house 2 weeks prior to our show with a similar packed house.  What a feeling to be in such great company and English Beat will be at Tiki Bar next month.  Check it out and continue your guilty pleasure playlist time.

Catalina Island and beyond

We hope everyone had a fantastic holiday out there and a kickass New Year’s Eve.  As for the band, we decided to rest up for the new year and be with family.  Lots of yacht rock radio playing during the holidays.  Thanks so much for the support and understanding for our well deserved break.  In addition, we thank you for an amazing year in 2019.  In addition to being voted the #1 cover band in Orange County, the band had many firsts.  With so much to be thankful for, the band launches January with a stint at the NAMM show in Anaheim.   as well as The Fifth Rooftop in Anaheim.

Stay tuned for us back at Campus Jax in February and, of course, our fantastic voyage to Catalina Island on March 28.  Add a little trip to Scottsdale in March as well, and you’ve got some serious yacht to look forward to.  Make sure you get your tickets for the Catalina Island Concert Series, it’ll be one special Nauti/Knotty/Yachty by Nature weekend for sure.  Avalon and the entire island will be transformed into one YACHTY heaven.  Any chance to hit the open seas with California’s favorite Yacht Rock Band is going to be one stone groove.

Yacht Rock Radio Playlist

As always, please send us your preferred songs and tunes that you love.  In fact, comment here on this post and let us know what playlist you’re listening to or a song or two.  In fact, we love to hear from our audience and you do great on Facebook and Instagram.  Keep spreading the yachty love and check Yacht Rock Radio from any of the stations to keep your motor running between live shows.  In fact, dive into some deep cuts and let us know what you love.

Our set list is always expanding!  And, although we gotta play those favorites like Africa and Rosanna and Brandy, we work hard to add new songs all the time.  One of the great tunes that we just recently dove into is Thunder Island and we’ll hope to have it ready soon.  Also on our to do list is Jojo, Arthur’s Theme, and another tune from Lionel Richie that’s a secret.  You’ll have to guess.

Last couple of shows, we loved getting to play Last Christmas over the holidays, Georgy Porgy, and Still the One!  What a ride it’s been.  A smooth groove, a smooth music radio paradise, and a wonderful Christmas and holiday season spreading yachty cheer.  We played a ton of corporates and casuals so thanks for your patience for new and exciting concerts.  We promise to be in your neighborhood soon enough.  Thanks for listening, thanks for enjoying and whatever you do, Stay Yachty!

#yachtrockradio #yachtrock #yachtrockband #siriusxm #yachtybynature #yachtrockplaylist

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How about a little Ambrosia! How Much I feel or Biggest Part of Me! ❤️

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The greatest Yacht Rock songs of all time

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

How does one describe yacht rock? The folks at MasterClass did a pretty good job. Essentially, it's a component of soft rock, adult contemporary, and Album-oriented rock (AOR) all rolled into one. Popular in the late 1970s and into the '80s, there are some notable tunes of the ilk (smooth rhythms, light or "breezy" vocals, well-polished and produced) from earlier in the '70s that fall into this category.

In the spirit of easy listening fare, here is our ranking of 22 great yacht rock tunes.

20. "Lonely Boy" (1977), Andrew Gold

The Southern Californian's biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Yacht rock tracks often tell stories, and "Lonely Boy" is one of the great story songs. Whether it's autobiographical in nature has always been ripe for a casual argument. Though Gold, who passed away in 2011 at age 59, repeatedly claimed this song about a boy who felt left out following the birth of his sister was not depicting his life. The 1970s were ripe for one-hit wonders in the United States, and Gold is not still forgotten. 

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19. "I Love You" (1981), Climax Blues Band

"I Love You"  is a sweet, endearing ballad. The kind of song that probably sounded great via that portable 8-track cassette player on a catamaran during an early '80s' summer. From England, Climax Blues Band scored a top-15 hit with "I Love You." Love was a dependable and generally successful topic for artists within the soft/yacht rock genre. In fact, the song is still quite popular on lite rock and adult contemporary radio stations on your FM dial for those who still like to hear their music that way. 

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18. "Rosanna" (1982), Toto

Toto rightfully has a place in the yacht rock world, but the band also broke into the top-40, FM radio, and MTV mainstream with the release of 1982's Toto IV . "Rosanna" was a big reason for the album's success, peaking at No. 2 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and winning the Record of the Year Grammy Award. Sure, it's not typical yacht rock fare, per se. It's certainly heavier than other popular tracks on this list, but it's certainly a product of AOR and still routinely played in dentist offices throughout America. 

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17. "Love Will Keep Us Together" (1975), Captain & Tennille

There are those historians who believe the first true example of yacht rock came with this popular '70s staple from the "Captain" Daryl Dragon  and his wife Toni Tennille. Now, Neil Sedaka  wrote "Love Will Keep Us Together" and originally recorded the song two years earlier. Still, the duo's version was  more poppy, with a carefree vibe  that's ideal for FM radio. While Captain & Tennille's cover won a Record of the Year Grammy Award, Sedaka has noted that the Beach Boys were one of the inspirations for the tune. This makes sense since many music critics, professionals, historians, etc.. have credited the yacht rock genre as somewhat of an offshoot from the Beach Boys' collective sound. 

16. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" (1979), Rupert Holmes

This No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hit for England's Rupert Holmes has achieved a steady cult following over the years. Perhaps, because of the unique title and conjured images of some warm, beach-laden paradise. Yacht rock's association with summer, water, and care-free living, as a backdrop to a romantic story, is one of its appealing aspects. This song is about a couple who ultimately patch up a rough relationship through personal ads . Any time somebody of a certain age sips one of these drinks, ideally at some Caribbean resort with the warm winds off the ocean blowing, "The Pina Colada Song" should come to mind.

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15. "Reminiscing" (1978), Little River Band

Formed in Australia, the soft/pop rock and often yacht rock stylings of LRB were a hit in the United States. " Reminiscing " was the band's biggest hit in America, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Like many songs of this genre, "Reminiscing" is paced by the electric piano. Which also happened to be a staple of the Little River Band. Sure, it's not "breezy" like other yacht rock tunes, but Will Ferrell's Det. Allen Gamble is a big fan in The Other Guys (2010).

14. "Africa" (1982), Toto

Yes, more from Toto. If there's one popular Toto hit that whole-heartedly falls under the yacht rock moniker, it's " Africa ." The group's only song to top the Billboard Hot 100, and made a resurgence with Weezer's popular cover in recent years , "Africa," is the proper combination of mellow and poppy. It continues the Toto tradition of shared vocals, while the consistent synthesizer and keyboard presence, though more pronounced than the typical soft rock/adult contemporary vibe. 

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13. "How Much I Feel" (1978), Ambrosia

L.A.'s Ambrosia, co-founded by vocalist/guitarist/songwriter David Pack and bassist Joe Puerta was all about the soft rock sound that surfaced in Southern California during the early 1970s. "How Much I Feel," from the group's third album Life Beyond L.A. , might have more of an adult contemporary vibe but certainly falls into the yacht rock category. It was one of the band's biggest hits, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's remained popular over the years, even being sampled by Kanye West.

12. "Peg" (1977), Steely Dan

Steely Dan was, in its prime, under the direction of celebrated songwriters Donald Fagan and Walter Becker, many things regarding a collective sound. Rock, pop, jazz, blues. Usually melodic, well within the soft-rock category. Songs like "Peg," from the 1977 masterpiece Aja , certainly has a yacht rock vibe, too. Perhaps most notably is that the great Michael McDonald, longtime frontman of the Doobie Brothers and driving singer-songwriter in the soft/yacht rock circles, provides backing vocals on the track. 

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11. "Biggest Part of Me" (1980), Ambrosia

It really does get more yacht rock than this—smooth , with a flowing rhythm, precise, but not overbearing, harmonies . Not to mention the subtly stellar keyboard work from David C. Lewis. Throw in sessionist Ernie Watts' sax solo, and we have one great soft/yacht offering. It was the second of Ambrosia's two top-5 hits, reaching No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. The version from the 1980s One Eighty  album runs about 5 1/2 minutes long. Talk about pure easy-listening joy.

10. "Summer Breeze" (1972), Seals & Crofts"

Long considered one of the great "summer songs" ever recorded. And summer-themed tunes from the 1970s tend to lend themselves to the yacht rock moniker. That said, Seals & Crofts were definitely a soft rock outfit, but with elements of folk and pop. "Summer Breeze" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970s and, again, is notable for being one of the earliest yacht rock offerings. Several other prominent artists, such as Ray Conniff, the Isley Brothers, and a stellar metal version from Type O Negative. 

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9. "Ride Like the Wind" (1979), Christopher Cross

It's safe to say that Christopher Cross is the king of yacht rock. A brilliant songwriter and above-average guitar player, Cross could rock, but it's his definitive soft rock numbers that made him a star with lite-FM, adult contemporary and yacht rock fans. "Ride Like the Wind"  is the first single from Cross' stellar five-time Grammy-Award-winning self-titled debut from 1979. A more upbeat number about an outlaw running from the authorities, the track is less uplifting than other yacht rock tunes, but the vibe is the same. Of note, Michael McDonald provided backing vocals.

8. "Baby Come Back" (1977), Player

From John Friesen's steady drum intro to that durably underlaid bass line via Ron Moss to J.C. Crowley's keyboard presence begins the soft-rock brilliance of "Baby Come Back." With lyrics describing the yearning to reacquire a lost love and full-band harmonies, "Baby Come Back" just might be the quintessential offering of the yacht rock genre. It was the biggest hit for Player , the L.A.-based group that featured vocalist and song co-writer Peter Beckett, who was born in England. The tune topped the Billboard Hot 100 and still has a presence with its inclusion in films such as Transformers and  Black Adam.  Plus, various versions in popular TV shows like The Simpsons. American Dad  and King of the Hill.

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7. "What a Fool Believes" (1979), The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers were a rather hard-rocking outfit before Michael McDonald joined up in the mid-1970s. The band was in need of an established songwriter, and McDonald delivered. However, with a more mellow, synthesizer/electric piano-driven sound that produced soft-rock gems like this one. Co-written by Kenny Loggins, who put out a version for himself, "What a Fool Believes" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in April 1979. Several critics have cited this as the best song in the vast Doobie Brothers catalog. 

6. "Steal Away" (1980), Robbie Dupree

If you're going to be a one-hit wonder, why not make it count? More than 30 years since its release, " Steal Away " can still be heard in elevators and office buildings throughout the United States -- or in the third season of Better Call Saul . Undeniably yacht rock, Dupree, born in Brooklyn, enjoyed success with the song during the summer of 1980 -- always a perfect time to enjoy the smooth, soothing sounds of a piece within this genre that peaked at No. 6 on Billboar d's Hot 100.

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5. "Moonlight Feels Right" (1975), Starbuck

Here's a case where middle-aged and baby-boomer music fans probably remember the song but perhaps not the group who performed the track. That's OK. Atlanta's Starbuck is essentially a one-hit wonder thanks to "Moonlight Feels Right," which topped out at No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100. For those who remember this track for its lite-flowing beat, with lyrical references to the ocean, "Baltimore," and 'Ole Miss," and band member Bo Wagner marimba solo, it might take them back to a simpler, more laidback time in their lives.

4. "Heart to Heart" (1982), Kenny Loggins

Perhaps more so than the previously mentioned "This Is It," "Heart to Heart" truly has all the requirements of a great yacht rock/soft rock tune. It was co-written by Michael McDonald, who also played the electric piano and provided backing vocals. David Foster, of Chicago songwriting and '80s ballad fame, also helped compose the tune, which features David Sanborn on saxophone. The track is one of Loggins' best-known hits, cracking the top 20 of the Hot 100.

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3. "Lowdown" (1976), Boz Scaggs

Co-written by David Paich and featuring Jeff Porcaro on drums -- both of whom who go on to form the aforementioned Toto. One of Scaggs most well-known hits, "Lowdown"  has a bluesy and almost disco vibe. And a number we can imagine being played at some swanky yacht club party where the dance floor is filled, and more than a few people are sporting captain's hats. The song reached No. 3 on Billboard 's Hot 100 and also topped the Billboard Cash Box chart in the United States.

2. "Key Largo" (1981), Bertie Higgins

Yacht rock and one-hit wonders seem to go hand-in-hand. Higgins scored one in the early 1980s with this number that reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Florida native was inspired to write this song about trying to avoid a romantic breakup by the 1948 movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who are referenced in the tune. Though Higgins never enjoyed the same individual success as a musician, the song has had a solid shelf life and remains a definitive moment in the yacht rock genre.

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1. "Sailing" (1979), Christopher Cross

Sure, "Ride Like the Wind" is a gem, but the undisputed star of Cross' aforementioned debut album is the Hot 100-chart-topper "Sailing." It might be the definitive yacht rock song, capturing what Cross described, at the time, the "West Coast sound," which was long being composed, produced and performed, but maybe didn't have an appropriate moniker. The song won Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and was a big reason Cross earned the same award for Best New Artist.

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