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Best Yacht Rock Songs
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items Smooth sailing starts here. This board features the ultimate collection of Yacht Rock classics — mellow grooves, silky vocals, and breezy vibes from the late '70s and early '80s. Perfect for cruising, chilling, or just feeling cool, calm, and nostalg...
This an article that I wrote that features 10 of the best Yacht Rock songs of all time.
10 of the Best Yacht Rock Songs of All Time - My Money Chronicles
A smooth and dreamy classic, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross captures the peaceful escape of being out on the water. With its soft melodies and soothing vocals, it’s a defining track of the Yacht Rock era.
Sailing - Christopher Cross
A Yacht Rock staple, “What a Fool Believes” blends smooth vocals and catchy keys into a timeless groove. With Michael McDonald’s signature sound, it’s a soulful reflection on love, memory, and missed chances.
The Doobie Brothers - What A Fool Believes
Upbeat and irresistibly catchy, “Love Will Keep Us Together” is a feel-good anthem about commitment and lasting love. With its bouncy rhythm and playful vocals, it’s a pop classic that brings Yacht Rock energy to the dance floor.
Love Will Keep Us Together
With its smooth groove and soft vocals, “Steal Away” is a laid-back ode to forbidden love. A perfect slice of Yacht Rock, it captures that mellow, late-night escape vibe that defined the era.
Steal Away - Robbie Dupree
A timeless anthem with soaring harmonies and unforgettable synths, “Africa” blends rock, pop, and smooth rhythms into one epic Yacht Rock favorite. Its nostalgic lyrics and global vibe make it a standout of the genre.
Africa - TOTO
Slick, funky, and endlessly catchy, “Peg” showcases Steely Dan’s signature blend of jazz-influenced pop and studio perfection. With layered vocals and tight instrumentation, it’s a standout track in the Yacht Rock universe.
Steely Dan - Peg
Smooth and soulful, “Baby Come Back” is a heartfelt plea wrapped in soft rock perfection. With its catchy chorus and emotional lyrics, it’s a Yacht Rock classic about love, regret, and second chances.
Baby Come Back - Player
A silky blend of pop and R&B grooves, “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do)” features smooth vocals and an irresistible beat. This Yacht Rock favorite is all about setting boundaries with style and swagger.
I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) - Daryl Hall & John Oates
With its sleek jazz-rock vibe and witty lyrics, “Hey Nineteen” captures the cool detachment and bittersweet nostalgia of the Yacht Rock era. A smooth, sophisticated track that stands out for its storytelling and groove.
Hey Nineteen - Steely Dan
A smooth, heartfelt ballad, “Biggest Part of Me” combines tender lyrics with polished soft rock melodies. It’s a classic Yacht Rock tune about love’s deep and lasting impact.
Biggest Part of Me -Ambrosia
A fun and catchy story-song, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” is a playful Yacht Rock classic about love, surprises, and unexpected connections. Its memorable chorus and lighthearted vibe make it a feel-good favorite.
Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
With its smooth groove and soulful vocals, “Lowdown” is a quintessential Yacht Rock track that blends jazz, funk, and soft rock. Its laid-back vibe and catchy rhythm make it a timeless classic.
Lowdown - Boz Scaggs
A high-energy Yacht Rock anthem, “Ride Like the Wind” combines driving rhythms with Christopher Cross’s smooth vocals. It’s an exhilarating track about freedom, escape, and chasing your dreams.
Ride Like the Wind - Christopher Cross
A smooth and soulful Yacht Rock ballad, “Heart to Heart” features heartfelt lyrics and warm, polished production. It’s a timeless tune about connection, communication, and love.
Kenny Loggins – Heart to Heart
“Summer Breeze” is a gentle, melodic Yacht Rock classic that captures the easygoing warmth of a perfect summer day. Its soothing harmonies and nostalgic lyrics make it a timeless feel-good anthem.
Summer Breeze -Seals and Crofts
A smooth and heartfelt soft rock classic, “Right Down the Line” blends warm vocals with steady rhythms to celebrate unwavering love and loyalty. It’s a timeless Yacht Rock favorite that feels both intimate and uplifting.
Right Down the Line - Gerry Rafferty
“Rosanna” is a dynamic Yacht Rock anthem known for its catchy hooks, tight instrumentation, and unforgettable groove. With its blend of rock energy and smooth melodies, it’s one of Toto’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Rosanna - TOTO