3 Yacht Rock Songs That Really Are Cool

The term “yacht rock” didn’t exist in the 1970s and early ’80s.

Retroactively given to the music of The Doobie Brothers, Toto, and Christopher Cross, yacht rock is defined by glossy production, smooth hooks, and virtuosic musicianship.

HBO’s Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary looks back on this moment in rock history, and how the genre-combing and overlapping studio players unwittingly created a groundbreaking evolution in pop music.

However, not all participants are easygoing. When the doc’s director contacted Donald Fagen for thoughts on “the West Coast sound,” Steely Dan’s co-founder offered some advice: “Oh, yacht rock. Well, I tell you what. Why don’t you go f–k yourself?”

It’s up for debate whether Steely Dan classifies as yacht rock, and it’s understandable for Fagen to push the much-maligned term away. But yacht rock can still be (and is) cool. Here are three tunes that prove it.

(There are no Steely Dan numbers on this list because a writer reserves the right to avoid counsel on what one might do to oneself.)

“Georgy Porgy” by Toto from Toto (1978)

Drummer Jeff Porcaro and keyboardist David Paich had worked together in Los Angeles as session musicians. They formed Toto with Porcaro’s brother Steve on keys, another Steve (Lukather) on guitar and vocals, singer Bobby Kimball and bassist David Hungate. Lukather sings this soft-funk single, which became a hit alongside “Hold the Line” and “I’ll Supply the Love.” Cheryl Lynn’s smooth backing vocals helped the tune reach No. 18 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Meanwhile, the bandmates’ session work continued, most notably on Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

It’s not your situation
I just need contemplation over you
I’m not so systematic
It’s just that I’m an addict for your love

“What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers from Minute by Minute (1978)

Michael McDonald landed a gig singing backing vocals in Steely Dan because his velvety voice could easily hit the high notes. But that voice couldn’t be contained in the background for too long. He joined The Doobie Brothers in 1975 and “What a Fool Believes” remains the benchmark for yacht rock. McDonald co-wrote this No. 1 hit with Kenny Loggins and it has endured as one of the era’s defining songs. The hook ascends with McDonald’s breezy falsetto and a profound statement on the flighty whims of love: No wise man has the power.

She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watching her go

“Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross from Christopher Cross (1979)

The debut single from Christopher Cross brought an earnest do-or-die anxiety to the yacht rock era. Also, Michael McDonald delivers one of the greatest background vocal interjections ever committed to tape. The post-hook horn and synth break give urgency to Cross’ serious situation. The Mexico border remains a long distance away, but Cross rides and sings like his life depends on it. Percussion legend Lenny Castro supplements the four-on-the-floor groove, and the only breeze you feel is the breeze against the singer’s knees as he chases freedom.

It is the night, my body’s weak
I’m on the run, no time to sleep
I’ve got to ride, ride like the wind
To be free again

Photo by David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images