Yacht rock is a genre of soft rock music characterized by its smooth, laid-back sound, often featuring lush vocal harmonies, jazz-influenced chord progressions, and a distinctive blend of rock, pop, and R&B elements. Emerging in the late 1970s and peaking in popularity in the early 1980s, yacht rock drew inspiration from the West Coast music scene, with its emphasis on polished production, catchy hooks, and a relaxed, California-inspired vibe. The genre's cultural significance lies in its reflection of the era's aspirational, upwardly mobile lifestyle, with its music often evoking images of luxury, leisure, and sun-kissed escapism. While often associated with the adult contemporary and AOR (album-oriented rock) formats, yacht rock's unique blend of sophistication and accessibility set it apart from other soft rock styles, with its jazz-inflected instrumentation, intricate vocal arrangements, and a distinctively nuanced, mid-tempo approach to rock music.
Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Yacht Rock artists you love!
Get Started Browse Arists