Posted on 06/28/2015 4:44:04 PM PDT by SamAdams76
The term "Yacht Rock" did not exist during the time when Yacht Rock was at its peak (roughly 1976-1984). I believe the term came into common usage when, in the late 2000s, an obscure TV show of that same name celebrated that era in "mockumentary" fashion.
Yet Yacht Rock is a perfect description of the smooth, polished pop songs that came out of recording studios during that era by artists like Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers, Little River Band, and Boz Scaggs, just to name a few.
When listening to this music, one can almost picture oneself plying the tranquil waters of Southern California in a pristine yacht. Wearing white pants (short or long), a white shirt and a blue blazer, sockless with boat shoes, maybe a faux captains hat, and sipping a glass of wine or champaign on a deck folding chair, as the blue waters and blue skies surround you and "Key Largo" by Bertie Higgins plays. Or maybe "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes.
Yes, kind of like this guy here...
The summer of 1980 probably saw the jackpot of Yacht Rock hits which include the following:
There are scores and scores of other "Yacht Rock" hits from that era that sound impossibly smooth and effortless when listened to today.
We don't get that kind of polished popcraft today, crafted by studio musicians, mixed and remixed, infused with saxophones and other "smooth" sounding instruments.
It would be difficult to describe just how popular Christopher Cross was in the early 80’s when he came out with that sound track for “10” with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. Every track was expertly done. Perhaps Christopher’s fame was interlinked with that movie, more than he or anyone would have ever suspected. Christopher’s follow up albums never came close to being as popular. If I recall, already in his 30’s, and he was not that telegenic, a little on the dumpy side.
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| "I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense." |
Steely Dan and Chris Cross?? That is like comparing a Napa Cabernet to a Gallo jug wine.
Lyrics followed.
Where’s my Spyro Gyro album?
“Cool Change” — Little River Band
If there’s one thing
In my life that’s missing
It’s the time that I spend alone
Sailing on the cool
And bright clear water
Lots of those friendly people
They’re showing me ways to go
And I never want to
Lose their inspiration
Time for a cool change
I know that it’s time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it’s time for a cool change
Well, I was born in the sign of water
And it’s there that I feel my best
The albatross and the whales
They are my brothers
It’s kind of a special feeling
When you’re out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon like a lover
Time for a cool change
I know that it’s time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it’s time for a cool change
I’ve never been romantic
And sometimes, I don’t care
I know it may sound selfish
But let me breathe the air
Yeah, yeah
Let me breathe the air
If there’s one thing
In my life that’s missing
It’s the time that I spend alone
Sailing on the cool
And bright clear water
It’s kind of a special feeling
Out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon
Like a lover
Time for a cool change
I know that it’s time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it’s time for a cool change
(Time for a cool change)
It’s time, it’s time
It’s time, it’s time
For a cool, cool change
(Time for a cool change)
I know it’s time for a cool change
(Time for a cool change)
Now that my life is so prearranged
Well, I know, I know
I know, I know
(Time for a cool change)
It’s time for a cool change
Yes, it is, yes, it is yes, it is
You know it’s time for a cool change
YouTube:
Cool Change” — Little River Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFKPkKo6238
Holy crap! How could we miss Stephen Bishop???
Spyro Gyra, I mean.
Also, Steely Dan doesn’t belong in this discussion.
Different eras but would Sloop John B and Sail on Sailor be considered part of the genre?
Bishop is essential Yacht Rock:
It Might Be You
On and On
Save It for a Rainy Day
Looking for the Right One
Animal House
Losing Myself in You
Separate Lives
It was right before the yuppies came along with their brew-pubs and microbrews.
See #10 ... Yes, they do. The whole "Gaucho" album, especially "Hey Nineteen" ...
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| "I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense." |
During my radio days I used to announce them as the “Riddled Liver Band.”
Are you Chinese? :)
Absolutely!
agree
No, just a drinker! :)
He did have quite the voice for radio but in MTV era, that wasn't enough anymore to keep him on the pop charts.
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