NEW YORK (AP) — With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to unwind, indulge in leftovers, and embrace the mellow vibes of yacht rock—an often-misunderstood music genre that’s seeing a revival. The genre, defined by its smooth, jazzy pop sound, will be the focus of the new Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary, directed by Garret Price. The documentary shines a light on the late-’70s sounds of artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Christopher Cross, offering interviews with musicians, fans, and even creators of the 2005 parody web series that coined the term “yacht rock.”
Price reflects on the genre’s ubiquity, saying, “It’s the soundtrack of our lives, whether we realize it or not. It’s been with us in places like grocery stores, elevators, and in our parents’ cars.” He hopes the documentary inspires viewers to rediscover this music, which he believes many have forgotten.
The documentary delves into the artists often regarded as the pioneers of yacht rock, including Toto, McDonald, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers, Cross, and Steely Dan. Iconic tracks like “Ride Like the Wind” by Cross, “Reelin’ In the Years” by Steely Dan, and “Rosanna” by Toto epitomize the genre’s blend of sophisticated pop, jazz, and R&B.
While these artists fit the definition of yacht rock, others like the Eagles, Hall & Oates, Jimmy Buffett, and Fleetwood Mac are left out, according to the film’s creators. These artists, though influential, don’t perfectly match the smooth, jazz-influenced style that defines yacht rock.
The documentary features commentary from Cross, McDonald, Loggins, and Toto members David Paich and Steve Porcaro, all of whom share their experiences with the genre and how they have embraced or reacted to the label. Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, who didn’t participate in a full interview, still allowed the use of the band’s music, an essential piece for Price’s storytelling.
The film also features musicians and cultural figures like Fred Armisen, Questlove, Thundercat, Brenda Russell, Prince Paul, and others, providing context and insight. Questlove, in particular, broadens the genre’s scope, suggesting that artists like Al Jarreau, the Pointer Sisters, and George Benson also contributed to the yacht rock sound, underscoring that the genre isn’t confined to one race or identity.
सम्बंधित ख़बरें
Though yacht rock briefly enjoyed commercial success in the late ’70s, its popularity waned as music videos gained prominence with the rise of MTV. Many yacht rock artists struggled to transition into the visual age, and the genre was eventually mocked in pop culture, appearing in shows like 30 Rock, Family Guy, and the film The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
Despite its ridicule, Price approached the documentary with a respectful tone. “These artists have often been the punchline of jokes in pop culture,” he says. “I didn’t want to make fun of them but instead celebrate the music.”
The term “yacht rock” itself originated in 2005 from a series of comedic short films by J.D. Ryznar and Steve Huey, creators of The Yacht or Nyacht Podcast. They named the genre after noticing a trend in ’70s album covers and the image of sailors and yachts, linking the genre to well-crafted, sophisticated pop. As Huey explains, “We love this music, and while we poke fun at it, we also want people to appreciate it for what it is: great, well-produced music.”
Price, known for his editing work on Daisy Jones & The Six and directing the documentary Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage, believes the timing of the film is perfect. “It’s the ideal post-Thanksgiving watch, when families can gather, relax, and just enjoy the smooth, polished sounds of yacht rock.”