Summer is winding down, but it's not too late to throw one... or five more parties on your yacht! And what's a yacht party without the perfect playlist full of your favorite soft rock songs? You have to set the mood, right?
Whether you are hosting a wedding reception or have your eyes on throwing the party of the year, you can never go wrong with a yacht party. However, creating the perfect yacht rock playlist is no ordinary stroll on the beach. You want songs that people know, but that will also allow everyone to relax and enjoy their time on the water.
Don't let that stress you out though, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover the greatest songs to add to your yacht rock radio station!
The Perfect Marriage: Soft Rock Songs & Yacht Parties
Before we talk about the must-have songs on your playlist, it's important to know exactly where "yacht rock" came from and what it is. The music classified as yacht rock is mostly from the '70s and '80s. However, this term was not coined until 2005 through Channel 101, which was a short-film series online.
But yacht rock doesn't involve everything that came out in the '70s and '80s. No, there are only a special few who truly capture the vibe and mood that is yacht rock. One part jazz, one part R&B and 100% smooth create the sub-genre within soft rock.
Now that you know what yacht rock is, let's dive in!
9. Lowdown by Boz Scaggs
Co-written by Toto's David Paich, this song is guaranteed to get you and your guests groovin' from the get-go. While leaning a bit toward smooth jazz, this is the perfect song to get your party started on the right foot.
8. Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan
Walter Becker and Donald Fagan make up the legendary Steely Dan who spent most of the '80s infuriating pure jazz lovers while becoming the voice of a generation. They could easily have multiple songs on your playlist, but Hey Nineteen perfectly captures the spirit of what yacht rock is.
7. Kiss On My List by Hall & Oates
Daryl Hall and John Oates are more than just a couple of pop superstars who perfectly exhibited both the mullet and the mustache. They are also a staple of the '80s. No yacht party can thrive without at least 1 Hall & Oates jam, so make sure this kiss makes it onto your list!
6. Sailing by Christopher Cross
Sailing is on this for more than its title and the fact that it won a Grammy award for "Song of the Year." Not only does it capture the vibe and mood you want for a yacht party, but it's one of the few that seems to have been made for this wacky sub-genre of music. This is a necessity in any good yacht rock radio playlist.
5. Waiting For A Girl Like You by Foreigner
Foreigner was an '80s powerhouse, with power ballads like Hot Blooded, Cold As Ice and I Want To Know What Love Is. But they also had a more soulful and jazzy side to them as well. Waiting For A Girl Like You is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it'll also give all the couples in your group a reason to cuddle up with their significant other.
4. Rosanna by Toto
It would almost be too easy to throw the beloved Africa onto this list. However, Rosanna is a much better fit for the fun in the sun vibe you want during a yacht party with its upbeat, yet relaxing feel. And contrary to belief, the song is not about Rosanna Arquette, even though she was dating keyboard player Steve Porcaro around that time.
3. This Is It by Kenny Loggins
What's as yacht rock playlist without the extraordinary Kenny Loggins? It's incomplete; that's what it is! Kenny Loggins is widely considered to be one of the all-time great yacht rockers and This Is It is a great song to keep the good times rolling as you and your party start to catch their second wind.
2. What A Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers
When you think about the perfect music to vibe to while you're living your best life and enjoying the water, The Doobie Brothers are a no brainer for your perfect yacht rock playlist. This song written by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald may very well be the epitome of what yacht rock is!
1. I Keep Forgettin' by Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald may very well be the kind of yacht rock. How, you might ask? Well, the top 2 spots on this list involve his musical genius. In his first offering outside of The Doobie Brothers, this is the song that will bring your entire playlist together and put the proverbial icing on the cake.
Time to Party!
Now that you've got a good list of songs picked out, you have a very important decision to make. Do you want these soft rock songs smoothly doled out by one of the best DJ's in the business? Or do you want an incredible band to perform your favorite yacht rock songs live and in person?
No matter which option you go with, we've got you covered from beginning to end. We offer a full roster of some of the best DJ's, bands, and musicians you'll find anywhere. But it doesn't stop there.
Not only do we have the talent to make your event one to remember, but we work with you to diligently to provide you with an experience that will surpass any and all expectations you might have had.
Let us do the work so YOU can do what YOU do best, hosting amazing parties and making memories that will last a lifetime! Contact us today to receive your free quote and get the ball rolling! Isn't it time you took your party and event game to the next level?