Although fall has finally arrived on campus, many of us are mourning summer. We unfortunately have to wait several months before returning to blue skies, sunshine and a lack of weekly readings. However, we can mentally turn back the calendar by diving into the genre of yacht rock! Existing between the styles of soft rock, smooth jazz and a little bit of soul, yacht rock evokes memories of summer love and joy. This playlist covers many essential yacht rock tunes and some personal favorites, so give it a listen and let the (sonic) waves roll over you.
- Little River Band: “Reminiscing”
Featuring such an addictive, catchy beat, I find myself humming this track during all seasons of the year. “Reminiscing” is the paragon of an “easy-listen” with perfectly placed harmonies and strings that truly make you want to “dance across the room.” This song’s lively rhythm and closing flugelhorn solo will force you to sail away from the library and reminisce about late July.
2. Firefall: “You Are the Woman”
Immediately capturing listeners with a compelling and hypnotic flute riff, “You Are the Woman” gives me the necessary pep in my step to combat an encroaching mid-semester depression. This song’s uplifting lyrics can brighten any cloudy day, while the satisfying background vocals peak through the track like sunlight. Amidst all-consuming grayness, this track offers enough light to power me through prelim season.
3. Robbie Dupree: “Steal Away”
“Steal Away” is another yacht rock essential. A twinkling keyboard, complemented by the occasional melodic glissando, adds a magical quality to this track. Backing vocals ascend as the song progresses, raising the mood of any listener. Dupree certainly makes me want to steal away from the Cocktail Lounge and climb onto the nearest boat.
4. The Doobie Brothers: “What a Fool Believes”
I would be completely remiss to make a yacht rock playlist without including The Doobie Brothers. “What a Fool Believes” combines the genre’s typical upbeat keyboard with a more electric beat, making for a more synthy sailing getaway. Filled with beautiful brotherly harmonies, it’s impossible not to “muster a smile” when hearing this catchy song.
5. Crossby, Stills & Nash: “Southern Cross”
While initially more mellow than the other songs on this list, “Southern Cross” eventually builds into a quintessential yacht rock anthem through its well-blended harmonies and a touch of soulful electric guitar. This track inspires me to explore beneath a summer sunset, even as I’m stuck in Ithaca. As I climb the slope and overlook West Campus, I too will say “I’ve been around the world.”
6. Orleans: “Still the One”
Just like many of the other songs within this playlist, “Still the One” speaks of steadfast love and yearning. An irresistibly catchy beat accompanies these wholesome lyrics — the song simply exudes joy. While semester stress rises and the weather gets colder, this song will make you think back to a time when you were “still having fun.”
7. Toto: “Rosanna”
This track leans more into the rock-and-roll facet of yacht rock, firing up listeners with powerful instrumentals. The song features two superhero-esque electric guitar solos, which help me conquer the most arduous tasks (like walking to my first class in the morning). Still maintaining the smooth layered vocals characteristic of yacht rock, “Rosanna” fuses energy with relaxation.
8. Steely Dan: “Dirty Work”
As one of the most well-known yacht rock bands, it’s only right for Steely Dan to occupy the final spot on this list. “Dirty Work” deviates from the usual loving sentiments shared in the previous songs, expressing confinement within an affair. However, its slow, steady tempo and symphonic saxophone justify its standing as a yacht rock anthem.
You can find the playlist here.
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
Michelle Bookbinder is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a staff writer
for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at msb394@cornell.edu.
