Yacht Rock Documentary Explores Musical Origins

The term 'Yacht Rock' refers to a genre of soft rock from the late 1970s and early 1980s, characterized by smooth melodies and jazz and R&B influences. Recently, this genre has gained renewed interest due to the HBO film 'Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary', which explores its origins and significance through interviews with artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross. The term itself was coined retroactively from a 2005 web series, leading to debates about what qualifies as Yacht Rock, with notable exclusions like The Eagles and Hall & Oates. The film aims to clarify misconceptions about the genre, emphasizing that while it is often associated with nautical themes, very few songs actually reference boats. It highlights the genre's cultural impact and how it remains relevant in contemporary music. Overall, 'Yacht Rock' is celebrated for its high production values and sophisticated sound, distinct from the broader category of soft rock.