Five best yacht rock albums by 21st century artists

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As a seasoned gamer of music genres, I’ve sailed through many seas, but none quite as smooth and sun-kissed as yacht rock. The late 70s and early 80s might have been its heyday, but thanks to web series like “Yacht Rock” and documentaries such as “Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary”, it’s still a sailor’s delight in the modern era.

Yacht rock is a phenomenon that occured during the late 1970s and early 80s. It netted smash hits for numerous artists, and a gaggle of Grammy Awards. It petered out, as most subgenres do, after a decade, but a funny thing happened in the early 2000s.

The web series Yacht Rock resurfaced in popular awareness. Although it never truly disappeared, its persistence is clear through the emergence of numerous tribute bands and the recent HBO documentary titled Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary.

Due to the ongoing appeal of this particular subgenre, we delved into recent album releases spanning the last ten years or so, with the aim of identifying top-notch yacht rock albums that are definitely worthy of your listening time.

The Gift (2016) – Vaudeville Smash

Vaudeville Smash’s second album strongly evokes the style of Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers, with Laura’s emotional singing, energetic instrumentation, and overall joyful vibe being reminiscent of their sound.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the rhythmic world of music, let me tell you that the tracks “Richter Scale” and “Driving Me Wild” are an electrifying blend of funk and ballad that will leave you yearning for more. The same enchanting mix is evident in the lively tune “Daisy” and the melancholic “Potion.” If you haven’t given this album a spin yet, consider it a treasure trove waiting to be discovered!

AM Waves (2018) – Young Gun Silver Fox

The duo Young Gun Silver Fox consists of Andy Platt, a young and talented British singer/songwriter, and Shawn Lee, an accomplished American artist. In this team, Platt is often referred to as the “young gun,” while Lee is known as the “silver fox.” Over the past few decades, they’ve produced some of the most relaxing and catchy yacht rock tunes, but their album AM Waves may be their absolute best work.

The album successfully captures the rich, vintage sound of the early ’80s, yet it maintains a contemporary feel to appeal to today’s listeners. Tracks such as “Caroline” and “Kingston Boogie” are tunes that would have been chart-toppers in 1982, while songs like “Take It or Leave It” and “Lolita” provide depth and ensure the album isn’t just a one-hit wonder.

Sob Rock (2021) – John Mayer

In the latter part of his musical journey, John Mayer has been exploring various time periods in his music. For instance, he delved into Laurel Canyon folk-rock with the release of “Born and Raised” in 2012, and Southern rock with “Paradise Valley” in 2013. His most recent work, titled “Sob Rock,” represents a full immersion into the style known as yacht rock, although it carries a distinctly unique twist.

Mayer collaborates with skilled session musicians such as Pino Palladino, Lenny Castro, and Greg Phillinganes to re-create an lush 80s sound while staying true to his abilities as a songwriter. The tracks “New Light” and “Wild Blue” have a catchy rock and pop feel, but it’s the ballads, including “Shouldn’t Matter But It Does” and “All I Want Is to Be with You,” that give the album a rating of classic yacht rock.

Day / Night (2021) – Parcels

Parcels is an Australian group known for experimenting with various styles, ranging from glam rock akin to Bowie to electronic music similar to Daft Punk. However, it was their album “Day / Night” that signified their transformation towards the smooth yacht rock sound you’re interested in exploring on this list.

The richness truly intensifies during day and night. This album is exceptionally well-crafted; Parcels skillfully blends influences from the Beach Boys and Steely Dan yet preserves their unique musical persona. The opening track, “Light,” is captivating as are “Shadow” and “Reflex.

Young Hearts (2023) – Benny Sings

Benny Sings hails from the Netherlands and is known for working with musicians like Rex Orange County and Mac DeMarco. Unlike these artists, he has a more delicate style, which makes him an ideal fit for yacht rock-inspired music. The influence of this subgenre can be heard in much of his work, but his album “Young Hearts” is particularly noteworthy for its sonic focus on that style.

As I dive into this album, I find a smooth flow that ties it all together, yet leaves space for tracks like “Take Your Time” and the title song to really shine. It’s got everything a yacht rock enthusiast could ask for, and even if you’re not into that, there’s the fantastic bonus track, “Wait for the Summer,” to enjoy.

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2024-12-04 23:30