Yacht Rock and Philosophy
Where Metaphysics, Marinas, and Michael McDonald Meet
Timothy Brown
What would you hear while cruising along the seaside coast on board a Beneteau Oceanis 37.1? The sound of the rigging as the wind fills the sails? Yes. The sound of the water splashing on the keel as the vessel is pushed forward by a warm coastal summer breeze? Yes! The sound of Michael McDonald singing while playing a Fender Rhodes? Oh, yes! All three of these might be heard. But while the first and second of these are the sounds of a Yacht, the third is the sound of Yacht Rock.
Climb Aboard: What Is Yacht Rock Anyway?
What exactly is ‘Yacht Rock’? Something about this name might be understood when it is only first encountered, as some connection between smooth tunes and smooth sailing may be supposed right away. It is however when we consider the matter further that we begin to realize that—like with sailing— there is a lot more to Yacht Rock than we first thought. But is this the only connection between Yacht Rock and Yachts? What songs are Yacht Rock? What songs are not? And why? We seem to find confusion about the answer to these, at least among those on land who are wearing socks. We even find confusion regarding whether calling a song ‘Yacht Rock’ is disrespectful to musicians.
All this confusion about Yacht Rock is downwind of a more fundamental confusion: the confusion about what Yacht Rock is. It is this confusion that I will try to resolve with the help of philosophy.[1] Yes, as Socrates used philosophy to better understand concepts like Justice, Knowledge, and Courage, we will use it to better understand Yacht Rock. Get ready for some obvious over-the-top nautical allusions. I’ll probably go overboard with these. And keep an eye out for the titles of ten songs that feature Michael McDonald. It sounds like an impossible task, but “I Gotta Try.” So, welcome aboard! We may encounter some rough seas as we go, but as long as the Captain doesn’t look worried then you shouldn’t worry either. And as always, it may take more than one reading to get your sea legs under you!
Getting Under Way: Defining Yacht Rock
Heaving off from the dock we must navigate the marina before we get to open waters. As we rely on our inboard Yanmar engine to move us slowly along we might as well get an important matter out of the way. No, I’m not talking about the matter of who should fire the signal flare in the case of an emergency; hands off! I’m referring to the matter of defining Yacht Rock. Definitions are very helpful in gaining understanding of what something is, and philosophy is very helpful in formulating definitions.
One way to define a thing is to simply define its name. If this way is used to define Yacht Rock the definition would be something like: Rock music that would normally be listened to on a Yacht. Many people go about defining Yacht Rock in just this way. Why? “I Keep Forgettin’.” Regardless, Yacht Rock should not be defined this way because the name ‘Yacht Rock’ does not really correspond well to the music it names, as it originally came from an attempt at parody. Perhaps Yacht Rock and Yachts do seem to go well together—like caviar and toast—but we don’t simply define caviar as it relates to toast, and we shouldn’t define Yacht Rock as it relates to a Yacht. And what exactly is Rock music that would normally be listened to on a Yacht anyway? Any answer to this would probably be based on assumptions that come from a caricature of Yacht life, a caricature that bears no connection with reality. Owning a Yacht is a lot of trouble after all; I mean, do people have any idea how expensive oysters are at the marina? And so, it becomes clear that simply defining the name, ‘Yacht Rock’, doesn’t really help us as we try to understand what Yacht Rock is.
We need to then define Yacht Rock in a way that is helpful; in a way that tells us what Yacht Rock is. The name ‘Yacht Rock’ does tell us something important: it tells us that the music it names is Rock music. “All Right!” As we know, Rock music was first played by Marty McFly, also known to some as Calvin Klein; Marty was sent back in time to the 1950’s by Dr. Brown—no relation to me that I am aware of—and Marty found himself substituting on the guitar for Marvin Barry at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. The rest is history, sort of. Regardless, whatever Yacht Rock is, it is Rock music. Just Rock music for good looking successful people, or so says the Thurston Howell, III kind of voice that narrates for the XM Radio station, ‘Yacht Rock Radio’. But, there are many different kinds of Rock music. If we were to imagine a chart of all music that exists, somewhere on that chart we would find listed: ‘Rock’ music. We would then find different kinds of Rock music also listed, including ‘Hard Rock’, ‘Soft Rock’, ‘Classic Rock’, and more. But, “I Got The News”: we would also find Yacht Rock listed there, because Yacht Rock is Rock music. Every kind of Rock music has something in common, which is why they are all called Rock. But they are also different from one another in important ways, which is why there are different kinds of Rock. And so, we can say Yacht Rock has something in common with all Rock music, and this serves to anchor our definition. But Yacht Rock is also different and distinct from other kinds of Rock music in important ways, which also must be included in our definition. Having left the marina and passed the coastal rock formation on our starboard side let’s grab the line, trim the mainsail sheet, and “Ride Like The Wind” in open waters, as we consider four distinctions of Yacht Rock.
Distinction 1: Yacht Rock music is Rock that was written from the mid-1970’s to the mid-1980’s. It is not simply the Captain’s prerogative that accounts for this timeframe being listed as a distinctive feature of Yacht Rock. Nor is it accidental. There was much about this time that was very different than today, and contributed to make Yacht Rock music what it is. Space doesn’t allow room to really do this justice, but we can mention a few things. There were cultural notions distinct to this time, including the notion of what makes music excellent or pleasing. The music industry during this time differed greatly from today, in ways that include how artists were identified and engaged, how music was produced, and even how music was distributed. Audio technology during this time was quite different from today, as analog audio technology was at its zenith while digital audio technology was just emerging. Individually, these and other differences may be significant, but together the sum of them is even more impactful than the parts might suggest. Yes, the mid-1970’s to the mid-1980’s were very different than today, which served to make Yacht Rock different from music today. Yacht Rock could be and was made during the mid-1970’s to the mid-1980’s. Perhaps it couldn’t be and wouldn’t be made before this timeframe. And it can’t be and won’t be made today.
Distinction 2: Yacht Rock music is Rock that has flawless production. Musical production is how music is made: performed, recorded, mixed, and so on. Yacht Rock music was made by professional musicians and professional sound engineers. The equipment in the studio was incredible, and strikingly different than what is used now. It was overwhelmingly all analog. When a vocal was sung or an instrument played, the analog signal was sent to glowing hot vacuum-tube preamplification,[2] delivered to all-analog mixing consoles, and made its way to magnificent multitrack machines where it was recorded magnetically onto tape. This now-alien recording process was itself significant, and Billy Hume notes that it forced all involved to fall into a specific creative process; the time in the studio was critical and very expensive, and the recording itself even became a performance, which greatly affected the music.[3] And too, analog sounds better than digital. Production wise, the punchy rich tone of the bass on Gerry Raferty’s “Right Down the Line” is spot on, as it drives the song forward. The Hammond B-3 played through the Leslie speaker in Ambrosia’s “You’re the Only Woman” is played expertly. It wasn’t just that a Fender Rhodes piano was used on many of these songs, but on many the famous ‘E’ Rhodes was used. Pierre Piscitelli notes that Harold Rhodes himself claimed this was the greatest of any Rhodes he had ever heard![4] In Yacht Rock, vocals don’t pitch flat or sharp, they are right where they should be. Production is critical to music, and to be Yacht Rock music is to have flawless production. If the production is lacking in any way, it isn’t Yacht Rock. And so many of these songs are delights for the ear.
Distinction 3: Yacht Rock music has all the driving rhythmic elements of Rock music, but has a specific signature rhythmic emphasis that is easily picked up on when listened to. This might be called a bounce.[5] This ‘Yacht Rock Bounce’ is one of those things that is easier to pick up on when listening, than when reading a description. This distinction is critically important to Yacht Rock, and tends to be the most significant way Yacht Rock is different from other kinds of Rock. Gerry Rafferty’s “Right Down the Line” provides this ‘bounce’ through the bass guitar. While the song is in 4/4 time, the bass emphasis is heavy on the ‘and’ upbeats and less so on the ‘two’, ‘three’, and ‘four’ downbeats; it goes: ‘and one / and two / and three / and four’. This is quite noticeable as it not only places the bass notes in interesting places, but the ‘and’ upbeat that is emphasized before the ‘three’ downbeat also goes up in tone, resulting in a rhythmic bounce with a tonal bounce. The hammer-down playing of the electric guitar on the intro of Steely Dan’s “Black Cow” actually gives the impression of a spring bounce. Little River Band’s “Reminiscing” provides the emphasis with percussion after the intro, emphasizing the 3rd downbeat, and it goes: ‘one / two / three / four’. The result is a bounce. Yacht Rock music simply has a driving rhythmic emphasis, or a ‘Yacht Rock Bounce.’ Yes, Sade’s “Smooth Operator” has a driving rhythmic element in the bass. Yes, the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s “Take Five” has an unusual time signature. But neither of these have a Yacht Rock Bounce. And neither of these are Yacht Rock.
Distinction 4: Yacht Rock music features rich harmonies—or instruments that lend themselves to producing harmonics—to create a lush or rich atmosphere of sound. Perhaps a saxophone, a piano, a guitar, or all three might be used. This Yacht Rock distinction is the intentional use of vocal harmony such as in the chorus of Hall and Oates’ “Sarah Smile,” which creates clear atmosphere. Donald Fagen’s “I.G.Y.” features a harmonically-rich Fender Rhodes creating a distinct atmosphere. This atmosphere gives the impression of a lush sound, or of creating a space in which the song lives. This is not to be confused with the similar ambiance of some 80’s Soft Rock that makes use of specific reverb to create the impression of a larger-than-life space, such as George Michael’s “Careless Whispers,” or Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only.” This larger-than-life ambiance might be clearly heard in non-Rock 80’s pieces too, such as Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire,” or even “Blade Runner (Main Titles)” from his Blade Runner score. The effect that these songs have is different from the lush or rich atmosphere of sound featured in Yacht Rock.
As we say in philosophy, each of these distinctive features is a necessary condition for music to properly be called Yacht Rock. None of them alone is a sufficient condition, but each is a necessary condition. It may be that some Rock music has one, two, or three of these features, while never being classified as Yacht Rock. But if a Rock song has all four of these distinctive features, it simply is Yacht Rock, and is classified as such. And so, “This Is It.” Nearing the waypoint marking the middle of our day cruise, we now have our definition: Yacht Rock is Rock music that was written from the mid-1970’s to the mid-1980’s, that features flawless production, a Yacht Rock Bounce, and rich harmonies—or instruments that lend themselves to producing harmonics—to create a lush or rich atmosphere of sound. This is what Yacht Rock is.
Sea Trials: Putting Our Definition to Work
Knowing about sailing is different from actual sailing, and while formulating a definition goes a long way to understanding Yacht Rock, some points and examples regarding application will definitely help too. Let’s take these “Minute by Minute.” First, the point needs to be made that the category of Yacht Rock is discovered, not invented. In our definition of Yacht Rock, we have described the features that Yacht Rock songs have in common; these features are identified and found in already-written music, not just ‘made up’. Simply put, songs that have these distinctive features can be grouped together in a single category, and this category is named Yacht Rock. Second, the point should be made that the label of ‘Yacht Rock’ is applied to music retroactively. The newest Yacht Rock song is decades older than the category of Yacht Rock. A song that may have been labeled some other way for decades may conceivably be labeled ‘Yacht Rock’ today. Neither the definition of Yacht Rock, nor labeling a song as Yacht Rock, is arbitrary or just ad hoc. We have arrived at the definition by objective analysis, and a song is simply categorized as Yacht Rock if it fits the definition. One does not just decide on a song being Yacht Rock based on how they feel at the moment, and one cannot simply exclaim that a song is ‘not Yacht Rock’ because of their feelings and leave it there.
When we look at examples of applying the definition of Yacht Rock, we find clarity at the extremes. If we consider songs that are the most extremely Yacht Rock, we find a Yacht Rock Aristocrat[6] like Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me.” We might have a song that is extremely not-Yacht-Rock such as Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” from 1937, or even Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Hearing a Yacht Rock Aristocrat next to these songs really makes it clear what the definition of Yacht Rock is getting at and pointing out. Our definition gives us the ‘shape’ of Yacht Rock, and once we know this shape we simply cannot force a round Yacht-Rock “Peg” into a square non-Yacht-Rock hole. Understand though, that a song being extremely Yacht Rock does not automatically make it superior to a song that is extremely non-Yacht-Rock. Just like a bigger boat isn’t always a better boat. There are a great number of non-Yacht-Rock songs that are brilliant, and several smaller boats that are wonderful as well.
There are some very close calls as we apply the definition, and looking at these close calls also brings us clarity as to what Yacht Rock is. When we compare Ambrosia’s “You’re the Only Woman” with Steve Perry’s “Foolish Heart” we find very similar songs, with nearly identical introductions. Both are clearly Rock, but while “You’re the Only Woman” has all of Yacht Rock’s distinctive features—including a very prominent Yacht Rock Bounce—“Foolish Heart” clearly has a more straightforward Soft Rock driving rhythm. When we compare James Taylor’s “Her Town Too” to the Eagles’ “New Kid in Town” we again find very similar songs. Both have prominent harmonies, but the former is Yacht Rock and the latter is not, as “Her Town Too” features a prominent Yacht Rock Bounce in the rhythm while “New Kid in Town” has a different rhythmic feel. When we compare Toto’s “Hold the Line” with Foreigner’s “Cold As Ice” we again find very similar songs, both clearly Rock; “Hold the Line” features a piano creating a repetitive harmony, and “Cold As Ice” features rich vocal harmonies and even a Hammond B-3! But while “Hold the Line” features a driving rhythmic Yacht Rock Bounce, “Cold As Ice” has a more straightforward driving beat. These comparisons really put our definition to work, and help us understand what Yacht Rock is.
Rocking the Boat: Objections to Yacht Rock
Now that we are in the open sea heading back to the marina, we come across some serious waves: it seems that some musicians openly loathe their music being classified as Yacht Rock. It isn’t exactly a “Heart to Heart,” but the commentator Rick Beato has taken up their cause in a YouTube video.[7] It is no secret that Donald Fagen of Steely Dan has objected to the Yacht Rock label, but really, we should hear from Dan himself; there is a reason the band wasn’t named Steely Don. Beato indicates that many artists will not speak openly about their own objections to the label, so he claims he will say what they will not. And so it seems as Arthur drew Excalibur, Beato takes Toto’s sword, to defend musicians from many of their own fans. Beato goes so far as to claim he finds the term ‘Yacht Rock’ offensive and derogatory. But why? He seems to make two main points against Yacht Rock, and these seem to be based on misunderstandings. Considering them here can help us gain a better understanding of what Yacht Rock is.
Regarding the first objection, Beato indicates that the origin of the term Yacht Rock was a couple of guys who made videos years ago; Beato claims they looked “ridiculous,” and were “basically” making fun of this era of music. However, there may need to be some context here. An exact reenactment today of Hall and Oates’ music video for “Out of Touch,” complete with John Oates’ moustache, might appear to any contemporary neutral focus group as being “ridiculous” and “basically” making fun of 80’s music. Beato seems to be objecting to Yacht Rock in principle, because of how it came to be. This objection is a good example of an error in understanding that philosophers call the genetic fallacy. Someone commits this error when they claim that the source of something—like an idea—automatically determines whether it is right or wrong / good or bad. Yes, the source of something could potentially have some connection to whether it is right or wrong / good or bad, but logically the source of an idea does not automatically have a causal connection with that thing being right or wrong / good or bad. We don’t have to make any judgment on the origins of the term ‘Yacht Rock’, to simply affirm that the origin of the name years ago does not automatically determine the value of the Yacht Rock categorization today.
Regarding the second objection, Beato indicates that the category of Yacht Rock is actually nonsensical, it selectively includes songs, pretends many different artists and songs are “exactly the same by lumping together very nuanced styles,” and it does so under a “single dismissive banner”: Yacht Rock.[8] This second objection is a good example of an error in understanding philosophers call a strawman fallacy. Someone commits this error when they incorrectly describe an idea—thereby building a man of straw—and then proceed to disprove the incorrect caricature they have just presented. Beato makes many points that criticize the caricature of Yacht Rock he presents, as opposed to criticizing Yacht Rock itself. For example, Beato claims that Steely Dan and Toto are very different from Kenny Loggins and Ambrosia, that “Reelin’ In the Years” sounds “nothing like” Yacht Rock, and that Steely Dan is more than simply their Aja album. Sure, Toto and Ambrosia are different kinds of bands, but they can be quite different from one another and still both record a Yacht Rock song or two; it is the similarities of the individual songs in question that are most important, not the differences. And as long as the song fits the Yacht Rock definition, then it is Yacht Rock. Steely Dan can record “Reelin’ In the Years,” and later record a song that is Yacht Rock like “Black Cow.” Consider how different some early Genesis Progressive Rock songs are from later songs like “Invisible Touch” or “In Too Deep”; is “Invisible Touch” a Progressive Rock song simply because earlier Genesis songs were? Consider “Hotel California,” “New Kid in Town,” and “Life in the Fast Lane”; these songs are remarkably different from one another yet are presented as the first, second, and third songs of the Eagles’ Hotel California album, respectively. We see then Beato’s criticisms regard a caricature of Yacht Rock he put forth, instead of Yacht Rock itself.
In his commentary, Beato plays the Wayne Shorter saxophone part from the song Aja, and claims that he and others had listened to the Aja record a million times, and never once thought it was Soft Rock or Yacht Rock, claiming, “This is nothing played on a yacht.” But Beato is again straw manning. Yacht Rockis not the same as Soft Rock, nor is it music that is played on a Yacht. Beato is criticizing his caricature of Yacht Rock, not Yacht Rock itself. I haven’t listened to the Aja record a million times, and I still wouldn’t categorize it as a Yacht Rock album. But I would categorize “Black Cow” as a Yacht Rock song, because it does meet the definition. When Beato plays Toto’s “Rosanna,” he claims it is Rock, saying, “that’s not Soft Rock, that’s not Yacht Rock.” Here we again see a caricature of Yacht Rock being criticized, not Yacht Rock itself. It doesn’t seem particularly controversial to hold that “Rosanna” is some kind of Rock music, nor is it controversial to hold that it is not Soft Rock. The question though seems to be whether it is Yacht Rock specifically. The truth is that it is Yacht Rock but only just barely, because it only just barely meets the definition of Yacht Rock. Beato also plays Toto’s “Hold the Line,” and claims, “That’s not Soft Rock. That’s Ridiculous.” The caricature of Yacht Rock again is presented and criticized, as opposed to Yacht Rock itself. Toto’s “Hold the Line” isn’t Soft Rock, but as we saw previously it is Yacht Rock. So Beato’s two objections here are based on a misunderstanding of Yacht Rock. With all this in mind, artists shouldn’t be concerned if fans have labeled their work as Yacht Rock. Why then might someone still be concerned about their song being labeled as Yacht Rock? “I Really Don’t Know Anymore.”
Docking: Final Thoughts
Passing the same coastal rock formation we passed previously—but this time on our port side—we slow as we prepare to come back into the marina. While we could measure how far we traveled by the GPS, we seem to have gone much further than nautical distance. Defining Yacht Rock, giving some points and examples of applying that definition, and responding to objections to Yacht Rock, we have seen what Yacht Rock is. I don’t think anyone fell off the boat along the way, and hopefully you were able to catch ten songs that feature Michael McDonald.[9] Just like that, we are back, and ready to tie up at the dock. Be sure to watch your step as you depart, especially as you got your sea legs under you along the way and you must now adjust to walking on land again. If you find yourself sad and missing our day cruise, you can always relive our trip by reading through this consideration again. And you can queue up some smooth Yacht Rock music if you want to remember the sound of the rigging as the wind filled the sails, and the sound of the ocean splashing on the keel as the warm coastal summer breeze propelled our vessel through the water.
Having spent around a decade as a Professor in Academia, Timothy Brown (Ph.D., Philosophy of Religion) serves as the Instructor at Timotheus Academy, offering learners from around the world content committed to the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. He has contributed to several Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture volumes, including Disney and Philosophy, Indiana Jones and Philosophy, and The Legend of Zelda and Philosophy.
[1] For this consideration, Google AI and Apple Music proved invaluable, as much information throughout the work needed to be found, confirmed, researched, etc. Album song titles were researched on several sites as well, including Acoustic Sounds, Music Direct, Discogs, and eBay.
[2] Of course, by this time transistors were also widely used as well.
[3] The Real Reason Why Analog Recording Is Better : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq4BOSaKiYo
[4] TOP 10 Greatest Rhodes Piano Intros of ALL TIME! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CimnsB-lHpk
[5] I ran across the ‘bounce’ description specifically in the results of a Google search about Yacht Rock.
[6] A Yacht Rock Aristocrat is a song that is so completely Yacht Rock, it is at the top of the Yacht Rock list.
[7] “Yacht Rock” Is Bullsh*t” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEYUw2kiRfc
[8] To be fair, in the video Rick seems to be primarily sharing his impressions of a Yacht Rock documentary he had recently viewed. However, the criticisms he shares in his video seem to also be reflective of his thoughts toward Yacht Rock in general.
[9]The ten songs that feature Michael McDonald include, (1) “I Gotta Try,” (2) “I Keep Forgettin’,” (3) “All Right,” (4) “I Got The News,” (5) “Ride Like The Wind,” (6) “This Is It,” (7) “Minute by Minute,” (8) “Peg,” (9) “Heart To Heart,” and (10) “I Really Don’t Know Anymore.”
The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series 