Yacht Rock Shines in New Documentary, Revealing the Smooth Legacy of 70s and 80s Soft Rock
If you’ve ever found yourself humming the smooth melodies of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, or Christopher Cross, a new documentary is here to celebrate that timeless, smooth genre known as yacht rock. Premiering on Max, Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary takes a deep dive into the musical movement that blended rock, jazz, pop, and R&B. Director Garret Price carefully crafts this tribute to a genre that, despite being long mocked, has had a lasting influence on pop culture. Featuring interviews with the stars of the genre, including McDonald and Cross, the documentary delves into the roots of yacht rock, tracing its beginnings to the talented musicians behind hits like “Ride Like the Wind” and “Rosanna.”
The term yacht rock itself might spark a chuckle, but its influence is undeniable. The film explores how the genre came to define an era of soft rock, characterized by sophisticated and polished sounds. The artists behind this sound—such as Kenny Loggins, Toto, and the Doobie Brothers—found themselves, at the time, creating music that was both commercially successful and artistically innovative. For many, yacht rock became the soundtrack of their lives, from playing in grocery stores to the background of family road trips.
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What stands out in A DOCKumentary is how the genre evolved. The filmmakers argue that Steely Dan’s meticulous production style was the "Big Bang" of yacht rock, setting the tone for all that followed. The genre’s appeal wasn’t limited to its predominantly white artists. Black influences from jazz, soul, and R&B played a significant role, giving yacht rock a unique hybrid identity that transcended racial and musical boundaries. Questlove and other contemporary musicians reflect on how yacht rock shaped their own work, proving that the smooth sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s still resonate with today’s artists.
Despite its initial success, yacht rock’s popularity waned with the rise of MTV in the ‘80s. The genre’s lack of flashy visuals led to its downfall in the mainstream, but the documentary highlights how its legacy lived on in parodies, memes, and ultimately, a revival. The web series Yacht Rock in 2005 popularized the genre’s name, poking fun at the artists while bringing attention to their contributions to music history. Now, with this documentary, the genre is given a chance to be appreciated for what it truly is: a well-crafted, soulful sound that defined an era.
Ultimately, A DOCKumentary isn’t just about revisiting a nostalgic sound. It’s a celebration of the artists who crafted the music and a look at how a genre initially dismissed has managed to thrive through time, influencing new generations. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of yacht rock or someone just discovering it, this documentary will make you realize that smooth sailing isn’t just a metaphor for luxury—it’s a musical journey worth taking.
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