West Coast Sound
| Yacht rock | |
|---|---|
| Other names | West Coast Sound |
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Mid- to late 1970s |
| Derivative forms | |
| Other topics | |
Yacht rock (originally known as the West Coast Sound or adult-oriented rock) is a broad music style and aesthetic identified with soft rock. Yacht rock was one of the commercially successful genres of its era, existing between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Drawing on sources such as smooth soul, smooth jazz, R&B, funk, and disco, common stylistic traits include high-quality production, clean vocals, and a focus on light, catchy melodies. Initially used pejoratively, its name was derived from its association with the popular Southern Californian leisure activity of sailing.
AllMusic's Matt Colier identifies the "key defining rules of the genre" as follows:
The term "yacht rock" did not exist while the genre was active. Initially described as "adult-oriented rock" or the "West Coast Sound", yacht rock music existed roughly between the years 1975–82 or 1976–84. "Yacht rock" was coined in 2005 with the online video series of the same name created by J.D. Ryznar. It was originally termed as a pejorative, although its stigma has lessened in later years. Ryznar states that he intended it to refer to the "more elite studio artists" of the period. Some of the most popular acts included Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan and Toto. In part, "yacht rock" relates to the stereotype of the yuppie yacht owner, enjoying smooth music while out for a sail. Additionally, since sailing was a popular leisure activity in Southern California, many "yacht rockers" made nautical references in their lyrics, videos, and album artwork, particularly the anthemic track "Sailing" by Christopher Cross.
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