Yacht Rock Guide: The Sound, the Artists and How to Listen Anywhere

Sunglasses on. Stress off. ⛵ If a song has ever made you feel like it was already the weekend, you might be a yacht rock person and not know it yet. I’m going to show you what the smooth sound is all about, who to listen for and how to take Yacht Rock Radio with you wherever the day goes.

In this guide:

• What is yacht rock?
• The artists behind the smooth sound
• A smooth day on Yacht Rock Radio
• Send some smooth vibes
• Beaches, boats and the lifestyle
• Listen anywhere
• Follow along

What is yacht rock? 🌊

Yacht rock is the polished, melodic sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s: smooth vocals, sophisticated musicianship, mellow grooves and songs made to take the edge off the day. Think timeless soft rock, West Coast harmonies and blue-eyed soul, the perfect soundtrack for sunshine, boating and easy living. Want the full story on the sound, the artists and the history? Read What Is Yacht Rock?

▶ Listen live while you read.

The artists behind the smooth sound 🎤

Listen for Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Toto, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, Boz Scaggs, Ambrosia, Little River Band, Chicago and Air Supply. Our station plays smooth favorites like Christopher Cross’s “Sailing,” Toto’s “Africa,” Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen” and Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” Want a ready-made playlist? Check out the 50 best yacht rock songs of all time, then explore The Bands of Yacht Rock and the top easy-listening bands list.

A smooth day on Yacht Rock Radio ☀️

• Sea Dawn (early morning): relaxing melodies and smooth harmonies to start the day on the right course
• Smooth Sailing (daytime): a daytime escape into timeless yacht rock and soft rock classics
• Sunset Sessions (late afternoon into evening): smooth favorites chosen to match the sunset
• Yacht Rock Radio Nights (overnight): dim the lights and let the music carry you

See the full lineup in the weekly schedule or on the radio shows page. Missed a song? Check Last Songs Played.

Send some smooth vibes 💌

Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, retirements or just because: pair a personal message with one of your favorite smooth songs on the dedication request page. Got your own music? You can also play your song on the air (check the page for details).

Beaches, boats and the lifestyle 🏖️

Yacht Rock Radio goes beyond the playlist, with coastal travel, boating destinations and the lifestyle that fits the music:

• America’s best sandbars
• Florida’s east coast beaches and Best of Florida
• Best beach music venues in the USA
• Yacht rock tours, live shows and festival news
• The Yacht Rock blog

Listen anywhere 📱

• Yacht Rock Radio app for iPhone
• Yacht Rock Radio app for Android
• Yacht Rock Radio on YouTube

Follow along ⚓

• Yacht Rock Radio on Facebook
• Yacht Rock Radio on Instagram
• Yacht Rock Radio on X

▶ Listen to Yacht Rock Radio

Yacht Rock Radio is part of the NextWave Broadcasting Network. Check out our sister stations:
Wild Country Radio ·
The Alternative One ·
New Wave Radio ·
Rock n Roll Radio