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 brought the style back in the public consciousness. It has never really left, as evidenced by the various tribute bands that have popped up, as well as the new HBO documentary Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary.
Given the subgenre's continued popularity, we decided to comb through releases from the last decade or so and determine which modern yacht rock albums are worth your time.
The Gift (2016) - Vaudeville Smash
"Laura" is the closest any modern act has gotten to recreating the sound of Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers. The impassioned vocals, the frenetic instrumentation, and the general sense of sunny exuberance carries through the rest of Vaudeville Smash's second album.
"Richter Scale" and "Driving Me Wild" are a perfect one-two punch of funk and ballad, and the same winning combination can be found on the bouncy "Daisy" or the wistful "Potion." If you haven't heard this album, you are in for a treat.
AM Waves (2018) - Young Gun Silver Fox
Young Gun Silver Fox is a duo comprised of British singer/songwriter Andy Platt and American artist Shawn Lee. Platt is the young gun, and Lee is the silver fox. Together they've dished out some of the breeziest and catchiest yacht rock of the last couple decades, but AM Waves is arguably their finest outing.
The album manages to recreate the lush, analog sound of the early 1980s, while at the same time, updating the vibe to adhere to the ears of modern listeners. "Caroline" and "Kingston Boogie" are songs that would have been hits in 1982, while deeper cuts like "Take It or Leave It" and "Lolita" ensure that the album is anything but top-heavy.
Sob Rock (2021) - John Mayer
John Mayer has spent the second half of his career recreating different eras. He dabbled in Laurel Canyon folk-rock for Born and Raised (2012) and Southern rock for Paradise Valley (2013). His latest album, Sob Rock, was a headfirst dive into yacht rock (albeit with a different name).
Mayer teams up with session players like Pino Palladino, Lenny Castro and Greg Phillinganes to recreate a lush 80s sound that still adheres to his strengths as a songwriter. "New Light" and "Wild Blue" are catchy reincarnations of rock and pop, but it's the ballads, namely "Shouldn't Matter But It Does" and "All I Want Is to Be with You," that give the album a certified yacht rock rating.
Day / Night (2021) - Parcels
Parcels is an Australian band that have dabbled in everything from Bowie-inspired glam rock to Daft Punk-produced electronica. Its Day / Night, however, that marked the band's transition into the slick yacht rock sound you've come to this list to read about.
Day / Night really ramps up the lushness. It's an immaculately produced record, as Parcels manages to pull from the Beach Boys and Steely Dan while still maintaining their own musical identity. "Light," the album opener, is a stunner, as are "Shadow" and "Reflex."
Young Hearts (2023) - Benny Sings
Benny Sings is a Dutch singer who has collaborated with the likes of Rex Orange County and Mac DeMarco. He possesses a lighter touch than both these artists, however, which is what makes him especially well suited to yacht rock pastiche. Elements of the subgenre are evident in most of his albums, but Young Hearts is the most sonically focused.
The album has a cohesive groove to it, while still allowing room for standout songs like "Take Your Time" and the title track. There is something for every yacht rock lover on here, and if all else fails, enjoy the stellar bonus cut, "Wait for the Summer."