SiriusXM is your year-round destination for the breezy sounds of yacht rock, bringing you the smoothest hits from the 1970s and 80s. Tune into channels like Yacht Rock 311, Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, and Yacht Soul, and instantly escape to a world of sun-drenched decks and gentle ocean breezes.
Explore SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Channels
Dive into the smooth sounds of SiriusXM’s dedicated yacht rock channels, each offering a unique flavor of the genre.
Yacht Rock 311: Your Mainstream Yacht Rock Port of Call
Yacht Rock 311 is your flagship station for the genre’s biggest names. Here, you’ll find the titans of yacht rock like Michael McDonald, the sophisticated sounds of Steely Dan, the melodic artistry of Christopher Cross, and many more masters of smooth. It’s the perfect channel for those who appreciate the polished, easy-listening side of rock. Prepare for music that’s as smooth as a calm sea.
Yacht Rock 311 channel art featuring '70s & '80s smooth-sailing soft rock artists, promoting SiriusXM listening on the app.
Yacht Soul: Smooth R&B and Soul from the Yacht Rock Era
Exclusively available on the SiriusXM app, Yacht Soul takes you on a journey into the soulful side of the yacht rock era. This channel is dedicated to the smooth and funky R&B and soul that defined the late 70s and early 80s. Groove to the sounds of legends like George Benson, the electrifying Earth, Wind & Fire, the romantic ballads of Lionel Richie, the sophisticated grooves of Bobby Caldwell, the production genius of Quincy Jones, the feel-good vibes of Kool & the Gang, and the vocal stylings of Al Jarreau, among others. Yacht Soul is your ticket to the smoother side of soul.
Yacht Soul channel graphic showcasing easy yacht-era R&B and soul music, encouraging listeners to tune in via the SiriusXM app.
Yacht Rock Deep Cuts: Venturing Beyond the Familiar Shores
For the true yacht rock aficionado, Yacht Rock Deep Cuts, an app-exclusive channel, offers a treasure trove of lesser-known but equally smooth yacht rock gems. If you’ve explored the mainstream and are ready to delve deeper, this channel is for you. Discover hidden tracks and under-the-radar artists that perfectly capture the yacht rock vibe. It’s smooth sailing into uncharted musical waters.
Yacht Rock Deep Cuts channel artwork highlighting '70s & '80s smooth, soft rock deep cuts, promoting app-based listening on SiriusXM.
Defining Yacht Rock: More Than Just Music, It’s a Lifestyle
Yacht rock is more than just a genre; it’s an entire aesthetic. It embodies a lifestyle of relaxed sophistication and breezy elegance. While the name might conjure images of luxury yachts, the essence of yacht rock is accessible to everyone through its music.
Emerging in the late 1970s and early 1980s, yacht rock is characterized by its meticulously crafted melodies and high-gloss production values. This music was designed for easy listening, featuring lush arrangements, pristine sound quality, memorable hooks, and polished vocal harmonies. The overall feeling is one of relaxation and effortless cool, perfectly suited for leisurely moments – whether you’re actually on a yacht or simply dreaming of one.
Musically, yacht rock often blends elements of jazz, R&B, and soft rock. Signature instrumental elements frequently include smooth saxophone solos and the warm tones of the Fender Rhodes electric piano. Lyrically, yacht rock frequently explores themes of romance, introspection, and escapism, often with a positive and reflective tone that mirrors the music’s easy-going nature.
Iconic yacht rock artists who defined the genre include Steely Dan, known for their sophisticated jazz-rock fusion; Toto, masters of studio perfection; Michael McDonald, both in his solo career and with The Doobie Brothers, with his distinctive soulful voice; Christopher Cross, celebrated for his breezy melodies; Kenny Loggins, the king of movie soundtracks and smooth anthems; and Hall & Oates, pioneers of blue-eyed soul.
The Enduring Appeal of SiriusXM Yacht Rock
Yacht rock’s appeal is timeless. Its smooth, comforting sounds evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of sophisticated ease and carefree living. SiriusXM’s yacht rock channels provide the perfect escape, offering a continuous stream of feel-good music that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new listener, tune into SiriusXM and let the smooth sounds of yacht rock transport you.
