Ahoy — we’re pushing off into sun-soaked harmonies, impossibly smooth grooves, and songs that sound best with a drink sweating in your hand. This week, I’m joined by Nick Niespodziani and Peter Olson of Yacht Rock Revue, the band that’s helped turn yacht rock from a punchline into a full-on revival, to chart a course through 20 essential yacht rock tracks that define the sound.

Fromtimeless AM gold todeep-cut smooth rock, we’re curating what one of the amazing Patreon Mixtapers called “the yachtiest rock to ever rock a yacht.” We dig into what actually qualifies as yacht rock — pristine studio craftsmanship, blue-eyed soul, West Coast soft rock, and hooks polished to a high gloss — while celebrating the artists who perfected it. Think Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and other architects of that effortlessly cool late-’70s / early-’80s sweet spot where rock, pop, R&B, andjazz quietly shook hands.

Along the way, Yacht Rock Revue brings insider perspective on why these songs have endured, how they’ve found new life with younger audiences, and what makes a track truly seaworthy versus merely smooth-adjacent. 

We also take a deep album dive into Yacht Rock Revue’s 21-track concept record Escape Artist—which blends nostalgia with fresh new Yacht Rock sounds.

Whether you’re a longtime yacht rock devotee or just discovering why these songs refuse to fade with the sunset, this playlist is built for open water, open roads, and maximum mellow.

Climb aboard — the vibes are immaculate, and the captain’s got excellent taste.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode. 👇

George Benson – Turn Your Love Around

Christopher Cross – Ride Like The Wind

Crosby, Stills, & Nash – Southern Cross

Pablo Cruise – Love Will Find A Way

Michael McDonald – Sweet Freedom

Jackson Browne – Somebody’s Baby

Kenny Loggins – I Gotta Try

Toto – Africa

Redbone – Come & Get Your Love

Robbie Dupree – Steal Away

Daryl Hall & John Oates – She’s Gone

Rupert Holmes – Escape (The Piña Colada Song)

Sanford Townsend Band – Smoke From A Distant Fire

Gerry Rafferty – Baker Street

Sade – Smooth Operator

Player – Baby Come Back

Little River Band – Cool Change

Boz Scaggs – Lowdown

Steely Dan – My Old School

Yacht Rock Revue – Tropical Illusion