# Who listens to yacht rock anyway? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [August 18, 2020, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414 "2020-08-18T14:17:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/61 "2020-08-19T14:23:45Z")
The musicians hired to perform in the elevator do, yes. (Of course that’s usually just a solo performer.) ---
**Author:** ![Author\_Balk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Author\_Balk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Author_Balk)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/62 "2020-08-19T14:44:04Z")
For me the peak of music is late 70s and early 80s. So… A lot of my favorite soft rock music would be considered yacht rock. A lot of my favorite rock would be considered corporate rock (Boston, Styx, etc.). A lot of my favorite dance music would have some disco in it. But, there are a lot of songs in each category that I don’t like, such as Michael McDonald and Journey. For background music I sometimes listen to a yacht rock station. If I were actively listening I would pick something else. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/63 "2020-08-19T15:35:21Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > The musicians hired to perform in the elevator do, yes. (Of course that’s usually just a solo performer.) Pffft. Any yacht _I’ve_ ever been on has been big enough to have at least a three-piece R&B combo in the elevator. _And_ a singer. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/64 "2020-08-19T15:44:55Z")
Although elevator music is always uplifting, I’m so sick and tired of those musicians hired to perform in the washroom facilities. Look, I don’t want a breath mint and I can get my own hand towel. I don’t need anyone to mask any sounds with a five piece band rendition of Nearer My God, To Thee. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/65 "2020-08-19T15:53:19Z")
You’re obviously not sailing on the right yachts. ---
**Author:** ![phxjcc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phxjcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phxjcc)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/66 "2020-08-19T17:35:54Z")
I do. Sirius Presets 40’s Junction Sinatra 50’s 60’s 70’s Yacht/Love/Hallmark (whatever they call it this week) …rinse/repeat mostly the first two. ---
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/67 "2020-08-19T17:54:37Z")
Traveling across country last summer, we got to know the play list…that’s what THIS FOOL BELIEVES… ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/68 "2020-08-19T18:04:56Z")
Were you riding like the wind? Note to you Chris Cross haters: man was born in San Antonio (check location) and on his first Grammy go-around he won Best: New Artist, Song, Record, Album, a sweep which had never been duplicated until this past year, by Billie Eilish, then he goes out and nabs himself an Oscar and a Golden Globe the very next year. Give the man some props - he had a dream 3-year run. Also, he was my go-to example of [music stars killed by MTV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-killed-the-radio-star-but-which-star-s/591279) thread. RIP your career, Mr. Cross. ☠ ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/69 "2020-08-19T18:09:04Z")
How strong was the competition that year? I guess I need to travel on better yachts. One that plays Yacht Jazz or Yacht Salsa. Or Yahtzee. How exactly did MTV cut the career short of such an accomplished singer? (I have never been inspired by Mr. Cross’s music but I have nothing against the man). He couldn’t make a video; change his style; go on concert tours? Or is it that his fans were minimally supportive? I will listen to some yacht rock radio and let you know what I think. Try to sleep at night. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/70 "2020-08-19T18:13:02Z")
Here is an article about the Grammy’s sweep: > **[How Did Christopher Cross, Of All People, Achieve That Historic Grammy Sweep...](https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/christopher-cross-grammys-big-four-sweep-explained-8549360/amp/)** > > Billie Eilish is the first artist to sweep the Big Four awards at the Grammy Awards since Christopher Cross. How on earth is it that, of all the artists who could have been the only artist to have … And a list of nominees: > **[Grammy Award Nominees 1981 - Grammy Award Winners 1981](http://www.awardsandshows.com/features/grammy-awards-1981-229.html)** > > For information on the Grammy Awards 1981 and a complete list of nominees and winners for all categories, browse through the article ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/71 "2020-08-19T18:15:59Z")
My post essentially argued that Cross’s look didn’t match well with the thin-brit and urban rocker early-80s MTV aesthetic: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MZw2bjPREmXwEHYhlapc6qOsE7Kqw0Gn-35JfHswyMzaNu9BxjRZa7qWCqWthGmVNjNCuUSKKq2dmhprWxJkm0em9DHJJ3ECtcqMFY5K95t9dsuZtpM3TcLq-Cz0am31FjXxt0ngpg=w600-h315-p-k "New item by John Thornton") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/XV1F9XWTB5EBCMge7) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/72 "2020-08-19T18:16:57Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > How exactly did MTV cut the career short of such an accomplished singer? Mostly, that he wasn’t a particularly attractive guy – a bit chubby, with a hairline that was, even in the early 80s, beginning to recede. [![](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/7a/c3/9d/7ac39d8e8c5b765eef76c9de11913e40.jpg) ](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/7a/c3/9d/7ac39d8e8c5b765eef76c9de11913e40.jpg) Prior to MTV, you didn’t need to look good to be a successful musician, but when music videos became king, a greater premium was placed on looks. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/73 "2020-08-19T18:34:26Z")
Yes, it is a fun channel, especially the “DJ” with his funny affected voice. Mind you, Classic Vinyl and Rewind are the ones we listen to the most. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/74 "2020-08-19T18:54:32Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Mostly, that he wasn’t a particularly attractive guy – a bit chubby In the pictures you guys have shown here, he reminds me of Andy Dwyer. > **[Andy Dwyer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Dwyer)** > > Andrew Maxwell Dwyer KBE (/ˈdwaɪ.ər/) is a fictional character in the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation portrayed by Chris Pratt. Originally meant to be a temporary character, Andy was so likable that producers asked Pratt back as a series regular. He appears in the first season as Ann Perkins' (Rashida Jones) unemployed, slacker boyfriend, then takes a job as a shoe-shiner at Pawnee City Hall in the second season. Andy eventually marries April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza) and is later promoted to An... ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/75 "2020-08-19T19:01:21Z")
Andy never would’ve made it on 1982 MTV, either. And, in that era, Cross wasn’t ‘chubby’, he was ‘fat’. Many don’t remember how thin people were prior to the war on fat: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4X3Re30MJKdVlaLPlqOko5QLRAT5dBb3cgnWeP-vGufCnDupr8pK2yQx6aL3Hj7Rpcn5sNqb-5CK0MnKZbu3qXxHfhV9Ds-hAyZHu7TeLS9xgnWV9OEoyfmarufzxe2TvtrmvOLDYA=w574-h315-p-k "New item by John Thornton") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/vdcMCzadAz7aREAK9) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/76 "2020-08-19T19:04:21Z")
Just for another idea of what they play on the station, I’m listening to it right now, while I work. The past five songs have been: - Love Will Find a Way - Pablo Cruise - I Just Wanna Stop - Gino Vannelli - Route 101 - Herb Alpert - Rosanna - Toto - Cool Night - Paul Davis ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/77 "2020-08-19T19:05:20Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > And, in that era, Cross wasn’t ‘chubby’, he was ‘fat’. I was trying to be kind to Mr. Cross. I mean, he wasn’t Meat Loaf-sized. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/78 "2020-08-19T20:57:55Z")
A lot of the early videos on MTV were moody looking dudes singing in the dark. Cross could have lost weight, put on a suit, put on a wig, done a Peter Gabriel style cartoon with no actual appearance… Cross didn’t try hard enough. Why couldn’t he have toured, teamed up with other guys more? Don Henley survived the era, but he is a much better musician. What has Cross tried in the last 30 years? Now? Because that’s the problem. Thanks for the article, I learned something new. Cross’s own label barely believed in him despite three nominations. The article implies he was not a “heavyweight”. Credit where credit is due - few have done what he did. But at best he has 2-4 good songs. In my opinion, of course. I spent 15 minutes listening to Yacht Rock. The cheesy DJ voice is the best thing about it. I heard a bad Starbuck song about Moonlight barely redeemed by a xylophone solo. Followed by songs by Toto and Paul Davis which I would call not good. I’ll listen a little more, but it’s been a little bit painful. And there are so many good 70s soft rock songs. Maybe they’ll play Radar Love or something. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/79 "2020-08-19T21:02:24Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > I spent 15 minutes listening to Yacht Rock. The cheesy DJ voice is the best thing about it. I heard a bad Starbuck song about Moonlight barely redeemed by a xylophone solo. Followed by songs by Toto and Paul Davis which I would call not good. I’ll listen a little more, but it’s been a little bit painful. It sounds like it’s just not your style of music (and it is, by definition, a pretty narrowly-formatted channel). ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2020, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414/80 "2020-08-19T21:06:12Z")
It isn’t, and I will listen a little more. I’ve made some snarky comments in jest - of course you should listen to whatever music you like. I’ve only recently just started liking country music. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-listens-to-yacht-rock-anyway/918414.md?page=5)