NEW YORK — With the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to unwind, enjoy some leftovers, and embrace the mellow vibes of yacht rock, a musical genre that has often faced mockery. This relaxing musical style from the late 1970s, featuring artists like Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Christopher Cross, takes the spotlight in Max’s documentary titled “Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary.”
In this insightful documentary, director Garret Price combines interviews with key figures in yacht rock, contemporary musicians who admire the genre, and the creators of a parody web series who coined the term in 2005. Price reflects on the enduring presence of yacht rock in everyday life, stating, “This music is the soundtrack to our lives, whether we want it or not. It’s playing in grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, elevators, our parents’ cars our whole life. I think a lot of people have abandoned this music and I’m hoping those people rediscover it.”
The documentary explores the roots of yacht rock, attributing its creation to iconic artists like Toto, McDonald, Kenny Loggins, the Doobie Brothers, Cross, and Steely Dan, described as the foundational figures of the genre. Classic tracks such as “Ride Like the Wind” by Cross, “Reelin’ In the Years” by Steely Dan, and “Rosanna” by Toto are highlighted as quintessential examples. On the contrary, the filmmakers determined that musicians like the Eagles, Hall & Oates, Jimmy Buffett, and Fleetwood Mac don’t strictly align with the yacht rock definition, which relies on sophisticated pop combined with jazz and R&B influences.
In the film, Cross, McDonald, Loggins, along with Toto’s David Paich and Steve Porcaro share their insights about their music and their reactions to being labeled yacht rock. Although Donald Fagen from Steely Dan didn’t engage in a full interview, he permitted the use of the band’s music in the documentary. Price recounts, “I had this film basically done except for the Steely Dan music syncs… Lo and behold, we finally hear from Donald Fagen.” He expresses gratitude for this unexpected connection, likening it to a missed opportunity for a more in-depth discussion.
To provide further context, the film features musicians and comedians such as Fred Armisen and Questlove, along with talents like Thundercat and Brenda Russell. Questlove broadens the genre’s definition, including artists like Al Jarreau and the Pointer Sisters, asserting that it encompasses more than just white musicians. Price notes, “When you’re dealing with a completely arbitrary genre like this that got made up completely, that’s kind of the beauty of it.”
Yacht rock saw fleeting success in the charts during the late 1970s, but the rise of MTV hindered its progress as many yacht rock artists struggled to adapt to the music videos’ visual demands. Once its popularity faded, the genre became the subject of ridicule in popular culture, featured in shows like “30 Rock” and “Family Guy.” Price remarks that these artists have often been relegated to mere punchlines within the entertainment industry. He emphasizes his intent to create a fun film that doesn’t mock its subjects.
The term “yacht rock” originated later from a comedic series of short films created by J.D. Ryznar and Steve Huey, who currently host The Yacht or Nyacht Podcast. Initially intended to enter a contest, the title gained unexpected popularity. Huey explains, “This is kind of a private in-joke that sort of went global all of a sudden.” Their motive has always been to celebrate the music, accentuating its quality while adding a touch of humor.
Ryznar shares that their inspiration came from the album cover and name of “Full Sail” by Loggins and Jim Messina, along with Cross’ single “Sailing” and the whimsical imagery associated with Captain & Tennille. He notes, “We just noticed this ’70s motif and it seemed to describe the music that was so well-produced so perfectly.” He emphasizes that the term yacht rock relates to its craftsmanship rather than its suitability for listening on a boat.
As Price, who has also worked on projects like “Daisy Jones & The Six” and directed “Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage,” puts it, this documentary is timed perfectly for its audience. “It’s the perfect post-Thanksgiving film to watch with your family after what may be a more contentious Thanksgiving this year than others,” he observes. He expresses the hope that viewers can unwind and find joy in the smooth, polished sounds of yacht rock.