Last updated on January 31, 2026, updated every month.
Sure! Let’s be clear: you don’t need a yacht to enjoy “Yacht Rock.” All you need is a glass of whiskey to give you the illusion of being on a yacht deck while you sip and listen to this music.
The list below ranks 20 vintage YACHT ROCK songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Neil Diamond - Hello Again
Written by Neil Diamond and Alan Lindgren for the 1980 film “The Jazz Singer,” “Hello Again” offers a sleek slice of cinematic sentiment repackaged for the charts.
The song climbs to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaches #3 on the Adult Contemporary tally, helping push the soundtrack album to 5x Platinum.
Diamond leans into his baritone comfort zone, blending pop and soft rock with just enough drama to make it feel personal—but exportable.
Its mix of romantic lyrics and polished melody secures it a recurring role in Diamond’s live repertoire, though it strays little from the safe zone.
David Foster revives “Hello Again” in 2014 for Ruben Studdard’s album “Unconditional Love,” proving, if nothing else, that the track knows how to hang around.
Diamond, born in Brooklyn on January 24, 1941, racks up over 130 million records sold, 32 studio albums, and industry laurels from the Songwriters Hall of Fame to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The music video is directed by Dwight Hemion.
Writer(s) : Neil Leslie Diamond, Alan Edward Lindgren Publisher(s) : Sweet Sixteen Music Inc, Stonebridge Music Inc
Genres : heartland_rock
Genres : Easy listening, Pop, Rock, Folk/Acoustic,adult standards, brill building pop, folk rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
Featured on the album 1980,The Jazz Singer
53.75% / -7.00%
2 . George Benson - In Your Eyes
George Benson’s “In Your Eyes,” produced by Arif Mardin in 1983, features a rich fusion of jazz-funk, soul, and pop elements, symbolizing Benson’s transition toward mainstream appeal without abandoning his jazz roots. Benson’s smooth vocals and expressive guitar are complemented by contributions from accomplished musicians like Steve Gadd on drums and Robbie Buchanan on piano. The song embodies the refined, crossover sound of the period, showcasing Benson’s sophisticated artistry and securing his position as both a jazz and pop icon.
Writer(s) : Daniel Grafton (Anthem) Hill, Michael William Masser Publisher(s) : If Dreams Had Wings Music Ltd, Prince Street Music
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : Jazz, Rock,jazz funk, jazz guitar, smooth jazz, soul jazz, yacht rock
Featured on the album 1983,In Your Eyes
25.46% / -1.03%
3 . Chicago - Hard To Say I'm Sorry
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is a song by the band Chicago, released in 1982. The song was produced by David Foster, a renowned producer known for collaborations with artists like Whitney Houston and Céline Dion. During its recording, several session musicians, including Toto members David Paich and Steve Porcaro, contributed synthesizers. The single was notably successful, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an international hit. It also appeared in the soundtrack of the film “Summer Lovers” (1982), boosting its popularity.
Writer(s) : David W Foster, Peter P Cetera Publisher(s) : Peermusic Iii Ltd, Universal Music-Mgb Songs
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
23.32% / -0.66%
4 . Michael McDonald - I Keep Forgetting [Every Time You’re Near]
Released in 1982, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” is a song by Michael McDonald. Produced by McDonald himself and Ted Templeman, also known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and Van Halen, this yacht rock staple features rich vocal harmonies and characteristic synths. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been sampled in numerous hip-hop and R&B tracks, including Warren G and Nate Dogg’s “Regulate.” For more on Templeman, check out his autobiography co-written with Greg Renoff, titled “Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music,” offering a detailed look at his career and legendary collaborations.
Writer(s) : Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller Publisher(s) : Jerry Leiber Music, Mike Stoller Music
Genres : Rock,mellow gold, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,mellow gold, soft rock, yacht rock
19.02% / -0.43%
5 . Eagles - Hole In The World
The Eagles’ first track without guitarist Don Felder since 1974, “Hole in the World,” was penned by Don Henley and Glenn Frey in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Henley began crafting the song on the evening of the attacks, with the composition evolving amidst American reactions and the onset of the Iraq War. The single peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Produced by the Eagles and Bill Szymczyk, known for his work on classic Eagles albums like “Hotel California,” the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2004.
Writer(s) : Glenn Lewis Frey, Don Henley Publisher(s) : Privet Songs, Red Cloud Music
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Featured on the album 2003,The Very Best Of Eagles
17.14% / -0.58%
6 . Don Henley - The Boys Of Summer
Produced by Henley and Mike Campbell, “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley was released in 1984. The song emerged from a collaboration between Henley, a former Eagle, and Campbell, guitarist for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Campbell initially recorded an instrumental demo, to which Henley added lyrics. The song addresses themes of nostalgia and loss of innocence. “The Boys of Summer” was critically acclaimed, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1985. Fans of “Friends” will remember “The Boys of Summer” from the episode “The One With Two Parts (2)” in season 1, during a hospital scene with Ross and Marcel.
The music video is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino.
Writer(s) : Donald Hugh Henley, Michael W Campbell Publisher(s) : Wild Gator Music, Woody Creek Music
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino
16.50% / -0.57%
7 . Chicago - Along Comes A Woman
“Along Comes a Woman” is a song by Chicago released in 1985, from their album “Chicago 17.” David Foster’s production adds a sophisticated touch with brass and synth arrangements. The single peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is heavily influenced by film noir, in a style described as “Indiana Jones meets Casablanca.”
The music video is directed by Jay Dubin.
Writer(s) : Mark Goldenberg, Peter P Cetera Publisher(s) : Mca Music Publishing, Fleedleedle Music, Double Virgo Music
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Jay Dubin
Featured on the album 1985, 17
16.04% / -0.28%
8 . George Benson - Give Me The Night
“Give Me the Night” pairs George Benson’s polished guitar with Rod Temperton’s ear for hooks, wrapped in Quincy Jones’s slick production sheen.
Patti Austin’s backing vocals trace through the mix, while Lee Ritenour’s guitar slips between disco and jazz tendencies without ever overstating its presence.
The music video flirts with nightlife tropes, echoing the song’s sleek devotion to after-dark escapism and syncopated swagger.
Writer(s) : Rodney Temperton Publisher(s) : Rodsongs
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : Jazz, Rock,jazz funk, jazz guitar, smooth jazz, soul jazz, yacht rock
Featured on the album 1980,Give Me the Night
15.08% / -0.26%
9 . Chicago - Hard Habit To Break
Produced by David Foster, and marked by extensive use of keyboards and synthesizers characteristic of Foster’s style, “Hard Habit to Break” is a Chicago song released in 1984. It features a powerful vocal duo between Peter Cetera and Bill Champlin. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was recorded with experienced session musicians, including members of Toto.
The music video is directed by Leslie Libman.
Writer(s) : John Lewis Parker, Stephen Alan Kipner Publisher(s) : Stephen A Kipner Music, Parkersongs, Mca Music Publishing
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, mellow gold, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Leslie Libman
14.27% / -0.04%
10 . Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
A popular choice for wedding ceremonies due to its romantic lyrics and joyful ambiance, “Everywhere” is a song written by Christine McVie and produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut, released in 1987. The track was recorded with Fleetwood Mac’s classic lineup, including Stevie Nicks on backing vocals, John McVie on bass, and Mick Fleetwood on drums. The song is distinguished by Buckingham’s signature guitar and synth sounds, as well as its vocal harmonies. “Everywhere” was a commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and number 4 in the UK.
The music video is directed by Alex Proyas.
Writer(s) : Anne Christine Mac Vie Publisher(s) : Universal Music Careers
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Alex Proyas
Featured on the album 1987,Tango in the Night
13.34% / -0.19%
11 . James Ingram - Yah Mo B There
James Ingram & Michael McDonald’s “Yah Mo B There,” released in 1983 from Ingram’s album “It’s Your Night,” serves a potent blend of R&B and gospel under Quincy Jones’s production.
Co-written with Michael McDonald, Quincy Jones, and Rod Temperton, it fuses spiritual undertones with chart-friendly grooves, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the R&B chart, while landing at No. 44 in the UK.
A Grammy-winning anthem, it features a metaphor-laden music video where faith guides a man through perilous paths.
The music video is directed by Jeffrey Abelson.
Writer(s) : Trevor Stanley Veitch, Gregory Richard Mathieson Publisher(s) : Slapshot Music, Mighty Mathieson Music
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : Rock, R&B,quiet storm, mellow gold, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Brian Grant
Featured on the album 1983,It’s Your Night
12.65% / 0.41%
12 . Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen [No More Love on the Run]
Initially titled “European Queen,” but renamed for different international markets, “Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)” is a 1984 single by Billy Ocean. Co-produced by Keith Diamond, who also worked with Donna Summer and Michael Bolton, the song was recorded with session musicians in New York. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, winning a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
The music video is directed by Michael Geoghegan.
Writer(s) : Billy Ocean, Keith Diamond (USA 1) Publisher(s) : Keith Diamond Music, Zomba Management And Publ Ltd
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,disco, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,disco, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Michael Geoghegan
Featured on the album 1984,Suddenly
12.65% / -0.04%
13 . Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
Released in 1977, “The Chain” is an iconic song by Fleetwood Mac, produced by Ken Caillat and Richard Dashut. It is unique as the only song on the “Rumours” album credited to all members of the band. It stands out for its complex structure and innovative use of John McVie’s bass and Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar solo. “The Chain” has been frequently used in various media, including the film “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
The music video is directed by Bruce Gowers.
Writer(s) : Lindsey Buckingham, Michael John Fleetwood, Anne Christine Mac Vie, John Graham Mc Vie, Stevie Nicks Publisher(s) : Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, Reach Global Inc, Welsh Witch Music, Rattleman Music, Hipgnosis Sfh I Limited, Universal Music Careers
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Bruce Gowers
Featured on the album 1997,The Dance
12.05% / 0.24%
14 . Kenny Loggins - Footloose
“Footloose” is the title track of the 1984 film directed by Herbert Ross, starring Kevin Bacon. Produced by Kenny Loggins and Peter Wolf, it was recorded with seasoned session musicians: Dean Parks on guitar, Nathan East on bass, Michael Boddicker on keyboards, and Tris Imboden on drums. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.
The music video is directed by Brian Grant.
Writer(s) : Kenneth Clark Loggins, Dean Pitchford Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Melody, Milk Money Music
Genres : Rock, Pop, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, new wave pop, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock, Pop, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, new wave pop, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Brian Grant
Featured on the album 1984,Footloose : Soundtrack
11.22% / -0.08%
15 . Eric Carmen - Hungry Eyes
Eric Carmen’s “Hungry Eyes,” released in October 1987, pulsates through the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, blending John DeNicola and Franke Previte’s writing finesse with Carmen’s emotive vocals.
Recorded at Beachwood Studios in Ohio, the track climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on Adult Contemporary in 1988, while import sales placed it at No. 82 in the UK.
Initially reluctant, Carmen was persuaded by Jimmy Ienner, his old Raspberries producer, and the song signaled his return to chart success after “All by Myself.”
The music video intertwines Carmen’s performance with “Dirty Dancing” clips, cementing its cultural link.
The music video is directed by Mark Rezyka.
Writer(s) : Peter P Cetera, David W Foster Publisher(s) : Peermusic Iii Ltd, Double Virgo Music
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : Pop, Rock,new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Ben Winston
Featured on the album 1987,Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack
10.57% / -0.23%
16 . Billy Ocean - Mystery Lady
“Mystery Lady” is a song by Billy Ocean released in 1984, produced by Keith Diamond, known for his sophisticated productions and groove, who also worked with Donna Summer and Mick Jagger. The song was recorded in New York
The music video is directed by David G. Hillier.
Writer(s) : James T Woodley, Billy Ocean, Keith Vincent Alexander Publisher(s) : Aqua Music Ltd, Universal Music Z Songs, Universal Music Z Tunes Llc
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,disco, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,disco, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by David G. Hillier
Featured on the album 1984,Suddenly
10.25% / 0.07%
17 . Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies
Released in August 1987 as the third single from *Tango in the Night*, “Little Lies” gives Christine McVie the spotlight on lead vocals, with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks chiming in on the chorus.
McVie co-writes it with Eddy Quintela, trading regret for strategic self-delusion: you know he’s lying, but it helps you sleep at night.
There’s a peek behind the curtain too—this one’s recorded on a Sony two-track digital, splices and all making it into the final cut.
It also earns the quaint distinction of being the first Fleetwood Mac track to arrive on cassette single, because someone had to go first.
Writer(s) : Anne Christine Mac Vie, Eddy Quintela Mendonca Publisher(s) : Universal Music Careers, Universal Music-Mgb Songs
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : Rock,album rock, classic rock, rock, soft rock, yacht rock
Featured on the album 1987,Tango in the Night
9.51% / 0.02%
18 . Patrick Swayze - She's Like The Wind
Co-written by Swayze for the film “Dirty Dancing” directed by Emile Ardolino, “She’s Like the Wind,” performed by Patrick Swayze and Wendy Fraser, was produced by Michael Lloyd. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, contributing to the film’s phenomenal soundtrack success.
The music video is directed by David Fincher.
Writer(s) : Patrick Swayze, Stacy Widelitz Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd
Genres : Rock,yacht rock,
Genres : Rock,yacht rock,
The music video is directed by David Fincher
Featured on the album 1987,Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack
9.41% / -0.14%
19 . Daryl Hall - Maneater
With its Motown-inspired groove and hypnotic rhythm, Hall & Oates’ “Maneater” dominates the charts for four weeks, capturing the cultural excess of 1980s New York. Originally conceived as a reggae tune by John Oates, the song morphs into a slick commentary on greed and ambition, cleverly disguised as a tale of a femme fatale. Charles “Mr. Casual” DeChant’s saxophone solo, punctuated by a striking delay effect, gives the track an edge, contributing to its timeless appeal. The metaphorical message about the city’s hunger for wealth elevates “Maneater” beyond a simple pop hit.
Writer(s) : Floyd Nathaniel Hills, Nelly Furtado, James Washington, Timbaland Publisher(s) : Nelstar Publishing, Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Danjahandz Muzik, Anthem Virginia Beach Music, Reservoir 416, W C M Music Corp
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, rock, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
Genres : Rock, Folk/Acoustic,album rock, classic rock, heartland rock, mellow gold, rock, singer-songwriter, soft rock, yacht rock
Featured on the album 1982,H2O
9.10% / -0.28%
20 . Billy Ocean - Suddenly
Billy Ocean’s “Suddenly” emerges as the centerpiece of his 1984 album, a ballad steeped in romance and quiet revelation.
With smooth vocals and lyrics tracing the abrupt shift from solitude to love, Ocean delivers a song that resonates with unexpected emotion.
It climbs to number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1985, reinforcing his growing prominence.
Following “Caribbean Queen” and “Loverboy,” it cements the album’s commercial impact.
Born Leslie Sebastian Charles in Trinidad and Tobago in 1950, Ocean relocates to London as a child, later stepping into the music scene in the 1970s.
His first major UK success arrives in 1976 with “Love Really Hurts Without You.”
His US breakthrough follows in 1984 with “Caribbean Queen,” a Grammy-winning track that amplifies his reach.
More hits, including “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,” extend his influence through the mid-1980s.
The music video is directed by Maurice Phillips.
Writer(s) : Billy Ocean, Keith Vincen T Alexander Publisher(s) : Aqua Music Ltd, Universal Music Z Songs
Genres : yacht_rock
Genres : R&B, Rock, Pop,disco, mellow gold, new romantic, new wave pop, soft rock, yacht rock
The music video is directed by Paul Hunter
Featured on the album 1984,Suddenly
8.46% / -0.06%
Neil Diamond’s “Hello Again” leads, with George Benson’s “In Your Eyes” and Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” just behind. Core Yacht Rock names hold steady mid-chart, and Billy Ocean’s “Suddenly” returns at number twenty.
The Yacht Rock chart remains stable, with one new re-entry and unchanged top positions concluding the year quietly.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.