Once I found my new infatuation with, dare I say it, yacht rock, it was only time before I needed to branch out into this genre further. Combining my brainpower with that of Mike Landolfi, we forged ahead in creating a modern yacht rock sound. As an homage to the Christian rock alternative compilation of the 90s Seltzer: Modern Rock To Settle the Soul here’s our mixtape, “Modern Yacht to Settle the Soul.”
For yacht rock purists any track not actually recorded in the prime boating years of the late 70s to the early 80s is not actual yacht rock. Here at Backyard Road Trips, we eschew labels, diversifying our audio portfolio with a 21st-century take on the timeless yacht rock.
A Word of Warning
It was interesting for me to compile this mix. I tend to swing toward music with less glitz and polish than yacht rock. Give me something a little more heartfelt and raw or rocking. Also as a musician with indie or singer/songwriter tendencies, the idea of sometimes overblown or at least slick production was at the opposite end of the spectrum than my DIY ethic.
It was a bit easier for me to previously enjoy the artists in this list since many of them have indie-rock connotations such as My Morning Jacket, the Black Keys, and Bon Iver. Other artists including Ryan Adams and Jason Isbell may stretch the genre a bit but the two selected songs fit the bill. When it boils down to it though, all of these tracks would still sound great on a boat or when you’re simply imagining that you are on a boat.
Also of note, there is no Zac Brown Band, Jack Johnson, Sublime, or any other band or singer because, although they may evoke the ocean, or drinking in a cabana or under the sun, they are not yacht. Yacht rock is smooth. All of the tracks on this mixtape, although varying in sound, all contain that smooth sound.
A Modern Yacht Rundown
The War on Drugs has been deemed the yacht rock of the 21st century by critics. I can’t disagree. Their newest album I Don’t Live Here Anymore is one of my favorites of 2021. The title track is super catchy and ultimate yacht. There better be a dance floor on the yacht when Chromeo is playing. Phoenix is very catchy too, melding retro 80s with the yacht rock. Grizzly Bear summons the yacht heyday. Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories literally sounds like it was recorded during this time period. I’d have included “Fragments of Time,” but it was used on the last yacht rock playlist.
Thundercat channels the sound with help from two of the industry’s heavyweights, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins! The Fruit Bats hit a high falsetto on this extremely catchy number. John Mayer’s latest is totally retro. From the turquoise album cover and the font to the title “Sob Rock” and the “Nice Price” sticker found on the cover, this is an intentional nod to a bygone era. The Killers’ Brandon Flowers also has an 80s vibe with “Lonely Town”. Bon Iver’s “Beth/Rest” is keyboard-heavy.
My Morning Jacket’s newer material edges on yacht rock territory in such tracks as “Compound Fracture” from The Waterfall. Lord Huron comes in next with a poignant song. Hiss Golden Messenger is the Laurel Canyon side of yacht rock. Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” is the most well-known of these tracks and has a fun summery vibe. The Black Keys may seem too rollicking for yacht rock but to me can still swing on the boat.
Side 2
Yacht Rock Revue is literally a yacht rock band from today. They were the side project of an indie band, Y-O-U. Now they write original songs in this polished genre. Many Metronomy songs could fit but this totally has the right vibe the whole way through. Ivy’s mellow meanderings take us to the “Edge of the Ocean.” Ryan Adams’ Taylor Swift cover album, 1989, has a sheen to it. One of the most smooth is his take on “Wildest Dreams.” Pond’s “America’s Cup” will pass by many yachts on the sailing journey.
Phosphorescent adds to the mix with “Song for Zula.” Local Natives electrify the yacht rock sound. The Heartless Bastards keep the groove going. Strand of Oaks contemplates the ocean even though they’re “Somewhere in Chicago”. Finally, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit take us home where Americana meets a yacht rock vibe.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the trip on the boat as much as we did! For more yacht rock, check out the Very Merry Yacht Rock Christmas and the Ultimate Yacht Rock Playlist.
Modern Yacht to Settle the Soul – (this link takes you to the mixtape… I mean playlist)
- The War on Drugs – I Don’t Live Here Anymore
- Chromeo – Come Alive
- Phoenix – Trying to Be Cool
- Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks
- Daft Punk – The Game of Love
- Thundercat (with Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins) – Show You the Way
- Fruit Bats – Gold Past Life
- John Mayer – Last Train Home
- Brandon Flowers – Lonely Town
- Bon Iver – Beth/Rest
- My Morning Jacket – Compound Fracture
- Lord Huron – Ends of the Earth
- Hiss Golden Messenger – Sanctuary
- Weezer – Island in the Sun
- The Black Keys – Gold on the Ceiling
- Yacht Rock Revue – Step
- Metronomy/Biig Piig – 405
- Ivy – Edge of the Ocean
- Ryan Adams – Wildest Dreams
- Pond – America’s Cup
- Phosphorescent – Song for Zula
- Local Natives – Dark Days
- Heartless Bastards – How Low
- Strand of Oaks – Somewhere in Chicago
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Dreamsicle
