Was it the soundtrack to a piña colada-fueled sunset cruise, or the sonic equivalent of a polyester leisure suit? The debate rages on, but HBO’s Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary wades into the surprisingly choppy waters of smooth music, exploring the rise, fall, and curious comeback of a genre as fascinating as it is frequently mocked. So grab your captain’s hat and your favorite pair of boat shoes (optional) – it’s time to explore the world of Yacht Rock.
Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and the gang are all here, offering firsthand accounts of an era when sophisticated studio production and breezy melodies ruled the airwaves. Director Garret Price, no stranger to musical mayhem after his work on Woodstock 99, steers this exploration of a genre that’s often dismissed as pure ’70s cheese. But Music Box digs deeper, tracing Yacht Rock’s evolution from its initial wave of popularity to its inevitable decline as the musical tides turned. Was it simply overexposure to those meticulously crafted grooves, or something more? The documentary seeks answers.
Of course, no exploration of Yacht Rock would be complete without acknowledging the mockery. The film doesn’t shy away from the punchlines, particularly the ridicule that surfaced alongside the dawn of MTV and the changing soundscape of the ’80s. But it also smartly highlights the genre’s unexpected resurgence, fueled in part by hip-hop sampling and a newfound appreciation for the musicianship behind those seemingly effortless hits. Turns out, those yacht rockers could actually play.
Adding depth and critical heft, Music Box pulls in commentary from various sources. Rock journalists, music scholars, comedians (because who can resist a good Yacht Rock joke?), and contemporary musicians like Thundercat and Questlove weigh in. Even the creators of the “Yacht Rock” web series offer their perspectives. This diverse chorus of voices provides a rich understanding of the genre’s impact, from the days of vinyl and eight-tracks to the streaming era.
Music Box: Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary airs Friday, November 29, 2024, from 9:00-10:35 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.
