🎵 1970s Wedding Cocktail Hour Yacht Rock Playlist

Classic 70s Yacht Rock Hits Celebrating Love, Commitment, and Celebration

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Transport your wedding cocktail hour to an era of smooth grooves, timeless romance, and sophisticated vibes.

This curated 1970s yacht rock playlist features uplifting, love-themed classics perfect for sparking conversation and creating an elegant ambiance.

Whether you’re a yacht rock novice or a seasoned fan, these tunes celebrate commitment, new beginnings, and the joy of love.

Playlist Notes: All songs are from the 1970s and feature positive themes about love, commitment, finding "the one," new beginnings, and celebration - all perfect for a wedding setting. The sophisticated sound of 1970s yacht rock creates an upscale, nostalgic ambiance perfect for cocktail hour conversation.

For yacht rock lovers wanting to dive deeper, check out the Yacht or Nyacht website, the companion to the popular podcast that rates songs on the “Yachtski Scale.” It’s a fun way to discover whether your favorites make the classic yacht rock cut — or if they’re “nyacht.”

I also created a yacht rock playlist of the 70s, 80s, and a few newer. Warning: it has both yacht and nyacht rock songs.

Table of Contents:

• Classic Yacht Rock Foundations: The smooth, signature sounds that define the genre and set the tone.

• Smooth Soul & Romance: Soulful, silky tracks that add warmth and romance.

• Sophisticated Grooves: Mellow, rhythm-driven hits for laid-back elegance.

• Romantic Discoveries: Deep cuts and underrated gems for true aficionados.

• Uplifting Celebration: Energetic, feel-good songs to lift spirits and hearts.

• Dreamy Atmosphere: Laid-back, mellow tunes to wind down the hour.

• Smooth Finale: Instrumental and vocal tracks that close the hour with style.

• Private Spotify Playlist - 42 songs!

1970s Wedding Cocktail Hour Yacht Rock Playlist

Classic Yacht Rock Foundations

Minute By Minute - Doobie Brothers

1978 - “Minute by Minute” is the title track of the Doobie Brothers’ 1978 album Minute by Minute, which won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The song was co-written and sung by Michael McDonald, who joined the band in the mid-’70s. It reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This Is It - Kenny Loggins

1979 - Michael McDonald (of the Doobie Brothers) co-wrote it and sings prominent uncredited background vocals. The song peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit #17 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was a breakthrough for him as a solo artist, post-Loggins & Messina.

Whenever I Call You Friend - Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks

1978 - Nicks was at the peak of her fame with Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours era at the time of release. Loggins co-wrote the song with Melissa Manchester. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics celebrate the power of deep, enduring friendship.

Sailing - Christopher Cross

1979 - “Sailing” is Cross’s breakthrough single, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Cross is the first artist in history to win all four of the top general Grammy categories in the same year: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Arrangement, Best New Artist. It was not done again until 2020 with Billie Eilish.

Ride Like the Wind - Christopher Cross

1979 - It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, blocked from #1 by Blondie’s “Call Me”. The lyrics describe freedom, escape, and running from the law. Michael McDonald (yes, again!) delivers the backup vocals, giving the song its powerful call-and-response feel.

Peg - Steely Dan

1977 - “Peg” only reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. That smooth, high harmony on the chorus? Yep, it’s Michael McDonald once again. It was sampled by De La Soul’s track “Eye Know”. The song was released on the Aja album, often cited by audiophiles and sound engineers as one of the best-recorded albums of all time.

Deacon Blues - Steely Dan

1977 - The title “Deacon Blues” was inspired by Deacon Jones, a famous defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams. The song peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite its 7-minute runtime, jazzy feel, and introspective lyrics.

Love Will Find A Way - Pablo Cruise

1978 - “Love Will Find a Way” became Pablo Cruise’s biggest hit, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has an optimistic theme that no matter what happens, love conquers all.