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Dan Pal's avatar

I've always been a fan of "soft" rock, as it was referred to at the time. So many great songs on this list! My own favorites here are:

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Nicks/Petty

You Belong to Me - Carly Simon

Hold Me - Fleetwood Mac

Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears

I Can't Tell You Why - Eagles

I didn't know Alanis Morissette music is now considered to be yacht rock! Sounds like the term has stretched until the end of the 20th Century!

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Matt Fish's avatar

That Tom-Stevie duet is one of the decades best. The rest are great too. Thanks Dan!

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Dan Pal's avatar

Yes! My number one of 1981!

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Chris Zappa's avatar

I got to see Tom Petty live once and he brought out a special guest. Turned out to be Stevie Nicks and they did “Stop Dragging…” together and I swear I died and went to heaven that night! Also, I don’t know who ever thought Alanis Morrissette could be considered yacht rock but that person must’ve been on some good drugs. 😂

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Matt Fish's avatar

I would’ve been over the moon had that happened to me 😍😍

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Dan Pal's avatar

That had to be a special night! Billy Joel came out this year to do the Tom Petty part when Stevie Nicks came to Chicago this year.

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Chris Zappa's avatar

That would have been amazing to see! Glad you got to witness that. Wish I could’ve caught a Billy Joel show back in the day.

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Matt Fish's avatar

Omg same Billy Joel has been on my concert buckler list for some time.

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Dan Pal's avatar

Well-worth seeing! I think this was the 4th time I've seen him live! First time was in 1980 for the Glass Houses tour.

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Matt Fish's avatar

Amazing. Hopefully I’ll get my chance :D

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Chris Zappa's avatar

Back in the 70s and 80s is when I really would have most loved to see him. His music from that period is my favorite from all his catalog.

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Chris Zappa's avatar

A few weeks ago, I started compiling my own ultimate yacht rock playlist and now I’m going to work on finishing that so I can include it in a new ultimate yacht rock piece you’ve inspired me to write! Between your piece here and Bryan and Dan’s comments, I know what I have to do. The assignment is clear. I’m psyched about this! Thanks, Matt!

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Matt Fish's avatar

Amazing 🤩 thanks for checking in Chris, appreciate the support! Looking forward to reading your piece once it’s finished!

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Chris Zappa's avatar

Thanks, Matt! I’ll look forward to your feedback when that time comes.

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Bryan Padrick's avatar

Soft rock is a dirty secret, for some reason. But for those of us who grew up in the mid-70s and (relatively early) 80s it formed a large part of our soundtracks. I’ll never forget how much I hated Gino Vanelli’s ‘Living Inside Myself’ - it got completely stuck in my head and I thought I’d never get rid of it. Even typing these words is dangerous! But for every one of those there were numerous brilliant tracks: Ambrosia, Exile, ‘Dream Weaver’ … Chicago, The Eagles, CSN&Y. God, how can there be a favourite?! Great post and brilliant playlist!

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Chris Zappa's avatar

I’ll see your Ambrosia and raise you one Christopher Cross!

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Matt Fish's avatar

Long live CC’s 70s output 🙏

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Chris Zappa's avatar

Yes! That entire debut album is killer from start to finish!

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