Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary
★★★ 1/2
I’ll admit it—I've got a major soft spot for yacht rock. The moment I hear the silky keys of Christopher Cross or those velvety Michael McDonald harmonies, I’m instantly transported to Saturday mornings growing up—music blasting through the house speakers while we cleaned. So yes, I was already onboard with Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary before the first synth note hit.
But what surprised me was how much this doc had to say about the genre. Like… was there really enough substance here to warrant a full-length film? Turns out—absolutely. While there’s plenty of nostalgia and tongue-in-cheek fun (as any good yacht rock tribute should have), this is ultimately a love letter to the musicianship behind the music.
It’s not just a vibe—it’s craft. And this film digs deep into the studio magic that made yacht rock what it is. The interviews are fascinating, especially if you're a musician or know someone in a band—I’ve already recommended it to several of mine. But even if you're like me (a certified non-musician), it still works beautifully. The documentary is accessible, fun and peppered with familiar tunes you’ll be humming for the rest of the day.
It also offers some thoughtful insight into why this genre exploded when it did—and how it’s quietly endured. Yacht rock might have once been shrugged off as cheesy easy listening, but this doc makes a strong case for its rightful spot in the pop culture canon.
If you’re in the mood for something breezy, quirky and toe-tappingly delightful, Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary is the perfect watch. Just don’t blame me if you end up slow-dancing in the kitchen or Googling where to find the nearest Toto vinyl.
