When delving into the new HBO Max documentary "Music Box: Yacht Rock", one individual immediately came to mind. The tender, vulnerable, and romantic vibes of 1970s and '80s acts like Christopher Cross and Toto set the mood for reaching out to a specific person. It wasn't an old high school girlfriend or my wife; she has no nostalgia for such music and prefers The Blood Brothers. I was more interested in the musical and historical accuracy of the film rather than the emotions it stirred. So, the person I wanted to ask about this highly recommended documentary was Bob Ruggiero, also known as "Classic Rock Bob".

Uncover the Secrets of Yacht Rock with Classic Rock Bob

Identifying the Key Elements of Yacht Rock

The documentarians did an excellent job of identifying the key elements of the genre. As Classic Rock Bob explained, "I'm glad they established up front that while all yacht rock is soft rock, not all soft rock is yacht rock. Nor are the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac, who seem to fit perfectly." He also mentioned the Yacht Rock web series' website, yachtornyacht.com, which helps discern true yacht rock acts. "I'm glad that most of the talking head time went to the actual musicians involved in the sound, and especially session players and producers only known to liner note readers, like Gary Katz, Tom Scott, and Jay Graydon," he added.

Classic Rock Bob also enjoyed hearing from younger artists who love or are influenced by yacht rock, such as Thundercat, Bethany Cosentino, and Questlove.

The Origin of Yacht Rock

The film suggests that yacht rock originated from Steely Dan, calling the band "the primordial ooze from whence yacht rock sprang." "The doc makes a good case for the Dan being sort of ground zero for yacht rock," said Ruggiero. "Even though Donald Fagen hates the term and, as seen at the end, tells the director to go fuck himself over the phone, he still licensed six Steely songs for use. If three of the faces on Yacht Rock Mount Rushmore belong to Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross, Fagen's scowling, big-beaked visage is absolutely the fourth."

Ruggiero further discussed Steely Dan's Aja, suggesting it's definitely in the top five all-time yacht rock albums but may not be the "perfect" representation. "There's a lot more complicated jazz stuff and time signatures on it, not to mention un-yacht rock subject matter. Though 'Home at Last', the record's least-known track, is at least nautical-related in its retelling of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey.'"

The Porcaros and Their Importance

The Porcaros - brothers Jeff, Mike, and Steve - were key to the yacht rock sound as incredible and prolific session players and members of yacht rock royalty in the band Toto. I asked Ruggiero if they aren't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, are they rock music's least appreciated musicians? "Toto is not in, and the Porcaros aren't in as sidemen. And only two of The Wrecking Crew and none of The Section - both storied groups of session musicians - are. But then again, Jesse, don't get me started on who belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that isn't, who's in that shouldn't be and which acts I would personally kick out. Agh! Where's my blood pressure medicine?"

Yacht Rock and Masculinity

The idea that yacht rock isn't very manly is explored in the film. Ruggiero agreed, saying, "No, it's not a typically 'manly' rock sound at all. But, it certainly speaks to 'Manly Life Goals'. Which one of us XY chromosome bearers would not want to be on a yacht, sipping pina coladas on the beautiful sea with a willing bikini-clad babe next to us? Or crawling like a viper through suburban streets looking for the next afternoon delight or potential heartbreak that would nevertheless make great song material?"

He added, "Interesting that (writer) Alex Pappademas pegged a segment of the yacht rock first-person male singer as one to express emotions, talk about their mistakes with women and still seem like a sad sack loser, which goes against the male fantasy part of the genre."

The Enduring Appeal of Yacht Rock

As journalist Molly Lambert said in the film, with England Dan & John Ford Coley's "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" softly in the background, "That's part of what gives its longevity, is it's like these songs are about timeless issues of wanting to love and be loved and that never goes out of style, 'cause that's the human experience." Ruggiero said, "though 'original' yacht rock music is a dead-end adventure because a giant part of yacht rock's appeal is inevitably tied to memories, 'soundtrack of your life' stuff associated with the songs and their constant playing and exposure," there are new bands carrying the torch, like the nation's premier yacht rock cover band, the Yacht Rock Revue, and acts like Young Gun Silver Fox. But, he said, yacht rock doesn't really need new blood to carry on its musical legacy. "As the doc explores, outside of the kitsch and captain's hat factors, everyone knows these songs as the background music of their lives or, increasingly, parents' lives," said Ruggiero on the music's enduring appeal. "And they're pure ear candy. I didn't steer my son Vincent to yacht rock, but he found it on his own. And now knows Doobie deep cuts!"Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary is now streaming on Max.