The Smooth Operators Present Classic Yacht Rock

Unsplash

The Smooth Operators (Martijn Soetens and I) introduce you to yacht rock songs that you must have heard at least once in your life! We present some real yacht rock classics and yacht rock songs that we think should have been classics.

Harden My Heart by American pop/rock group Quarterflash was written by guitarist Marv Ross and included on the band's debut album, Quarterflash (1981). The song was originally released as a single in early 1980 by Seafood Mama, Quarterflash's predecessor band. Quarterflash's version became a top-10 hit in the United States, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1982. Guitarist and songwriter Marv Ross remembered that a friend of his had given him the title and that he came up with the lyrics very quickly.

Last Monday Michael McDonald, front man of the Doobie Brothers, celebrated his 72th birthday:

"Emerging from the laid-back California rock scene of the '70s, McDonald found his niche in a unique blend of blue-eyed soul and smooth, soft rock. His distinct sound resonated with audiences worldwide, catapulting him to stardom during his time with the Doobie Brothers and his more than four decades spanning solo career."

(Westcoast.de)

Tracklist:

Quarterflash – Harden My Heart (1981)
Pratt & McClain – Whachersign (1976)
Hans Hass – Welche Farbe Hat Der Wind (1974)
Karen Blake – Anything At All (1984)
Boz Scaggs – Lowdown (1976)
Kenny Loggins – Wait A Little While (1978)
Dionne Warwick – What Is This (1982)
Toto – Waiting For Your Love (1982)
Rob Mehl – House On The Rock (1980)
Ace – You're All That I Need (1977)
Christopher Cross – Ride Like The Wind (1979)
Erik Tagg – Who Are You (1977)
Chicago – Alive Again (1978)
Ned Doheny – To Prove My Love (1977)
Larsen-Feiten Band ‎– She’s Not In Love (1980)
Nielsen Pearson – Two Lonely Nights (1980)
Alessi – You Can Have It Back (1976)
Greg Phillinganes ‎– Lazy Nina (1985)
Bobby King – Summer Nights (1981)
Nicolette Larson – I Only Wanna Be With You (1982)
The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes (1978)
Faith Band – You're My Weakness (1979)
Jim Messina – Free To Be Me (1979)
Ben Sidran – Hey Hey Baby (1974)
Debra Laws – On My Own (1981)
Crackin' – Double Love (1978)
Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E.'s In Love (1979)