Daryl Hall criticizes Yacht Rock as a joke by two individuals

Yacht rock has become the subject of some controversy, with Daryl Hall expressing his disdain for the genre label often linked to his music. While some may categorize Daryl Hall & John Oates within the expansive realm of yacht rock due to their soulful and smooth ’70s and ’80s sound, Hall vehemently rejects this classification.

During a recent interview on Rick Rubin’s Broken Record podcast, Hall went on to criticize the origin of the yacht rock term, attributing it to what he describes as a jokingly coined phrase by individuals in California. He expressed perplexity at how this term has evolved into a recognized musical genre, emphasizing that his music is fundamentally rooted in R&B with hints of jazz, labeling it as mellow and smooth R&B devoid of any apparent connection to yachts.

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Hall seemed particularly perturbed by the association of his music with yacht rock playlists that feature artists like Toto and the Doobie Brothers. He criticized the persistent need to label his work, citing the inadequacy of terms like soft rock and yacht rock to encapsulate the essence of his musical style accurately.

While Hall may find the term yacht rock a misnomer for his music, he is not alone in his sentiments. Donald Fagen of Steely Dan, another artist commonly linked to the genre, has also expressed reservations about the designation. However, prominent figures like Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald have embraced the yacht rock moniker, participating in activities such as HBO’s dockumentary on the subject and engaging in yacht rock tours.

Listen to the complete interview with Hall below to gain further insight into his perspective on the debate surrounding yacht rock. Nevertheless, it seems ironic that someone with an album titled H2O in their discography would dismiss the yacht rock label altogether.

In conclusion, while yacht rock continues to be a divisive term within the music industry, with some artists like Hall rejecting it and others like Loggins and McDonald embracing it, the debate surrounding genre classifications remains as lively as ever. As fans of music, it is essential to appreciate the diversity of musical styles without getting bogged down by limiting labels. Music is a form of art that transcends boundaries and definitions, and perhaps, it is best enjoyed without the constraints of genre classifications.