Few songs capture the feeling of escape quite like Christopher Cross' "Sailing." The 1980 soft rock classic became the defining sound of yacht rock, transforming a timeless song about freedom into one of the most enduring recordings of its era. The song, which features a dreamy opening created entirely by accident, was recently ranked the best yacht rock song of the 1980s. As with all things yacht rock, fans are divided—and passionate.
"Sailing" Tops a New Yacht Rock Ranking
View this post on InstagramIn a new Spotify ranking of the best yacht rock songs of the '80s, "Sailing" earned the streaming platform's top spot. The ranking was determined by fan votes. Michael McDonald's "Sweet Freedom" came in second, while "Jojo" by Boz Scaggs landed in third place.
As a genre, yacht rock can be polarizing. Fans have passionate opinions about their favorite soft rock hits, and Spotify's ranking sparked a heated debate that shows no sign of slowing down.
One commenter asked, "How did no one vote What a Fool Believes??? It's literally THE yacht rock anthem!!"
Another added, "A yacht rock list without Brandy is not a yacht rock list."
Fair points from these yacht rock aficionados. Both "What a Fool Believes" and "Brandy" are iconic soft rock anthems, but both songs were released in the 1970s. Spotify's ranking focused on the best songs from the yacht rock genre released in the 1980s.
Despite the era-specific parameters, not all fans agreed with "Sailing" earning the top spot.
"First off, calling 'Sailing' the best yacht song is lazy. It's a fine song. But, it's slow and boring," shared one commenter who pulled no punches.
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Ranking aside, "Sailing" helped define the yacht rock genre, thanks in part to its breathtaking opening. The introduction features a wave of orchestral-like sounds that immediately transport listeners into the song's peaceful, ocean-inspired world.
The song's introduction may be famous, but it was created entirely by accident.
During the recording process, a synthesizer in the studio created a unique effect that producer Michael Omartian and the musicians recognized as something special. Instead of discarding the accident, they used it as the foundation for the song's unforgettable opening.
It's hard to imagine "Sailing" without that introduction, which transports listeners to the open seas and captures the feeling of complete freedom.
Why "Sailing" Became the Sound of Yacht Rock
@.pepepotamoSailing - Christopher Cross ¦ The Midnight Special #sailing #christophercross
♬ sonido original - Pepe PótamoReleased in 1979 on Christopher Cross' self-titled debut album, "Sailing" perfectly captured the relaxed, sophisticated sound that would later become known as yacht rock.
"Sailing" was the opposite of the era's rock anthems, which often featured loud guitars and powerful rhythms. Instead, Cross created magic through atmosphere. The song's opening, combined with his gentle vocals, layered production, and smooth instrumentation, created a feeling of calm and escape.
The song has resonated for generations because it's not just about being on the water—it represents the desire to leave everyday stress behind and find peace somewhere else. Inspired by Cross' troubled teenage years, when a mentor helped him find solace through sailing, the yacht rock anthem carries a timeless theme that continues to connect with listeners from one generation to the next.
Why "Sailing" Still Resonates More Than 45 Years Later
Few genres have experienced a greater resurgence than yacht rock, which has only grown more popular over time. More than 45 years after its release, "Sailing" remains one of the defining songs of the genre.
Its dreamy production, unforgettable opening, and message of escape have allowed the song to transcend generations. A reminder that sometimes a simple mistake can lead to a genre-defining classic, "Sailing" continues to prove why it remains one of the most celebrated yacht rock songs ever recorded.
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