This commercial came on, the one with Baby Come Back, not the swifter one. I thought how much I used to love that song and then I was thinking how the music in the 70"s really spoke to me much more depth there. Then I went down the rabbit hole of Blue Eyed Soul and realized how it has always struck a cord with me and how complex it was musically. It was also amazing how many of these bands names I forgot. Anyway let us share some of this amazing music. Trying to stay away from the Goats Hall and Oats and spotlight some lesser knowns. Is this considered Yacht Rock?
This one of my all time favorites, it always gives me the feels. I don't know which one I like more this or the Isley Bros version.
Dear Mr Fantasy play us a tune Something to keep us all happy Do anything, keep us out of this gloom Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy Stevie Winwood was the ****.
It's a hard distinction to quantify. I think you move beyond blue eyed soul to just general 70s soft rock with a few of those. To me, Yacht Rock is kind of a derogatory term. I'm guessing this turns into a general 70s soft rock thread so that's what I'm going with here...
That Bobby Caldwell cut you posted in the OP became popular again in a Mitsubishi ad. It introduced a lot of people to him. And of course, the "he's a white dude?" comments. I always loved that song. A lot of these songs are songs I'd like to kick back in a hammock and listen to without having to worry about going anywhere or being anywhere. Just lie back and chill to them. I'll add to the Ambrosia example you gave with another one of their classics : I'm not sure if this is an example of what you're looking for since they're way more popular from back in the day : I also don't know if these qualify, but I always loved this group and loved these 2 songs by them (woefully underrated) :
It's Paul Carrack's voice that does something so special, as do Burton Cummings', David Pack's, Glenn Shorrock's, and John Waite's. Burton Cummings David Pack Glenn Shorrock John Waite
Who do think is not Blue Eyed Soul and yes the lines can be blurred with soft rock. I know Yacht Rock is supposed to be derogatory but I like the term.
Of course just my opinion, but I would say England Dan & John Ford Coley and Paul Davis are more 70's style soft country rock. I don't think of Ambrosia as Soul, but I listened to that track and I concede you are right. I also don't really think of Todd Rundgren in that light either as much as I like him, but again on reflection I concede. I can here a little Carole King in there. Interesting that allmusic.com lists Fame by David Bowie as one of the greatest Blue-Eyed Soul tracks ever. Wouldn't consider it that in a million years. Slightly off topic, but when I think Blue Eyed Soul, these are the two tracks for me that immediately pop to mind: (This is a Moody Blues song from 63 or 64, but trying to keep with the 70's theme, Denny Lane left The Moody Blues and is playing the piano here in Wings in the 70's) and probably Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield.
Some great stuff posted here that I have heard before. Keep it coming. Going with some newer stuff now. A criminally underrated song.
I love Simply Red... he still sounds good in his latest concerts. I had this song on repeat on a trip from Dallas to Houston. It’s my favorite song by them... bonus if you like Hall & Oates : May be NSFW :
