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The documentary appears to cherry-pick songs that fit its specific narrative, leaving out many nuanced tracks that define the diversity of the era. For instance, Steely Dan is often associated only with hit records like Aja, neglecting earlier noteworthy tracks such as "Ricky Don't Lose That Number." This song, which predates the so-called yacht rock era, hints at various influences—from jazz to country—that are underappreciated when reduced to a blanket label of "soft rock."
The Variety of Influences
Artists who have been tagged with the yacht rock label incorporate a wide range of influences that distinguish their work. The fusion of genres, from gospel-influenced rock to folk and jazz, creates a rich tapestry of sound that cannot be adequately captured through a single term.