The Ultimate Guide To Yacht Rock On SiriusXM: Channel Number, Deep Cuts, And Essential Artists
If you're looking to drop anchor and sail into the smooth sounds of '70s and '80s soft rock, the definitive answer to "What XM Channel is Yacht Rock?" is currently SiriusXM Channel 311. This dedicated station, officially branded as Yacht Rock 311, is the commercial-free haven for the genre, featuring a curated playlist of artists who defined the "West Coast Sound" and the indulgent luxury of the era. While the channel number can sometimes be temporary or shift to other slots like Channel 14 or 15 during special programming, Channel 311 is the most reliable home for your essential smooth-sailing soundtrack as of December 2025.
The Yacht Rock Radio channel celebrates the sophisticated, melodic, and often jazz-influenced rock music produced primarily between the mid-1970s and the early 1980s. It’s more than just soft rock; it’s a specific subgenre characterized by high production value, complex musical arrangements, and lyrical themes of tropical getaways and romantic reflection. This article will not only give you the exact channel but also a deep dive into the genre's history, the essential artists, and the related SiriusXM channels that expand your nautical musical journey.
SiriusXM's Yacht Rock Fleet: Channel 311 and Beyond
The main destination for the genre is Yacht Rock Radio (Ch. 311). However, SiriusXM, recognizing the immense popularity of the smooth-sailing sound, has expanded its offerings to include several related channels, catering to different depths of the genre. This provides listeners with a complete topical authority on the sound, from the biggest hits to the most obscure deep cuts.
Here is a breakdown of the key SiriusXM channels for Yacht Rock enthusiasts:
- Yacht Rock Radio (Ch. 311): The main channel. This is where you will find the quintessential hits from artists like Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Toto. It’s the perfect introductory course to the genre.
- Yacht Rock Deep Cuts: This channel is a treasure trove for the serious enthusiast, diving into lesser-known tracks and deeper album cuts from core artists and those on the periphery of the genre.
- Yacht Soul: A specialized channel that explores the R&B and Soul influences that are fundamental to the Yacht Rock sound. This includes artists whose smooth, sophisticated grooves laid the groundwork for the West Coast Sound.
- Yacht Country: An interesting spin-off, this channel features smooth '70s and '80s country music that shares the same laid-back, high-production aesthetic. Artists like Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, and Kenny Rogers are often featured here, bridging the gap between genres.
It's important to note that the 300-series channels on SiriusXM are often reserved for specialty, limited-run, or streaming-exclusive content. While Yacht Rock Radio is currently a fixture on Channel 311, its presence on temporary slots like Channel 14 or 15 is common, so always check the SiriusXM app or website for the absolute latest channel assignment.
The Definitive Sound: What Exactly is Yacht Rock?
Yacht Rock is not merely "soft rock." It is a highly specific aesthetic and musical style that flourished between the mid-1970s and 1984. The term itself, ironically, didn't exist until 2005, when it was coined by a mockumentary web series.
The genre is characterized by a few key musical traits:
- Smooth and Melodic: The music is impeccably produced, with a focus on polished, melodic song structures.
- Jazz and R&B Influence: It often incorporates elements of jazz fusion, sophisticated R&B, and soul, giving it a complex, yet effortless, feel. This is why you hear so much of the "Yacht Soul" sound.
- The "West Coast Sound": Much of the music was produced in the Los Angeles area, utilizing the same elite session musicians (like the legendary "Wrecking Crew" successors) to create a consistent, high-fidelity sound.
- Lyrical Themes: Indulgent luxury, tropical escapism, and romantic reflection are common lyrical themes, evoking images of sailing, expensive cars, and a carefree lifestyle.
The genre's revival and its dedicated SiriusXM channel prove that this sophisticated, smooth sound has transcended its original timeframe to become a nostalgic and deeply appreciated musical movement. It's a sound that perfectly balances rock energy with pop accessibility and jazz complexity.
Essential Yacht Rock Artists and Songs for Your Playlist
To truly appreciate the depth of the Yacht Rock Radio channel, you need to know the core artists and their seminal tracks. The genre is defined by a handful of perfectionist musicians who consistently collaborated with the finest studio players. Here is a list of essential entities that form the backbone of the SiriusXM Yacht Rock playlist, perfect for a smooth-sailing experience:
The Core Yacht Rock Masters
These artists are the absolute foundation of the genre and are in heavy rotation on Channel 311:
- Michael McDonald: The undisputed "King of Yacht Rock." His soulful vocals on tracks like "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and his work with The Doobie Brothers are essential.
- Christopher Cross: Famous for his incredibly smooth debut album, featuring the quintessential Yacht Rock track "Sailing" and the hit "Ride Like the Wind."
- Kenny Loggins: A prolific contributor, known for "This Is It," "Heart to Heart," and his earlier work with Loggins and Messina.
- The Doobie Brothers: Especially their later, McDonald-led era, featuring the iconic Grammy-winning track "What a Fool Believes."
- Steely Dan: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen’s complex, jazz-infused compositions like "Rosanna" (by Toto, but highly influential) and their own deep cuts are considered high-caliber Yacht Rock.
- Toto: Known for their impeccable musicianship and hits like "Africa" and "Rosanna."
- Ambrosia: Their hit "Biggest Part of Me" is a staple of the smooth-sailing playlist.
- Boz Scaggs: His album Silk Degrees, featuring "Lowdown," is a blueprint for the genre.
- Player: Famous for the classic track "Baby Come Back."
Deep Cuts and Essential LSI Entities
For those who tune into the Yacht Rock Deep Cuts channel, these artists represent the deeper dive into the genre, offering a richer, more nuanced listening experience:
- Ned Doheny: A cult favorite whose sophisticated albums are hallmarks of the West Coast Sound.
- Bill LaBounty: A songwriter and artist whose 1970s and 80s work is highly prized by yacht rock aficionados.
- Pages: An influential band featuring Richard Page and Steve George, who later formed the band Mr. Mister.
- Airplay: A supergroup featuring David Foster and Jay Graydon, known for their high-level production and complex arrangements.
- Marc Jordan: A Canadian songwriter with a smooth, melodic style.
- Robbie Dupree: Known for his hit "Steal Away."
- Sanford Townsend Band: Their hit "Smoke from a Distant Fire" is a perfect example of the yacht rock sound.
- The Looking Glass: Their song "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" is a foundational, narrative-driven track often included in the canon.
- Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN): Specifically their later, smoother tracks like "Southern Cross."
By tuning into SiriusXM Channel 311, you are accessing a carefully curated catalog that includes all these artists, ensuring your journey into the world of smooth-sailing soft rock is complete. Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated "Yachty," the channel provides the ultimate soundtrack for luxurious, laid-back listening.
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