This weekend on The Progressive Underground, we dropped anchor in the world of Yacht Rock — that smooth, soulful, and yes, sometimes delightfully corny blend of soft rock, blue-eyed soul, and jazz-pop that soundtracked many a sunset in the late ’70s and early ’80s.

From Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, and Christopher Cross to deeper cuts from the California studio scene, we explore the polished grooves, lush arrangements, and the studio legends behind the music. Think creamy synths, tight harmonies and lyrics that make you chuckle while you vibe.

In this special episode, we navigate the genre’s cultural roots, its surprising resurgence and the smooth sounds that still go down easy, whether you’re sailing the coast or just cruising down memory lane.

This program coincides with a special performance by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as they present “Sailing: Soft Rock Hits of the 70s and 80s” on Tuesday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall. For more information, visit dso.org.

Check the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the player above.

The Progressive Underground: Yacht Rock Edition playlist (aired July 19, 2025)

• “Taking it to the Streets” by The Doobie Brothers
• “Tin Man” by America
• “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is” by Chicago
• “Baby Come Back” by Player
• “Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck
• “Crazy Love” by Poco
• “Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross
• “Free Man in Paris” by Joni Mitchell
• “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
• “Baker Street” by Gerry Raferty
• “Time Passages” by Al Stewart
• “What A Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers
• “You Can’t Change That” by Raydio
• “Hello It’s Me” by Todd Rungren
• “Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John
• “Magic” by Olivia Newton John
• “Midnight at the Oasis” by Maria Malduar
• “Reminiscing” by The Little River Band
• “Peg” by Steely Dan
• “Africa” by Toto
• “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago
• “How Much I Feel” by Ambrosia
• “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins
• “Sailing” by Christopher Cross
• “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
• “Sarah Smile” by Hall & Oates
• “I Keep Forgetting” by Michael McDonald
• “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille
• “Cool Night” by Paul Davis
• “Goodnight, Tonight” by Paul McCartney
• “Love Will Find A Way” by Pablo Cruise
• “Hey 19” by Steely Dan
• “Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs
• “My Best Friend” by Queen
• “Show You The Way (feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins)” by Thundercat
• “Only The Beginning” by Chicago

Chris Campbell here with The Progressive Underground, bringing you this week’s Pick of the Week — and let me tell you, this one is spiritual electricity. 

We’re tapping into the genre-defying brilliance of SAULT, the elusive UK collective led by producer Inflo and powerhouse vocalist Cleo Sol — who also happen to be husband and wife. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, SAULT has released a staggering 11 albums in just a few short years, each one digging deeper into the soul of Black music and culture with a defiant edge and minimal media presence. No press tours. No interviews. Just message and music. 

This year, they hit us with their 12th studio release, simply titled “10.” And true to form, it’s a kaleidoscopic ride — an audacious fusion of R&B, punk, gospel, funk, soul, rock, and pop, delivered in SAULT’s signature raw-yet-refined aesthetic. 

The track we’re about to get into is called “KTYWS,” an acronym for “Know That You Will Survive.” And it’s exactly what it sounds like — a sonic affirmation. This one rides a thick groove with gritty basslines, layered vocals, and a rebellious spirit that hits somewhere between a sermon and a rallying cry. It’s healing music. It’s resistance music. It’s survival music. 

Let’s get into it, SAULT with “KTYWS,” my Pick of the Week. 

That was SAULT with “KTYWS,” a defiant, groove-laced proclamation from a group that refuses to play by the industry’s rules. No names in lights, no faces on magazine covers, just deep, soul-drenched music that hits where it matters. 

If that moved you like it moved me, then lock in with The Progressive Underground every Saturday night at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET. We dig for the bold, the brilliant, and the next wave of future classics, from nu-jazz to deep house, b-sides to broken beat. 

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Stay elevated, and we’ll catch you next time.