Soft Rock's Unlikely Journey: From '70s Dominance to June 2023 Comeback

The resurgence of soft rock represents one of music history’s most unexpected comebacks. After dominating global charts during the 1970s, the genre faced years of dismissal before experiencing a remarkable revival that gained particular momentum heading into June 2023, driven by renewed cultural interest and digital media platforms.

The Genre’s Origins and Peak

The foundation of soft rock’s cultural story traces back to 1973, when Canadian musician Dan Hill co-wrote the ballad that would become the title track for a new documentary examining this phenomenon. The song itself embodies the genre’s essence—a personal love story with universal emotional resonance. Throughout the '70s, artists like Air Supply, Kenny Loggins, Ray Parker Jr., Rupert Holmes, and The Carpenters established soft rock as a commercial juggernaut, with their melodies becoming soundtrack staples for an entire generation.

The Fall and the Unexpected Comeback

By the 1980s, soft rock’s fortunes reversed dramatically. The genre that once filled stadiums became the target of cultural mockery, viewed as outdated and overly sentimental. Yet this narrative shifted significantly in recent years. Three interconnected developments sparked the genre’s resurrection: the aftermath of 9/11, Broadway’s embrace of these emotional melodies, and the crossover recognition from hip-hop pioneers. Daryl “DMC” Daniels of Run DMC notably credited jazz musician Bob James’s influence as foundational to hip-hop’s development, creating an unexpected bridge between genres.

June 2023 Comebacks and Modern Recognition

The digital age accelerated soft rock’s rehabilitation. A viral YouTube series popularized the term “Yacht Rock,” transforming perception from punchline to cultural touchstone. By June 2023, the comeback had crystallized into genuine mainstream acceptance, with touring bands, streaming playlists, and younger audiences discovering these songs anew. Featured artists including Ambrosia, Captain & Tennille, Hall & Oates, Lionel Richie, and Michael McDonald found renewed relevance through contemporary collaborations and appearances.

Contemporary Documentation

A three-episode documentary series now explores this complete trajectory—titled “Reign,” “Ruin,” and “Resurrection.” The project features archival interviews and conversations with surviving legends and contemporary artists including LA Reid, Richard Marx, Sheryl Crow, Stewart Copeland, and others. These segments reveal overlooked contributions to the genre’s development, such as Ray Parker Jr.'s instrumental role beyond his famous Ghostbusters theme, and how Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald’s collaborations shaped the singer-songwriter movement.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy

What distinguishes soft rock’s second act is the discovery that these compositions carry deeper meaning than their surface sentimentality suggests. Rather than representing emotional avoidance, the genre emphasized genuine human connection and love—themes that resonate across generations and cultural moments. The soft rock song with the most covers, a fact highlighted in the documentary, underscores this enduring appeal among musicians across genres.

The genre’s persistence demonstrates that musical movements dismissed by critics often possess cultural staying power that transcends critical consensus, making soft rock’s June 2023 resurgence not merely nostalgic revival but genuine artistic validation.

RUNTIME: 3 episodes
GENRE: Documentary
PLATFORM: Paramount+
FEATURED ARTISTS: Air Supply, Ambrosia, Captain & Tennille, The Carpenters, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald, and more