There are certain songs that instantly transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, one of those songs is The Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes." The moment those opening notes hit, I'm right back in grade school, hearing my dad's stereo fill the house with what we now lovingly call yacht rock.
Back then, we didn't have a name for it. It was simply the music our parents played. The smooth melodies, polished production, and incredible musicianship were everywhere. While my friends were listening to whatever was topping the pop charts, I was soaking up the sounds of Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, and the Doobie Brothers.
Released in 1979 by The Doobie Brothers, "What a Fool Believes" became one of the band's biggest hits and helped define an entire era of soft rock. Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, the song is deceptively upbeat for a tune that's actually about heartbreak, regret, and self-delusion. McDonald's soulful voice gives every line an emotional weight that still resonates decades later.
Of course, Michael McDonald would go on to become one of the most recognizable voices in music. You can identify him within seconds on a record. That distinctive blue-eyed soul sound made him a star not only with The Doobie Brothers but also as a solo artist and collaborator on countless hits throughout the 1980s.
One thing younger fans may not know is that Michael even made a memorable appearance on the sitcom Mad About You. In a hilarious recurring gag, he was revealed to be the lead singer of the fictional band that performed the show's theme song, "The Final Frontier." It was a fun bit that showed he had a great sense of humor about his fame and instantly made me like him even more.
Today, yacht rock has experienced a massive resurgence. What was once considered "dad music" is now celebrated by multiple generations who appreciate its craftsmanship and timeless appeal. And honestly, I get it. These songs were built to last.
Whenever I hear "What a Fool Believes," I think about those childhood afternoons when my dad would put on a record and let the music play. I didn't realize it then, but those songs were becoming part of the soundtrack of my life. Decades later, they still sound just as good.
Maybe that's the real magic of yacht rock. It isn't just music, it's memories. And few songs capture that feeling better than "What a Fool Believes."