1978 Breezy Soft-Rock Hit From a Future Movie-Soundtrack Legend Became a Yacht Rock Essential
No yacht rock playlist is complete without The Doobie Brothers, Player, and Kenny Loggins. Yes, Kenny Loggins.
Before he was the King of the Movie Soundtrack, dominating the big screen in the '80s with iconic blockbuster anthems like "Footloose" from, obviously, Footloose; "Danger Zone" from Top Gun; and "I'm Alright" from Caddyshack, Loggins was killing the soft-rock game.
Following his split from the duo Loggins and Messina, he released his first solo album, Celebrate Me Home, in 1977. Solidifying a new soft-rock shift from his folk-rock days, the album peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200. The two biggest tracks off the album were the title track and "I Believe in Love."
Co-written by Loggins and acclaimed lyricist duo Alan and Marilyn Berman, "I Believe in Love" was an instant hit, showcasing pop-rock vibes that would later define the artist. According to Billboard, the track peaked at No. 66 on the survey, but maintained its rank for several weeks.
"This performance helped bridge the gap during an active period in Loggins' development as a solo performer, a journey that would eventually lead to the extensive live recordings featured on his later albums," Billboard wrote. "As an early entry in his solo discography, 'I Believe in Love' remains a notable chapter in the pop-rock transition of one of the era's most versatile singer-songwriters."
The track's history actually dates back to 1976, when Barbra Streisandfirst performed "I Believe in Love" in the movie musical A Star Is Born. But it's K-Log's own solo version - released two years later - that The New York Times felt really captured the yacht rock spirit, thanks to "its breezy feel and jazz-influenced chord changes."
The outlet loved the song so much they ranked it at No. 2 on their ultimate yacht rock playlist. And yeah, we have to agree. Much love to Babs, but when it comes to smooth-sailing soft rock, it's K-Log at the helm every time.
Related: 1988 Heartbreak Ballad That Topped 3 Major Charts Became the Rock Band's Only No. 1
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 7:15 PM.