Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, two of the music industry's biggest stars, have forged an unlikely bond over their shared love for a specific genre of music: yacht rock. Despite their vastly different musical backgrounds, the two have discovered a common ground in the smooth, mellow sounds of 1970s soft rock, and their collaboration on Stefani's latest solo project has resulted in a unique and unexpected musical fusion.

Discovering a Shared Passion for Yacht Rock

When Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton first met as coaches on the hit TV show "The Voice," they were surprised to find that they shared a deep appreciation for the same genre of music: yacht rock. This term, coined by a web series that premiered in 2005, refers to the soft rock sounds that emerged from California in the 1970s, characterized by smooth melodies, lush instrumentation, and a laid-back, breezy vibe.Stefani revealed that the two would often engage in a game, where they would play songs from this era and challenge each other to identify them. "We would always play this game, and we would put on a song and say, 'Do you know this one?' And it would always be these '70s songs," Stefani shared with People magazine.

Blending Genres: Stefani's "Purple Irises" Duet with Shelton

Inspired by their shared love for yacht rock, Stefani decided to incorporate this sound into her upcoming solo album. She invited Shelton to collaborate on a track called "Purple Irises," which she initially thought might not work due to the stark contrast between her pop sensibilities and Shelton's country roots.However, Stefani's decision to enlist the help of Shelton's longtime producer, Scott Hendricks, proved to be a game-changer. Hendricks, known for his expertise in old-school production techniques, was able to infuse the track with a live, organic feel that perfectly captured the essence of 1970s yacht rock."[Shelton] loved the song ['Purple Irises'] so much, he was like, 'Save that one.' I asked, 'Wait, do you want to hop on the song?'" Stefani explained. "And even after [recording together] I was like, 'I'm not sure if this is actually working,' in my mind, because it was so pop, and he's so not. That's when I had the idea to send it to Scott Hendricks, who is his producer, who is more old-school, that could be just the sound of a live band playing, really reminiscent of all of that '70s kind of yacht rock music that we grew up on."

A Prolific Collaboration: Gwen and Blake's Musical Journey

The "Purple Irises" duet is not the first time Stefani and Shelton have collaborated on music. The pair have a history of creating beautiful duets, including "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" from Shelton's 2016 album "If I'm Honest," "You Make it Feel Like Christmas" from Stefani's 2017 album of the same name, and more recent releases like "No Body But You" and "Happy Anywhere" in 2020.Their musical partnership has not only produced a string of successful songs but has also showcased the depth of their creative connection. Stefani's description of the two as "besties" who "want to do everything together" underscores the genuine bond they have forged, both personally and professionally.

Exploring the Yacht Rock Phenomenon

The term "yacht rock" may not be familiar to everyone, but it has gained significant popularity in recent years, with Spotify's "Yacht Rock" playlist boasting over 1.5 million saves. This genre encompasses a range of soft rock acts that emerged from California in the 1970s, including artists like Bill Withers, Kool & the Gang, Olivia Newton-John, and Kenny Loggins.The appeal of yacht rock lies in its smooth, mellow sound, which often features lush instrumentation, soulful vocals, and a laid-back, easy-going vibe. This music was often associated with the affluent lifestyle of yacht owners, hence the name "yacht rock."Despite its niche status, the enduring popularity of yacht rock speaks to its timeless charm and the enduring appeal of the 1970s soft rock sound. Stefani and Shelton's shared love for this genre not only highlights their musical compatibility but also underscores the universal appeal of this unique and often overlooked genre.