When you think of 1970s summer vibes — easygoing, romantic, and just a little whimsical — few songs fit the mood better than “Moonlight Feels Right” by Starbuck. Released in 1976, this dreamy soft-rock hit became an enduring staple of the decade’s lighter, yacht rock–adjacent sound and remains one of the most recognizable one-hit wonders of the era.
Starbuck, formed in Atlanta, Georgia, by Bruce Blackman and Bo Wagner, brought together an eclectic mix of pop, rock, and jazz influences. Written and sung by Blackman, “Moonlight Feels Right” was the band’s debut single from their self-titled album.
Though initially released late in 1975, the song didn’t catch fire until the spring of 1976. It eventually soared to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of that year, staying in the Top 40 for months. With its gentle melody, warm vocals, and unforgettable marimba solo, the track was tailor-made for lazy summer nights and coastal drives.
One of the most distinctive features of “Moonlight Feels Right” is its marimba solo, performed by co-founder Bo Wagner. At a time when guitar solos dominated pop and rock radio, Wagner’s skillful marimba break gave the song a unique and memorable twist — soft and melodic yet virtuosic in its own right.
Wagner, who had a background in classical percussion and had even worked with The Lawrence Welk Show, brought his unexpected touch of sophistication and fun to the arrangement. That marimba riff remains one of the most iconic instrumental passages of any ’70s soft rock song.
Lyrically, “Moonlight Feels Right” paints a picture of romance, adventure, and a hint of mischief — a couple stealing away to the coast, enjoying the warm summer night and each other’s company:
"I finally made a tricky French connection / You couldn’t get away too soon… no, no"
It’s playful, poetic, and evocative of a carefree time when life felt just a little simpler.
Despite the massive success of “Moonlight Feels Right”, Starbuck never managed to replicate its chart dominance. Their follow-up single, “Everybody Be Dancin’,” peaked at a modest #38, and their later work failed to gain much radio traction. Still, the song has lived on as a quintessential yacht rock classic — featured on countless soft rock compilations, playlists, and even in pop culture moments decades later.
Today, “Moonlight Feels Right” is celebrated not only as Starbuck’s shining moment but as a prime example of the smooth, melodic pop that defined mid-’70s AM radio. Its unique instrumentation and wistful charm have earned it a permanent spot in the hearts of nostalgic listeners and yacht rock aficionados alike.
So the next time a warm summer breeze blows through, roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and let “Moonlight Feels Right” take you back to a golden era of soft rock bliss.
Add comment
Comments