What makes This Is It by Kenny Loggins notable?

The title track, 'This Is It', became one of Loggins' signature songs, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album solidified his reputation as a leading figure in yacht rock and soft rock, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. When 'This Is It' was released in 1979, Kenny Loggins was transitioning from his successful partnership with Jim Messina to a solo career. This album followed his acclaimed release 'Nightwatch' and marked a pivotal moment as he began to establish his identity as a solo artist in the soft rock genre.

How many songs are on This Is It?

This Is It has 2 tracks, running approximately 9 minutes.

This Is It

Kenny Loggins · 1979

9 min · 2 tracks · country music

Smooth yacht rock melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, creating an atmospheric backdrop for introspective reflections on love and life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is It — As the album's title track, it encapsulates Loggins' signature style, blending smooth vocals with uplifting themes of hope and determination.
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Will It Last — This track showcases Loggins' ability to weave complex emotions into his songwriting, exploring uncertainty in relationships through poignant lyrics and melodic hooks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and emotional depth but remains conventional within its genre.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent piano melody that is complemented by smooth guitar lines and layered harmonies, creating a lush soundscape.
The second track employs a more subdued arrangement with a focus on acoustic guitar and soft percussion, contrasting the upbeat energy of the first.
Both tracks utilize repetitive choruses that emphasize emotional themes, inviting listeners to engage with the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Loggins' reputation in yacht rock and soft rock.
Themes: smooth yacht rock· 1970s romantic uncertainty· introspective reflections
Career context: When 'This Is It' was released in 1979, Kenny Loggins was transitioning from his successful partnership with Jim Messina to a solo career. This album followed his acclaimed release 'Nightwatch' and marked a pivotal moment as he began to establish his identity as a solo artist in the soft rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Jim Croce· James Taylor· Dan Fogelberg