In episode # 24 of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez dig into Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs and award their gold, silver and bronze medals accordingly.

Medal Winners

Bonus Tracks

Finding Her – Boz

Dinah Flo – Boz

Near You - Boz

Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) – Looking Glass

Look What You’ve Done To Me – Boz

Harbor Lights – Platters

Low Down - Boz

Love Me Tomorrow - Boz

Sooner Or Later – Grass Roots

Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance) – Leo Sayer

What Do You Want The Girl To Do – Boz

Lone Me A Dime – Boz

Jump Street – Boz

Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs was released in March 1976 and became the defining album of his career, blending blue-eyed soul, smooth pop, and West Coast R&B into a polished, radio-friendly sound that helped define mid-1970s adult contemporary music.

Recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco, the album benefited from a group of top-tier session musicians, many of whom would soon form Toto, including David Paich (keyboards), Jeff Porcaro (drums), and David Hungate (bass), along with guitarist Fred Tackett. Their tight, groove-oriented playing gave the record its sleek, sophisticated feel.

The album was produced by Joe Wissert, whose clean, layered production emphasized rhythm, melody, and Scaggs’ smooth vocal delivery.

Several hit singles emerged, including “Lowdown,” “Lido Shuffle,” “What Can I Say,” and “It’s Over,” with “Lowdown” becoming the biggest success, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Lido Shuffle” also performed strongly, reaching the Top 20, helping sustain the album’s momentum across radio formats.

Silk Degrees peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 and became a multi-platinum success, eventually selling over five million copies in the United States. Its crossover appeal—bridging pop, R&B, and soft rock—made it a staple of FM radio and a key influence on the emerging yacht rock sound.

Critically and commercially, the album marked the high point of Scaggs’ mainstream popularity, cementing his place in 1970s music and showcasing a seamless blend of craftsmanship, musicianship, and accessibility.

Track Listing

Side One

What Can I Say

Georgia

Jump Street

What Do You Want The Girl To Do

Harbor Lights

Side Two

Lowdown

It’s Over

Love Me Tomorrow

Lido Shuffle