In the '70s and '80s, no great pop song was complete without a super wanky, over-the-top sax solo. We've selected two of music history's best moments of saxual healing—George Michael's unforgettably tragic "Careless Whisper" and Gerry Rafferty's iconic "Baker Street." Both solos are undeniably saxy—but which is the greatest sax solo in pop history? 🎷 🎷 🎷
"Baker Street" was written and recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. Released in 1978, it reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It hit #1 in Canada, #3 in the United Kingdom, #1 in Australia, and the top 10 in the Netherlands. The song was cited by guitarist Slash as an influence on his guitar solo in "Sweet Child o' Mine." The sax solo has been featured on "The Simpsons," "The Sopranos" and "Rick and Morty."
But "Baker Street" fans argue it changed the musical culture. Its dramatic saxophone riff led to what became known as "the 'Baker Street' phenomenon", a resurgence in the sales of saxophones and their use in mainstream pop music and television advertising.
The Atlantic says "Baker Street" is indisputably the GOAT.
But Lisa Simpson's rendition of the "Baker Street" solo kicks some serious ass.
Lisa sax solo "baker street" (simpsons version) @jeremiahstandup 😁🤘💪🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️❤️❤️💫💯 congrats again on the wedding. https://t.co/alYU55EOJL
— Anthony J. Calhoun (@ajcemcee) October 24, 2017
"Baker Street" is truly sacred to sax fans everywhere.
What type of animal uses Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street’ in a show and cuts the scene before the sax solo?
— David Hicks (@ALL_CAPS) October 18, 2017
