Greatest sax solo of all time: 'Careless Whisper' or 'Baker Street'? | The Tylt
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 healingâGeorge Michael's unforgettably tragic "Careless Whisper" and Gerry Rafferty's iconic "Baker Street." Both solos are undeniably saxyâbut which is the greatest sax solo in pop history? đ· đ· đ·

"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."
"Careless Whisper" was written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley when they were 17. Michael said he wrote the sax solo while riding on the bus. The hit stayed at #1 for three weeks, going on to become the fifth best-selling single of 1984 in the U.K. Spending three weeks at #1 in the U.S., the song was later named Billboard's #1 song of 1985. Below is the video that launched the famous track. Don't miss the red satin sheets!
Sergio Flores, a.k.a. the Sexy Sax Man, has parlayed the "Careless Whisper" sax solo into an entire career. Just check him out as he spreads careless whispers everywhereâeven security guards can't defeat the power of this solo!
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.Â
The Atlantic says "Baker Street" is indisputably the GOAT.
For many, the "Careless Whisper" solo reigns supreme.
Few things in life as evocative as the Sax solo from Careless Whisper and here is a 10 hour loop of it https://t.co/BtUGkDckMl via @YouTube
— Noel Hayes (@BigCityBanker) October 16, 2017
What's the longest u have had the sax solo from Careless Whisper stuck in ur head
— nap grass (@snowglakes) October 17, 2017
But Lisa Simpson's rendition of the "Baker Street" solo kicks some serious ass.
Lisa sax solo "baker street" (simpsons version) @jeremiahstandup đđ€đȘđ¶đ¶đ¶đ¶đ¶â€ïžâ€ïžâ€ïžâ€ïžđ«đŻ 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 Raffertyâs âBaker Streetâ in a show and cuts the scene before the sax solo?
— David Hicks (@ALL_CAPS) October 18, 2017