What are some good rock songs that feature saxophone?

09-04 2023

The saxophone has played a pivotal role in rock music, adding soulful riffs, emotional solos, and unforgettable hooks. Below is a curated list of essential rock (and rock-influenced) songs featuring legendary saxophone performances, compiled from discussions on the most standout tracks.

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Classic Rock & Pop-Rock Sax Anthems

  1. Chicago – The pioneering rock band with horns delivered some of the most memorable sax lines in hits like: "25 or 6 to 4" "Saturday in the Park" "Just You 'n Me" "Beginnings" (Walter Parazaider on sax, flute, and clarinet)

  2. Gerry Rafferty – Two of the most famous sax-driven rock songs ever: "Baker Street" (Raphael Ravenscroft’s legendary riff) "Get It Right Next Time"

  3. Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Clarence Clemons’ powerful sax defined Springsteen’s sound in: "Born to Run" "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" "Thunder Road"

  4. Foreigner – "Urgent" (featuring Motown legend Junior Walker’s fiery solo)

  5. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – "Turn the Page" (Alto Reed’s haunting sax riff)

  6. Dire Straits – "Your Latest Trick" (Michael Brecker’s virtuosic jazz-rock sax)

  7. Men at Work – "Who Can It Be Now?" (Greg Ham’s instantly recognizable tenor sax hook)

  8. George Michael – "Careless Whisper" (Steve Gregory’s smooth, melancholic sax)

  9. Hall & Oates – "Maneater" (Charles DeChant’s funky sax groove)

  10. Van Morrison – "Domino" (Jack Schroer’s energetic riff)

  11. Duran Duran – "Rio" (Andy Hamilton’s bright, punchy sax)

  12. Billy Joel – "Just the Way You Are" (a smooth jazz-pop sax standout)

  13. Supertramp – "The Logical Song" (John Helliwell’s prog-rock sax solo)

  14. Rolling Stones – "Brown Sugar" (Bobby Keys’ raw, bluesy sax)

  15. INXS – "Never Tear Us Apart" (Kirk Pengilly’s emotional sax break)

  16. Gary Numan – "She’s Got Claws" (new wave with a sharp sax edge)

  17. ABBA – "Voulez Vous" (disco-rock with a killer sax section)

  18. David Bowie – "Blue Jean" & "Day In, Day Out" (sax adding glam-rock flair)

  19. Sade – While more jazz/soul, her band’s sax work in "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King" is iconic in rock/pop fusion.

  20. Dave Matthews Band – "Ants Marching" (LeRoi Moore’s soprano sax groove)

Why Saxophone Works So Well in Rock The saxophone brings raw energy, emotional depth, and rhythmic punch to rock music. Whether it’s:

  1. Walter Parazaider’s soaring lines in Chicago,
  2. Clarence Clemons’ anthemic E Street Band solos,
  3. Raphael Ravenscroft’s immortal riff in "Baker Street", or
  4. Junior Walker’s explosive Motown-style playing in "Urgent", the sax has proven to be one of rock’s most versatile and powerful instruments.

From classic rock to new wave, funk to prog, the saxophone has left an indelible mark on music history. If you love horn-driven rock, this list is a perfect playlist for experiencing some of the best sax moments ever recorded.

What’s your favorite sax-rock song?

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