It’s Valentines! So dim the lights, scatter those rose petals, and press play on your smoothest playlist.
Because we’re about to dive into the top 10 romantic sax solos that will make hearts flutter and sparks fly!
Sax player and music fan Brooke Jessop shares her Valentines playlist.
From classic crooners and jazz giants to 80s power ballads, we’ll explore the saxophone solos that have set the mood for countless candlelit dinners, stolen kisses, and tender embraces.
Top romantic sax solos
In no particular order, let’s have a look at the romantic sax solos sweeping us off our feet this February 14th.
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael
Let’s get this one out of the way, – it would be a crime to miss this one off the list. It’s perhaps the most iconic sax solo of all time! The legendary opening riff to this timeless classic is instantly recognisable, and echoes the pulling of our heartstrings. This song was George Michael’s first solo single and went straight to number one in nearly 25 countries. And it reinforces his status as one of the greatest pop singers of all time.
- Artist: George Michael
- Saxophonist: Steve Gregory
- Year: 1984
“Smooth Operator” by Sade
Sade and Stuart Matthewman’s collaboration on this track just oozes with seductive charm. ‘Smooth Operator’ is one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s and was the track that helped the British band gain international prominence. While it wasn’t Sade’s best-performing track on the official UK music charts, ‘Smooth Operator’ helped the band gain momentum elsewhere.
- Artist: Sade
- Saxophonist: Stuart Matthewman
- Year: 1984
“Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr.
This beloved anthem of ever-lasting love has been many a couple’s first dance at their weddings. Leading the resurgence of smooth jazz in the ‘80s, this GRAMMY-winning song was cemented as a timeless love classic. It’s the perfect combo of Bill Withers’ lyrical genius, and Grover Washington Jr. song-writing and saxophonist extraordinaire. So, the sax in this tune really contributes to its legendary status without a doubt!
- Artist: Grover Washington Jr. (feat. Bill Withers)
- Saxophonist: Grover Washington Jr.
- Year: 1981
Learn this tune inside Sax School PRO with a 14 day free trial.
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
One of the most listened-to sax solos of all time, is part of Whitney Houston’s emotional rendition of the Dolly Parton song ‘I Will Always Love You’. Accompanying the incredibly strong vocals is the hauntingly beautiful sax solo by Kirk Whalum. It explores love and loss in its melancholy melodies, whilst his phrasing echoes that of a yearning vocalist.
- Artist: Whitney Houston
- Saxophonist: Kirk Whalum
- Year: 1992
Learn to play it here!
“True” by Spandau Ballet
This cheesy classic can be heard in many rom-coms including Sixteen Candles and 50 First Dates. The nostalgic charm and romantic sentimentality, coupled with the soaring saxophone solo, catapult this 80s hit into one of the sexiest tunes of all time.
Kemp’s attempt to shift the sound of the band into soul saw him include band member Steve Norman’s newfound interest in the saxophone in his writing. He described Norman as “by far the slickest musician in the band” and described his sax as “another voice within the band”.
- Artist: Spandau Ballet
- Saxophonist: Steve Norman
- Year: 1983
Learn to play it here.
“Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty
This bittersweet song doesn’t necessarily scream Valentine’s Day. But the famous sax solo instantly manifests this tune as a romantic favourite. And the melancholic yet uplifting solo by Raphael Ravenscroft defines this 70s hit. It’s probably the most endearing and enduring aspect of this song, with the killer build-up and explosion of sound in the opening. Apparently, Ravenscroft only received £27 for his efforts and the cheque bounced! The hook was originally written to be sung, but I can’t imagine it reaching the heights of its popularity any other way.
- Artist: Gerry Rafferty
- Saxophonist: Raphael Ravenscroft
- Year: 1978
Learn to play it here!
“In A Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington
This Duke Ellington tune, originally from 1935, was made most popular in 1963 by Jazz giant John Coltrane on tenor saxophone. This is an iconic jazz standard and should be part of every sax player’s repertoire. It’s a beautiful tune to slow dance with your significant other, barefoot on the kitchen tiles. No words are needed for this perfect romantic sax solo.
- Artist: Duke Ellington
- Saxophonist: John Coltrane
- Year: 1963
Learn to play it here.
“Modern Love” by David Bowie
From David Bowie’s 1983 Let’s Dance, this rock song features the fantastic boogie-woogie sound of not one, not two, but THREE saxophonists! It has elements of new wave and soul music, and is a great example of Bowie’s eclectic style.
Bowie famously played the sax himself, often playing licks and solos on his tracks. Stan Harrison and Steve Elson performed the song’s bridge while Bowie himself was credited with playing sax on the album’s liner notes. In my eyes, this only elevates him as one of the greatest rockstars of all time.
- Artist: David Bowie
- Saxophonists: Robert Aaron (tenor), Stan Harrison (tenor), Steve Elson (Baritone)
- Year: 1983
“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
This classic love song released in 1977 won the GRAMMY that year for both ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’. Likewise the romantic saxophone solo was played by Phil Woods, who was already one of the world’s most famous jazz musicians. His appearance on this track only exposed him to a wider audience and introduced his music to rock fans across the globe.
Joel wrote this song for his first wife. But it seems he was cursed as they got divorced, and his subsequent two marriages ended the same way. In fact, he admitted himself that “Every time I wrote a song for a person I was in a relationship with, it didn’t last,”. Nevertheless, we have this stunning song whose power of love will last forever – with one of the best ever romantic sax solos.
- Artist: Billy Joel
- Saxophonist: Phil Woods
- Year: 1977
Learn this song inside Sax School PRO.
“I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
This is without a doubt one of the greatest songs to end a night of dancing, or should we say Dirty Dancing. This song won the Academy Award and multiple Golden Globes for appearing in the cult classic film. One of the most beloved duets of all time and a favourite in the karaoke bars, this tune will have you practising your lift in time for Valentine’s!
Gary Herbig hasn’t been given enough credit for his instrumental role in this song. His tenor sax solo comes blasting in and erupts with joy, transforming this song into an epic explosion of pure love.
- Artist: Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
- Saxophonist: Gary Herbig
- Year: 1987
Our top romantic sax solos mix tape
So here is the cheesy mixtape I’m gifting to you this Feb 14th, a list of the top ten timeless love songs with unforgettable romantic saxophone solos to listen to this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to serenade your sweetheart or simply indulge in a little self-love this February, you’ll find the perfect harmony with these tracks.
The saxophone is undeniably the sexiest instrument of all. And every song is made better with a killer sax solo – it’s a fact! These tracks will empower you, make you cry, trigger some nostalgia, transport you to the discos and the dance floors, and make you fall head over heels in love.
Inspired to up your saxophone skills so you can play sax solos like these legends? Then take a look at Sax School PRO with a 14 day free trial here.