Careless Whisper was released in 1984 as George Michael's debut solo single while he was still in Wham!, co-written with Andrew Ridgeley and built around a saxophone hook performed by Steve Gregory. The song topped charts worldwide and the riff became pop shorthand for romance and seduction. Years later the opening notes resurfaced as a meme cue, signalling a suave entrance or an exaggerated flirtatious moment in short comedy clips. Its instant recognisability keeps it in rotation wherever a quick burst of mock drama is needed.