407 
22 
Download MP3 
Careless Whisper was released in 1984, written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley and credited to Wham featuring George Michael in many countries. Steve Gregory played the famous saxophone line that opens the track, helping it become a worldwide number one hit. Decades later the riff detached from the full song online, becoming shorthand for anything overly smooth or seductive. Editors reuse the nine second opening because audiences recognise it in the first two notes, long before any lyrics would begin.
About this sound
The iconic saxophone riff from George Michael and Wham's Careless Whisper, used for romantic, seductive or awkwardly smooth moments in videos.
This is the instantly recognisable opening saxophone solo from Careless Whisper, the smooth 1980s pop ballad made famous by George Michael and Wham. The clip isolates that slow, sensual riff, with its soft breathy tone and lingering notes that slide into the melody. Even without lyrics it carries a feeling of romance, longing and late night intimacy. Viewers hear it and immediately picture a dramatic slow motion entrance or a cheesy love scene, which is why the short loop works so well as a musical punchline on its own.
