A common practice for every sax player when creating his/her musical repertoire is to search for best saxophone songs, famous saxophone songs, top jazz songs on a sax, top pop songs on a sax, best saxophone instrumental and so forth. This will bring you a wide selection of choices accompanied by music sheets available on multiple platforms.
So, to make this somewhat simpler for you, we’ve selected what we consider to be the best pop songs on a saxophone.
10 Top Pop songs for a saxophone
All of me - John Legend
Jhon Legend’s 2013 hit “All of Me” is one of the artist’s most popular songs and was inspired by his love for his wife Chrissy Teigen. It’s melody and the song’s message about unconditional love makes it a fan favorite for events such as weddings and engagement parties. It is of moderate difficulty, so it could be included as a beginner song for sax.
And if you want the sheet music, you can find it here: Link
Here’s a good example of this song’s sax cover:
Shallow - Lady Gaga
This award winner mega hit is a song performed by Lady Gaga and actor Bradley Cooper as part of the soundtrack of the 2018 film “A Star is Born”. The song was written by Gaga with Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando and Mark Ronson and it’s considered to be an easy song to play on saxophone.
and you could get the sheet music here: Link
There are many covers for this song, here’s one:
Smooth operator – Sade
A song by English band Sade from 1984, it’s considered a classic because of its sexy sound and smooth vibe. The original song included saxophone music; therefore, it’s been a staple for sax players everywhere and it’s considered to be easily played, so it may be included with beginner songs.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
If I ain't got you - Alicia Keys
Written and performed by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, the artist has said that the song is about “how material things don’t feed the soul”. It was released in 2004 and it’s a mix of R&B, soul, and jazz. This song sounds best when played with an Alto Saxophone.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
Let her go – Passenger
“Let her go” is a folk-rock song by English singer-songwriter Passenger released in 2012. This pop melody topped many charts around the world, rocketing aspiring singer-songwriter Passenger who up until then had been struggling. Music wise, the song requires an intermediate level of expertise with the saxophone.
Music sheet: Link
The scientist – Coldplay
A collaborative result from all the band members of the British rock band Coldplay, this ballad was released in November 2002 as the second single from “A Rush of Blood to the Head”. It prominently features piano music and can be played with Alto or Baritone Saxophone.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
Every breath you take - The Police
Another music classic is soft rock “Every breath you take” released in 1983 by English rock band The Police. It’s one of the most well-known songs by the band worldwide and it’s an easy song to play on the saxophone.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
Can't help falling in love with you – Elvis
This beautiful song was recorded in 1961 by Elvis Presley and its melody is based on “Plaisir d’amour” a French love song composed in 1784. It has been widely covered by multiple artists and it’s considered to be for advanced sax players.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
Fly me to the moon - Frank Sinatra
Originally titled “In other words”, “Fly me to the moon” is a jazz song written in 1954 by Bart Howard and made popular in 1964 by famous crooner Frank Sinatra. This requires advanced skills to be played by performers.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
Last Christmas - Wham!
Every year, when Christmas time nears, there’s no way to avoid listening to this Wham!’s megahit. The British pop duo composed by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, released this dance-pop song in December 1984. The song was written and produced by George Michael and sax players consider it of intermediate difficulty.
Music sheet: Link
Watch here:
And this is it for our list for pop music, however if you’re looking to further diversify your repertoire feel free to check out our other article on 10 classical music pieces to play on saxophone that would be an excellent if you into classics, or our top 10 list of world famous jazz songs that sound brilliant when performed on a saxophone.