The Saxophone Gets a Bad Rap in '80s Music, Deserve It or Not

I'm not about to tell you that many '80s songs featuring the saxophone did not devolve into cheesy exercises in schmaltz and excess, but I do think - regardless of one's attitude regarding the merits of said instrument - that it's impossible to deny the '80s music reputation of the instrument has developed into a bona fide pop culture phenomenon. There's always been something a little too slick and smooth about the saxophone, but for some reason the '80s seemed to bring out the worst elements of those traits. Still, this is an argument worth having as we continue to examine the influence, for both good and evil, that '80s music and culture continue to exert upon us. When is it ever irrelevant in America to discuss the sax lives of our entertainment stars? Never, I'd say.

• Saxophone '80s Instrument Profile
• Top '80s Saxophone Songs