Saxophones and 90s R&B are Back and Everyone's Making Out

The above video is sexy sax man Sergio Flores playing "Careless Whisper" at every available opportunity, at food courts, outlet malls, and classrooms across the country. It has nothing to do with this article, except he's playing a sax.

A really great thing has been happening kinda recently, which we all just need to talk about and be okay with. First of all, 90s fashion reappeared in a big way, which I am very comfortable with. I plan on living out the rest of my days in oversized tie-dye vests, cut-offs, high-tops, and maybe even a backwards baseball cap when it feels right. But then a really great thing started happening: 90s music came back, specifically really pervy, frequently sax-solo-heavy R&B, made seemingly for kids in 90s clothes who just wanna get laid.

I first became aware that something was afoot when a friend emailed me “Under Attack” by Portland-based band Shy Girls. I listened to it turned up loud in a room where there were other people and I got nervous and uncomfortable, especially when the sax solo kicked in. I know Kenny G (and the soft focus raunch you find on cable TV in hotel rooms) kinda killed the sexy in sax solos, but really, it’s time to re-evaluate. I started being bombarded with this same sound, and the more I heard it, the more I felt really good about it. I started playing it on the EVR, trying to shoehorn it into DJ sets, and putting it on my iTunes make out playlist (don’t pretend for a second you don’t have one).

It’s true that sexy R&B has been making a comeback for a while thanks to JT, Miguel, and The Weeknd, for starters. In fact, I guarantee at least 3000 people are doing it to The Weeknd right now, that’s just science. But the game just got raised big time. Inc., you've heard of, but there are others, from both the US and crucially, the UK. This last bit is especially amazing because us Brits (yes, I am one), are notoriously terrible at being sexy. We've never really been able to deliver a pick up line or make good R&B music. But some Brits have snuck into my make out playlist too. It’s taken us about twenty years to catch up, but now we are TOTALLY ON THIS BANDWAGON, and we’re really not bad at it at all. This is happening and its sexier than a Victoria Secret model lying on your bed in tie-dye underwear playing a saxophone.

I have based the following list of my top 5 new wave R&B/sexy music champions around artists and tracks who have recently made it on to my Boneyard playlist. You’re welcome.

"Under Attack" - Shy Girls
Listening to this for the 243rd time, maybe don't kick off your make out session with this tune. It's a six minute-something epic with a reaaal creepy sax solo interlude. So old school that no one ever believes me when I tell them it's brand new and made by this group of unlikely characters from Portland. Not for those of a nervous disposition and not okay to play in the car with your parents.

"Something About You" - Dornik
Dornik was originally (still?) the drummer for Jessie Ware, who is of course one of the all time leaders of bringing back old school soul jams and making them cool again. Dornik is now a soulful crooner in his own right after the release of "Something About You." He sorta sounds like Michael Jackson. But British. Brit #1.

"Don’t Need U" - Astronomyy
This debut from British one-man project Astronomyy hits the guitar-based end of the R&B spectrum, if such a thing exists. Simple, stripped back, beautifully produced with smart and emotive lyrics, this song is an eff you to your other half. A break up song, but the more you listen to it, the more it seems like a great song to make out to with your ex. A song for ex-sex. Sexy. Brit #2. P.S. Thanks for throwing in that extra "y". This really helps everyone when it comes to searching for Astronomyy's music on the world wide web. Which is something the next group did not take into account. Actually, they definitely did take it into account and they're just being willfully perverse…

"5 days" - Inc.
The video for this track by LA-based duo Inc. is just some cigarette smoke streaming against a billowing silk curtain. Supremely seductive. This is also slightly weird make out music because it’s made by two brothers. So, just don't think about that and you're good.

"Hand on Heart" - Moko
This number is more upbeat and a little reminiscent of UK Garage from the early 00s, but it's got far more soul. Moko is a 21-year-old London girl with a vocal that's much older than her years. Coupled with slick, funky production, this is make out music for the dancefloor. The video is cool too, watch it. Brit #3.

Also, just look at her. I mean, come on.

You may have noticed that this playlist is only five songs long, but really, people are busy. It's hard to find the time to make out for an hour straight. Although it is strongly encouraged.

Georgie has not yet confirmed whether she's ever found a Victoria's Secret model in tie-dye underwear playing sax in her bed. But you should call up and ask her when she hosts her show Pop Goes The Future on EVR every Friday at noon. She’s on Twitter - @GeorgieOkell.

Style Stage is an ongoing partnership between Noisey & Garnier Fructis celebrating music, hair, and style.