[spoiler][Disclaimer] For the purposes of this post, I am not open to debate about what is considered “rock music.” All rock subgenres fit the criteria of this post, with exceptions for heavy metal, shoegaze(gross) and literally anything imagine dragons has ever done that is NOT rock music please grow some perspective [/spoiler]I’m basing my theory on literal months of testing and evaluation. I am genuinely looking for contradiction, and not in the subjective sense. Here goes: [b]Any Rock Song Can Be Improved With The Addition Of A Saxophone Solo and/or Cowbell [/b] On average, I listen to music for 5-8 hours of the day. I constantly have earbuds in. My top genres can all be classified as rock subgenres. This theory came about during Girraffalope’s Great Disco Monomania of 2022. I spent all of April and a significant chunk of May overloading my system with disco and motown. Feel free to post your petitions for my burning, April was a happy time, and I still love disco. The cowbell and saxophone being key components of disco and motown inspired in me a new appreciation for these overlooked instruments. For being so unique, they can be masterfully fit to seamlessly blend with the surrounding song. Upon hearing the word ‘cowbell’ a certain song by a certain crustacean denomination probably came to mind. You already associate the cowbell with a rock song. The more cultured amongst you might hear Gerry Rafferty’s juicy melodies drip from the word ‘saxophone.’ Gerry oozes soft rock. Or you’re boring and only know Carless Whisper, in which case, go away. So we’ve got iconic evidence that these instruments fit the genre. I’m really expecting no debate on that, because they’ve been utilized by rockers for years with no protest. Here’s where the theory comes in: One or both of these instruments could be added to ANY rock song. I know the theory in bold states that they would [i]improve[/i] any rock song, but for the sake of including the dorks among you that dislike either instrument, we won’t try to improve what often doesn’t need improvement. Multiple times during a casual listening sesh, I have brought up my theory. It is typically dismissed, until I break out my cowbell and drumstick. I don’t play the sax, I’m not that cool, that one they’ll just have to accept. We select a song, bump it over the speakers, and 8 times out of 10, it will work. Being one of the most unique procession instruments, it isn’t often expected to be so versatile. But it slaps. As for the sax, I typically ask the listener to imagine replacing a solo/bridge with a sax break. Again, 8 times out of 10, they’ll hit me with a “yeah, I could see it.” Now, [i]should[/i] either of these instruments be added if they’re unnecessary to the purpose of the song? Sometimes, but we all must trust in the creative decisions of our Wiggly Air Overlords. Again, I am looking to be proven wrong. This theory is not perfect, and definitely serves no research purposes, but I’d like some discourse. Spill. PS if you play sax in a marching band, you’re unlovable