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Sophisti-pop

Sophisti-pop is a pop music subgenre that developed during the mid-1980s out of the British new wave era.[1] It originated with acts who blended elements of jazz, soul, and pop with lavish production.[2][3] The term "sophisti-pop" was coined only after the genre's peak in the mid-late 1980s.[4]

Sophisti-pop

Mid-1980s, United Kingdom

Characteristics[edit]

Sophisti-pop is characterized by its extensive use of electronic keyboards, synthesizers and polished arrangements.[2] Artists also utilized cutting-edge studio technology and perfectionist recording methods.[5] The genre has been described as mellow, romantic, and atmospheric,[5] with artists often adopting a sharp, well-dressed and well-groomed visual presentation.

History[edit]

Stylus Magazine suggested that acts had been influenced by the work of Roxy Music (such as 1982's Avalon, often cited as the first sophisti-pop album[5]) and Bryan Ferry's Bête Noire (1987) and Boys and Girls (1985).[6]


Sweetwater named major artists in the genre as including the Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout, the Style Council, Scritti Politti, Everything but the Girl, and Danny Wilson.[5] AllMusic added Simply Red, Sade, Basia, and Swing Out Sister.[2] Writer Iain Munn added to the list Level 42, the Blow Monkeys, and Joe Jackson's 1984 album Body and Soul.[7]


It's popularity declined in the 1990's along with other synth-pop sub-genres.[1]

List of sophisti-pop artists

Progressive soul

Plastic soul

Progressive pop

Quiet storm

Cills, Hazel (15 June 2016). . MTV. Retrieved 9 May 2020.

"Playlist: Underrated New Wave"

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Hue and Cry noting AllMusic's usage of the term