Sophisti-pop
Subgenre of pop music From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Mid-1980s, United Kingdom |
| Typical instruments | |
Characteristics
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
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 Boys and Girls (1985) and Bête Noire (1987).[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]
Its popularity declined in the 1990s along with other synth-pop sub-genres.[1]
See also
References
Further reading
External links
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