| Sophisti-pop | |
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| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Mid-1980s, United Kingdom |
| Typical instruments | |
Sophisti-pop is apop music subgenre that developed during the mid-1980s out of the Britishnew wave era.[1] It originated with acts who blended elements ofjazz,soul, andpop with lavishproduction.[2][3] The term "sophisti-pop" was coined only after the genre's peak in the mid-late 1980s.[4]
Sophisti-pop is characterized by its extensive use ofelectronic 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.
Stylus Magazine suggested that acts had been influenced by the work ofRoxy Music (such as 1982'sAvalon, often cited as the first sophisti-pop album),[5] andBryan Ferry'sBoys and Girls (1985) andBête Noire (1987).[6]
Sweetwater named major artists in the genre as includingthe Blue Nile,Prefab Sprout,the Style Council,Scritti Politti,Everything but the Girl, andDanny Wilson.[5]AllMusic addedSimply Red,Sade,Basia, andSwing Out Sister.[2] Writer Iain Munn added to the listLevel 42,the Blow Monkeys, andJoe Jackson's 1984 albumBody and Soul.[7]
Its popularity declined in the 1990s along with other synth-pop sub-genres.[1]
'Sophisti-pop' (Inskeep and Soto 2007) is a term now used, retrospectively, to describe a collection of 'intelligent', lavishly produced British pop acts of the mid–late 1980s.[dead link]
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