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]
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.
^Kirkham, Neil (2017). "Polluting young minds? Smash Hits and 'high Thatcherism'". Journal of European Popular Culture. 8 (2): 139–152. doi:10.1386/jepc.8.2.139_1. Retrieved 13 December 2018. '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]
