Sophisti-pop

Sophisti-pop
Stylistic origins	R&B, blue-eyed soul, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, pop rock, New Wave, synthpop
Cultural origins	Mid-1980s; Great Britain, USA
Typical instruments	Saxophone, synthesizer, drums, guitar, bass guitar
Mainstream popularity	Late 1980s to early 1990s

Sophisti-pop was a sub-genre of pop that flourished in the UK between the mid-1980s and early 1990s, incorporating elements of soft rock, jazz, and blue-eyed soul. The genre made extensive use of electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and polished arrangements, particularly horn sections. Acts were influenced by the work of Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry's solo work. Major artists included Sade, the Style Council, Basia, Swing Out Sister, Prefab Sprout and the early work of Everything but the Girl.

List of other sophisti-pop artists

• ABC
• Aztec Camera
• The Blow Monkeys
• The Blue Nile
• Curiosity Killed the Cat
• Danny Wilson
• Johnny Hates Jazz
• Level 42
• Living in a Box
• Scritti Politti
• Simply Red
• When in Rome