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 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.

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