Get ready for some smooth tunes! Today I’m sharing an ’80s/’90s Sophisti-pop playlist. The genre originated in the UK in the mid-1980s, combining elements of jazz, pop and soul. Yet some use the term “Sophisti-pop” to encompass a range of musical selections with a sleek, polished feel. The playlist below includes music videos, so you can take in the mid-’80s to early ’90s visuals while the music plays if you wish!
Yes, there are really two songs on this list with the title “Kiss and Tell” (one of them is less Sophisti-pop-y than the other but worked really well in the mix)! When it comes to the videos that accompany today’s featured tracks, you’ve got to embrace the schmaltz. Worldly settings, well-dressed singers, and sophisticated motifs infuse the imagery. The steamiest video award goes to Sade. There’s a lot of slow-motion drama and late-’80s fashion in the Breathe video for “How Can I Fall”. And Swing Out Sister’s Corinne Drewery is the picture of ’80s chic style. Get ready to get mellow (in an upscale kind of way), and enjoy the tracks and videos below…
Great list! Any China Crisis love here? 🙂
I seriously considered adding them to the mix! I’m a fan but haven’t heard as much of their work as I’d like. What are your favorite China Crisis albums/tracks?
Awesome! The first 3 albums in general are gold but some standouts are Wishful Thinking, Black Man Ray, Wall of God, Working with Fire and Steel, No More Blue Horizons, You Did Cut Me. I could go on but thanks for the response ; ).
I was first introduced to China Crisis when I bought an ’80s compilation album featuring rarer tracks. That’s where I heard Trading in Gold, and I was instantly hooked on China Crisis. Thank you for these suggestions!
You need an ABC track on that list. No Sophisti-pop compilation is complete without ABC.
ABC is essential, and one of my all-time favorite groups! Don’t worry–I have a special dose of ABC in store for the next playlist (for Valentine’s Day). Thanks for your comment!