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Last updated on Apr 1,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Sting - Shape Of My HeartReleased in 1993, "Shape of My Heart" tells the story of a card player who plays not for money or fame, but to understand the laws of probability and chance. Through this metaphor, Sting delves into deeper themes of human nature and the search for meaning. The track gained popularity when it was featured in Luc Besson's film "Léon". The music video is directed by Doug Nicho. Writer(s) : Dominic James Miller, Sting Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Magnetic Publishing Ltd Featured on the 1993 album Ten Summoner's Tales
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 2 . Chris Rea - AubergeChris Rea's "Auberge," released on 4 February 1991 via East West Records, serves as the emblematic lead single and title track of his eleventh studio album, produced by Jon Kelly. Sitting at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks, the track melds Dire Straits-like vocals with Ry Cooder-esque slide guitar, conjuring vivid imagery of open-road escapades. Its ties to Rea's Caterham Super Seven, the "Blue Seven," and Alan Fearnley's iconic artwork deepen its motoring allure. The music video is directed by Nigel Dick. Writer(s) : Christopher Anton Rea Publisher(s) : Magnet Music Ltd (Gb) Featured on the 1991 album Auberge
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 3 . Sting - Mad About YouReleased in 1991, this song draws inspiration from the biblical story of King David and Bathsheba, exploring themes of obsessive love, loss, and the pain of unfulfilled desire. Sting uses historical and literary references to convey these universal themes through a personal and introspective lens. The music video is directed by Jon Small. Writer(s) : Sting Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc Featured on the 1991 album The Soul Cages
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 4 . Tears For Fears - Raoul And The Kings Of SpainA 1995 song, from the album of the same name, "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" delves into personal and historical themes related to Roland Orzabal's Spanish heritage. The title references Orzabal's birth name, Raoul, and explores the complexities and challenges of his family legacy. The music video is directed by Cameron Casey. Writer(s) : Roland Orzabal, Alan Griffiths Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Chrysalis Music Ltd Featured on the 1995 album Raoul And The Kings Of Spain
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 5 . Everything But The Girl - Missing"Missing" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1994, achieved immense international success thanks to its house music remix by American DJ Todd Terry. The remixed version, with its dance beats and Tracey Thorn's poignant voice, topped charts in many countries. In the US, the song remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for 55 consecutive weeks, peaking at number 2. The music video is directed by Mark Szaszy. Writer(s) : Ben Watt, Tracey Anne Thorn Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1994 album Amplified Heart
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 6 . Sade - Kiss Of LifeKiss of Life by Sade, released in 1993, is a soulful groove track produced by Sade and Mike Pela. The minimalist video was filmed in Miami, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The lyrics describe a transformative love that breathes new life into the narrator. The music video is directed by Albert Watson. Writer(s) : Paul Spencer Denman, Andrew Paul Hale, Sade Adu, Stuart Colin Matthewman Publisher(s) : Angel Music Ltd Featured on the 1992 album Love Deluxe
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 7 . The Beautiful South - Perfect 10A major hit, reaching the second spot on the UK charts, "Perfect 10" by The Beautiful South, released in 1998, humorously addresses concerns about body size. This playful duet celebrates love in all shapes and sizes, with memorable lyrics like "She's a perfect 10, but she wears a 12," emphasizing that beauty isn't limited to traditional standards. The music video is directed by Grant Hodgson. Writer(s) : Paul David Heaton, David Ricardo Rotheray Publisher(s) : Island Music Ltd Featured on the 1998 album Quench
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 8 . The Beautiful South - Everybody's Talkin'The Beautiful South's 1994 version of "Everybody's Talkin'" is a cover of Fred Neil's song, popularized by Harry Nilsson in 1969. The track retains the pop-rock essence of the original while expressing a yearning for peace and escape from worldly pressures. This version by The Beautiful South infuses the classic with their distinctive style, maintaining the song's timeless themes. The music video is directed by Willy Smax. Writer(s) : Fred Neil Publisher(s) : Six Palms Music Corporation Featured on the 1994 album Miaow
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 9 . Sting - The Soul CagesThe Soul Cages, released in 1991, is a Sting composition that blends rock, jazz, and Celtic elements, marked by its dark, introspective atmosphere. The song, inspired by the death of Sting’s father, won the first Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1992. The music video is directed by Gerard de Thame. Writer(s) : Sting Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc Featured on the 1991 album The Soul Cages
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 10 . Everything But The Girl - Rollercoaster"Rollercoaster" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1994, is a single from the album "Amplified Heart". The song features a blend of folk and subtle electronic elements. Tracey Thorn's lyrics explore the emotional ups and downs of relationships, accompanied by Ben Watt's minimalist arrangements. The album marked a transition towards a more electronic sound for the duo, foreshadowing their success with "Missing". Writer(s) : Ben Watt Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing Featured on the 1994 album Amplified Heart
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 11 . M People - Don't Look Any FurtherM People's take on "Don't Look Any Further" doesn’t just nudge a classic; it shakes it up and serves it with their signature '90s-infused gusto. Originally a Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett duet from 1984, this cover slips neatly into their debut album, *Northern Soul*, released in late 1992—arguably a gentle testing ground for their future chart-conquering hits. Heather Small’s vocals steal the spotlight, as always, blending elegantly with the band’s evolving mix of house and pop influences. The track’s smooth groove gets a modernized polish, but let’s not over-romanticize it—this wasn’t the show-stopper of the album. It wasn’t even a single, for heaven’s sake. Instead, it acted like a quiet supporting act in an ensemble cast of originals and reimagined gems that helped *Northern Soul* wobble its way to a modest #53 on the UK Albums Chart. Critically speaking, the song wasn’t shaping a movement, yet its live renditions gave it staying power. The band’s early ‘90s tours frequently dusted it off, giving audiences a taste of their knack for revitalizing older material. Think of it as the hearty side dish you didn’t ask for but still appreciate by the end of the meal. The music video—with its kaleidoscope of '90s-era visual pizzazz—leans into nostalgia today, often resurrecting itself via YouTube algorithms for those chasing retro rabbit holes. M People’s effort, in all its polished earnestness, underscores the transformative energy they brought to the '90s music landscape. It isn't their most striking moment, but it serves as a fitting marker of a group warming up for their prime. If nothing else, it reminds us how malleable music can be when filtered through a distinctly different creative lens. Featured on the 2004 album Chasing Lights
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 12 . Sting - Fields Of GoldSting’s "Fields of Gold," released in 1993, is an acoustic ballad inspired by the barley fields around his Wiltshire home. The song features harmonica and Northumbrian pipes, with lyrics reflecting on lasting love and memories tied to golden wheat fields. The video presents Sting as a golden silhouette walking through a dark village. The music video is directed by Kevin Godley. Writer(s) : Sting Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc Featured on the 1993 album Ten Summoner's Tales
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 13 . The Beautiful South - Don't Marry HerCharacterized by its witty and provocative content and produced by Jon Kelly, "Don't Marry Her" by The Beautiful South features satirical lyrics where Jacqui Abbott humorously advises a man against marrying another woman by highlighting the pitfalls of married life. The original album version includes explicit lyrics, later toned down for radio play. The music video is directed by Grant Hodgson. Writer(s) : Paul David Heaton, Dave Rotheray Publisher(s) : Island Music Ltd Featured on the 1996 album Blue Is the Colour
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 14 . Talk Talk - Life's What You Make ItLife's What You Make It by Talk Talk, from their 1985 album *The Colour of Spring*, emerges as a late yet striking addition sparked by label pressure for a hit single. Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene craft the track with a Kate Bush-inspired drum pattern and Hollis's "Green Onions"-esque organ, while David Rhodes supplies the guitar hook. Charting at No. 16 in the UK and No. 90 on Billboard in 1986, it sees a 1990 UK re-release. James Marsh designs its cover art. The music video is directed by Sasha Rainbow. Writer(s) : Daniel Phillip White, Barbara Hook, Peter Alexander Ross Publisher(s) : Backbeat Music, What Music Ltd Featured on the 1986 album The Colour Of Spring
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 15 . M People - One Night in HeavenReleased in 1993, "One Night in Heaven" by M People is a dance-pop track with house influences, known for its sequenced synths, Moog bassline, and programmed drums. The video was filmed in Spain, capturing various locations including Barcelona and Montserrat. The music video is directed by Janet Fraser-Crook. Writer(s) : Michael Will Pickering, Michael Paul Heard Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Bmg Music Publ Ltd Featured on the 1994 album Elegant Slumming
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 16 . Simply Red - Thrill Me“Thrill Me” pairs Mick Hucknall’s pleading croon with Fritz McIntyre’s smooth co-writing touch, slipping into the fourth slot on Simply Red’s “Stars.” Released in 1992, it cruises through layered remixes—from Nellee Hooper’s mood-shift to Stewart Levine’s club leanings—tailored for formats from cassette to 12” vinyl. The band, already charting on the Billboard Hot 100 with earlier hits, coasts on familiar terrain. The music video is directed by Steven Lock. Writer(s) : Michael James Hucknall, Fritz Mc Intyre Publisher(s) : So What Ltd Featured on the 1991 album Stars
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 17 . Everything But The Girl - Five Fathoms"Five Fathoms" by Everything But The Girl, released in 1999, is a single from the album "Temperamental". The song, produced by Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, combines elements of house and downtempo. Thorn's introspective lyrics, paired with electronic beats, evoke a nighttime stroll through the city, capturing a sense of movement and inner search. The music video is directed by Mark Szaszy. Writer(s) : Ben Watt Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Music Publishing Limited (Uk) Featured on the 1999 album Temperamental
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 18 . The Beautiful South - Rotterdam [Or Anywhere]Released in 1996 by Go! Discs, The Beautiful South's "Rotterdam (Or Anywhere)" takes listeners on a biting emotional journey, with lead vocals delivered by Jacqui Abbott and production handled by Jon Kelly. Written by Paul Heaton during a disheartened moment in a Rotterdam bar, the song captures feelings of detachment and frustration. Set against the bustling backdrop of Lijnbaan, Rotterdam’s main shopping street, Heaton’s lyrics weave an acerbic tale of alienation. Writer(s) : Paul David Heaton, David Ricardo Rotheray Publisher(s) : Beautiful South Featured on the 1996 album Blue Is the Colour
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 19 . Basia - Drunk on LoveDrunk on Love, a standout track from Basia Trzetrzelewska's 1994 album "The Sweetest Illusion," co-written with Danny White, merges jazz, pop, and Latin rhythms into an infectious groove. Debuting as the album’s lead single, it topped the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 1995 and peaked at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video enjoyed heavy airplay, while her performance at Poland's SOPOT International Song Festival underscored its global reach. The intricate arrangement, layered with horns, epitomizes the Basia-White partnership, doing justice to an album nominated for a Grammy in Best Engineered Album. A remix surfaced on re-releases and later became a fixture in dance compilations. The music video is directed by Nick Morris. Writer(s) : Mark David Hollis, Timothy Alan Friese-Greene Publisher(s) : Concord Copyrights London Limited, Universal Island Music Limited Featured on the 1994 album The Sweetest Illusion
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 20 . M People - Moving on UpReleased in 1993, "Moving on Up" is a vibrant blend of house, soul, and pop. With empowering lyrics about personal liberation and renewal, "Moving on Up" became M People's most successful single, cementing their place in the 1990s music scene. The track is driven by Heather Small's commanding voice and an infectious, upbeat rhythm. Writer(s) : Paul Heard, Mike Pickering Publisher(s) : Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Bmg Music Ltd Featured on the 1993 album Elegant Slumming
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ABOUT 90s Sophisti-popSophisti-pop: The SoundSophisti-pop in the 1990s retains the distinctive traits that made it successful in the 1980s: elegant arrangements, polished production, and jazz influences, often marked by the use of synthesizers, brass sections, and sophisticated rhythms. Production techniques become more refined, benefiting from technological advancements, which result in richer soundscapes. Synthesizers remain predominant, but with softer textures and a more subtle integration of electronic elements. Musically, compositions favor complex arrangements and sophisticated harmonies. Jazz and soul influences contribute groovy bass lines, dynamic brass sections, and catchy yet refined melodies. Electronic influences intensify, with artists incorporating elements of house, trip-hop, or downtempo, giving the genre a sometimes more experimental character. By integrating these new influences, Sophisti-pop stays true to its origins while renewing itself and remaining relevant. Sophisti-pop is often associated with specific types of instruments: – Fender Rhodes (Electric Piano Sophisti-pop: The WordsThe lyrical aspect remains essential, with often introspective lyrics that set it apart from the lighter or more generic content found in other pop genres. Songwriters frequently use metaphors and poetic imagery to explore universal themes like love, melancholy, and the search for meaning. Love is an omnipresent theme in Sophisti-pop, but it is often approached in a nuanced, complex, and sometimes melancholic manner. For example, **Sade** explores this theme with particular depth. In the song “No Ordinary Love” (1992), Sade Adu sings about a passionate yet painful relationship, where love is described as something almost mythical, yet also marked by suffering: *I gave you all the love I got This lyrical exploration of love goes beyond simple romantic declarations, also addressing the sacrifices and pains that can accompany it. Melancholy is another recurring theme, often expressed through lyrics that reflect solitude, regret, or nostalgia. **Everything But The Girl**, for instance, in the song “Missing” (1994), deals with the feeling of loss and the pain of separation. The repeated refrain, where Tracey Thorn sings “And I miss you, like the deserts miss the rain,” creates a poignant image of emptiness and absence, capturing the essence of melancholy. Sophisti-pop also digs into deeper reflections on life and the search for meaning. **The Blue Nile**, with their minimalist and introspective approach, offers lyrics that meditate on human emotions and personal experiences. In “Happiness” (1996), for example, the band explores the complexity of the search for happiness: *Well, I wake up in the morning The lyrics here speak not only of happiness as a feeling but also of the struggle to find and maintain it, offering introspection on the human experience. Sophisti-pop: Major LabelsThe following labels produced music in the Sophisti-pop genre, particularly during the 1980s: – Epic Records Further Reading and ViewingHere are some media outlets and specialized websites with archives rich in information and reviews related to the Sophisti-pop genre: – Pitchfork For more in-depth knowledge, here are some books or documentaries dedicated to artists associated with the Sophisti-pop genre: ### Sade ### Everything But The Girl ### The Blue Nile ### Prefab Sprout ### Simply Red ### The Style Council ### Sting ### Documentaries |
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