Allmusic.com defines sophisti-pop as:

...a smooth, jazzy style of mainstream pop/rock that appeared during the mid-'80s. In addition to jazz, many sophisti-pop artists incorporated sweet pop-soul into their sound, but the synthesizers that usually polished the arrangements marked sophisti-pop as a product of the '80s. With its slick production and mellow, urbane feel, sophisti-pop fit both adult contemporary and quiet storm radio formats...

Although considered dead (especially in the United States), sophisti-pop is still strong in the UK and Japan. And Swing Out Sister's latest release Somewhere Deep in the Night fits the bill and ups the ante. I've always liked Corinne Drewery straight-up and clear vocal style and keyboardist Andy Connell's playing style and arrangements. Somewhere Deep In The Night showcases both of their talents fully. The arrangements are grand, airy, and sweeping. The songs full of atmosphere. I remember hearing a Swing Out Sister interview on the now closed Internet radio site EJAVE and Corinne said that this album was "conceived while her and Andy were skiing by starlight in the Swiss Alps". She described the mood as "magical" and "potent". And the album does capture that feeling.

Calling Swing Out Sister "retro" is an understatement. Bad retro they aren't. This album is pure 1960s pop/soul British style that would fit old James Bond movies. But Swing Out Sister's jazz chops and song-writing run throughout the album to lend it originality while being retro. Songs like "Now Listen To Me", "Alpine Crossing", "The Vital Thing", and "Fool Tag" are so full of ambiance that you just feel like closing your eyes and floating in the sounds. "Where the Hell Did I Go Wrong" and "Where Do I Go" and sad yet beautiful songs that feature rich arrangements and musicianship. Corinne Drewery simply excels in this genre of music and definately sounds that she is fully into this release.

All in all, this is Swing Out Sister at their best and brightest. Not a bad song is on this album which makes for a joyous listening experience. If you haven't heard Swing Out Sister before, this is a great introduction to a group that just doesn't get the credit they deserve.