The Song Planner

Quiet Storm Pop

tagStarted 1975Peak 1978-1992Last big hit still active

Located in 2 routes

Pop → Pop-R&B / Soul-PopEasy Listening / Standards / Lounge → Quiet Storm / Smooth Soul Easy Listening

Late-night romantic soul-pop: hushed tempos, lush strings, electric-piano warmth, sax solos and a gentle pocket beneath silky, intimate lead vocals. Designed for after-dark radio, it prizes mellow mood and sophistication over punch, with tender, devotional, love-and-longing writing and a glossy, mature sheen.

History

Named after Smokey Robinson's 1975 album A Quiet Storm, the format was pioneered in 1976 by DJ Melvin Lindsey at Howard University's WHUR-FM. It became a nationwide radio template, defining the smooth romantic sound of Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Sade through the 1980s adult-contemporary era.

Defining artists

Essential listening

← Explore Pop

Sources

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiet_storm
  • https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/what-is-quiet-storm-music/25845/
  • https://www.allmusic.com/style/quiet-storm-ma0000011913