Jigsaw: The UK's Pioneers of Britpop-Era Power Pop
Jigsaw is a British pop-rock band best known for their infectious 1975 international hit "Sky High." Formed in the late 1960s, the group carved a niche with their bright, harmony-rich sound that blended melodic pop with a driving rock backbone. Their success spanned several albums and chart entries, particularly in the UK and Japan, where they cultivated a dedicated following.
Early career
Jigsaw formed in 1966 in the English county of Staffordshire, originally under the name The Sexecutives. The core songwriting duo of Clive Scott (keyboards, vocals) and Des Dyer (drums, lead vocals) established the band's signature sound early on. After a name change to Jigsaw, they released their debut single in 1968 and signed with the emerging label Splash, later moving to DJM Records for their initial album releases.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 1975 with the single "Sky High," produced by Chinn and Chapman's protege, Biddu. Released on the Splash label, the song became a global smash, propelled by its inclusion on the soundtrack for the film "The Man from Hong Kong." It soared to number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and reached an even more impressive number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, earning a gold certification for sales exceeding one million copies in the United States.
Key tracks
Sky High — This disco-tinged pop track remains their definitive hit, a million-seller that defined their international chart peak.
Love Fire — A 1977 single that showcased their knack for catchy, guitar-driven pop and became another Top 40 hit in the UK.
Who Do You Think You Are — This earlier 1974 single demonstrated their robust harmony vocals and melodic power pop style before "Sky High."
If I Have to Go Away — A later track highlighting the group's ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads with strong vocal arrangements.
Following "Sky High," Jigsaw maintained a steady output, releasing albums like "The Best of Jigsaw" (1976) and "Journey into Space" (1981). They experienced notable and enduring popularity in Japan, where their crisp pop-rock production and melodic sensibilities resonated strongly, leading to successful tours and consistent album sales there throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. The band continued to record and perform with various lineup changes, with Dyer and Scott remaining the constant creative forces.
Fans of Jigsaw's brand of melodic, upbeat pop-rock often appreciate the work of similar UK artists. Pilot shares a knack for immaculate pop craftsmanship and soaring choruses. 10cc operated with a similar level of studio sophistication and clever songwriting. The Rubettes also mastered the art of harmonized, chart-friendly 1970s pop. Smokie delivered a comparable blend of gentle rock and vocal harmonies that found wide appeal across Europe.
The music of Jigsaw maintains a regular presence on classic hits and 70s pop radio stations featured on this website. Their signature song "Sky High" is a staple on playlists dedicated to classic chart-toppers, while deeper album cuts find airtime on specialty shows focusing on the power pop and Britpop genres, keeping their polished sound alive for new generations of listeners.
You can hear the timeless pop-rock of Jigsaw on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their catalog beyond "Sky High" and enjoy the band's harmonious sound on dedicated classic hit and specialist music streams.
