Thirty Years with Howard Jones

To help celebrate my birthday today, I thought I would post some music that really matters to me. In fact, I hope to be doing that all week long. Last night, I kicked the celebration off with a song from Raul Esparza, the man who is every bit as talented as he is sexy. This morning I reviewed a new album from Spencer Day, a man whose music I simply love. Tonight, I will look back 30 years to the year 1984, when I became enamored of the music by Howard Jones, the amazing British Electro-Pop singer/songwriter who managed to touch my soul time and time again.

In 1984, Jones released his debut album, 'Human's Lib', although the first single was released in the Fall of 1983. I am not sure how or where I found his music, be it on the radio, MTV, or U68, one of my favorite stations when living in New York City. But however it happened, I was instantly impressed by "New Song", off Howard's debut. It was so fun and upbeat, and just made my heart feel good. This is the official music video for "New Song" by Howard Jones.

While I loved 'Human's Lib', the follow-up album was just mind-blowing. 'Dream Into Action' was released in 1985, and had song after song that spoke to me. There was "Look Mama", "Life in One Day", and the gorgeous "No One is to Blame". I know this album drove me to see Jones live on several occasions, usually with my sister Kim. Howard was every bit as amazing live as in the studio, and it only made the album that much better. This is the official music video for "Things Can Only Get Better", Howard's first Top Five song in the Billboard Hot 100.

The following year, Howard released another album. 'One to One' hit the record stores in 1986. The first single was the eccentric "All I Want", which would have been enough to get me to purchase the album, if I wasn't already buying it because Howard was putting it out. That album also featured the lively single, "You Know I Love You, Don't You?" I loved the joyful and positive feel of the song, a real celebration of love. This is the official music video for Howard Jones' single, "You Know I Love You, Don't You?".

When the Seattle music scene and Grunge took over music in the 1990s, Howard's music took a back seat both in sales and record play. But it didn't stop me from following the man, and I am pleased to say he is still making music today. In fact, in 2009 he released the impressive album 'Ordinary Heroes', which rekindled my love for his music. Even before I heard it, I had pre-ordered, knowing Howard never let me down. That remained true, for I love the album. The single off the album truly touched my soul, and proved Jones still has what it takes to make music. This is the official music video for the first single off the album, "Soon You'll Go".

You can find the music of Howard Jones on iTunes and Amazon. CDs and DVDs are also available on Howard's online store. You can find the individual albums, as well as several compilation and live albums that have these songs included. To learn more about Howard Jones, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter or 'like' him on Facebook.

Howard Jones • Human's Lib

See, I still think one of my favorite musicians from the 1980s is Howard Jones, and I remember clearly the first time I heard the music. It was his first album, Human's Lib. The album was released in the Spring of 1984, when I was living in New York City. When I first saw the music video for "New Song", I know I had to run to my import store in the West Village, and get this album. It wasn't long before I had it in my collection, and a new obsession kicked in.



Like the best of albums, Human's Lib had a journey, with highs and lows, introspection and shouts of joy. Jones was on the forefront of an electronic/synth movement in music, having started on piano at age 7. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was writing his own music, and looking for a label. He was signed in 1983 by WEA in the UK and Elektra in the U.S. I loved his music, his songs, his joy, and his voice. And yes, I loved his look. He managed to bring New Wave to the table, with style and flair. And it all started with my first look at the music video for "New Song", which made it to #27 on the Billboard Hot 100.



After the joy of "New Song", the follow-up was anything but expected. I mean, who expected this cute Englishman to be asking the eternal question, "What Is Love?" Jones combines melancholy with yearning to bring the human condition into question. The video is beautifully shot, perfectly complementing a great song. "What Is Love?" also cracked the Billboard Hot 100, making it to #33.



Since I purchased it, I loved Human's Lib, start to finish. And I began to get tickets to any show that was near me. I think I saww Howard playing in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and several places in New York, including Radio City. Howard would be great, and bring Jeb Hoile, his full-time mime to round out the show. I would love when I heard the ethereal beginning of "Hide & Seek", the third single off the album. Though not released in the US, it did make it to #12 on the UK Singles Chart.



Just when You didn't think Howard could deliver yet a different sound, he releases the video for "Pearl In The Shell". Once again, this was not released in the US, but it met great success in the UK, making it to #7 on the Singles Chart. With horns blaring and drums beating, the song has a wonderful throwback quality, somehow bringing Memphis Soul into British New Wave to make some great Pop music. Enjoy "Pearl In The Shell".



You can still purchase Human's Lib on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Howard Jones, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter or 'like' his Facebook page. You know, it has been a while, but I think I have a hankering to see Howard Jones live once again. Hope he comes to play near me soon!