Howard Jones: The Synth-Pop Pioneer
Howard Jones is an English singer, songwriter, and keyboardist who rose to international fame in the 1980s synth-pop wave. Hailing from Southampton, England, Jones achieved major success with his debut album 'Human's Lib', which topped the UK Albums Chart and spawned multiple hit singles.
Early career
Born in 1955, Howard Jones began his musical journey with classical piano training before embracing electronic music. His early career was defined by a unique one-man show, where he performed with a bank of synthesizers and a tape machine, accompanied by dancer and mime artist Jed Hoile.
This distinctive live act built a strong cult following and led to a recording contract with the WEA label in 1983. His first single, the self-released 'New Song', quickly gained traction and was subsequently picked up for major distribution.
Breakthrough
Howard Jones's breakthrough arrived decisively in 1984 with his debut album 'Human's Lib'. The album shot to number one on the UK chart and was certified platinum, establishing him as a leading force in the burgeoning synth-pop genre.
This success was propelled by hit singles like 'What Is Love?' and 'Hide and Seek', which showcased his optimistic lyrics and melodic, keyboard-driven sound. His follow-up album, 'Dream into Action', released in 1985, solidified his status with further hits and gold certification in the United States.
Key tracks
New Song — This debut single introduced his positive philosophy and catchy synth hooks, becoming an instant UK Top 10 hit.
What Is Love? — A defining synth-pop anthem that reached number two in the UK and became a staple of 1980s radio.
Things Can Only Get Better — This track from 'Dream into Action' became his biggest US hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
No One Is to Blame — A sophisticated ballad later reworked with production help from Phil Collins, earning Jones his highest US chart position at number four.
Everlasting Love — His 1989 cover of this classic became a major hit, demonstrating his ability to reach the pop charts across different eras.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Jones continued to release albums like 'Cross That Line' and 'Working in the Backroom', adapting his sound while maintaining his core electronic identity. He founded his own independent label, dtox, in the 1990s, allowing for greater creative freedom.
In the 2000s and beyond, he has remained active, releasing new studio material such as 'Ordinary Heroes' and engaging in retrospective tours celebrating his classic albums. His collaborative spirit has seen him work with artists like Midge Ure and BT, and he remains a respected live performer, often touring with other icons of his era.
Fans of Howard Jones's brand of thoughtful, melodic synth-pop often enjoy the work of similar UK artists. Thomas Dolby shares a mastery of inventive keyboard textures and pop songcraft. OMD also merges catchy electronic melodies with introspective lyrics. The Human League pioneered the blend of pop hooks and synthesizers that defined the era. China Crisis offers a similarly sophisticated and melodic approach to 1980s British pop.
Howard Jones's classic catalog maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on stations specializing in 80s hits, classic pop formats, and dedicated synth-wave online streams. His enduring songs are fixtures on playlists that celebrate the defining sounds of the 1980s.
The music of Howard Jones, the iconic English synth-pop artist, can be heard regularly on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his timeless tracks and enduring new material by tuning into the various radio stations available on onairium.com.
