Howard Jones's blog

A pioneer in the popular breakthrough of synthpop, Howard Jones merged modern technology with memorable melodies and cheery lyricism to become one of New Wave’s biggest stars.

After playing keyboards in a number of local bands in his native Southampton, England, Jones stepped out on his own with an innovative and unusual live show that paired his solo songs and synthesizers with performance by mime artist Jed Hoile. Signed by Warner Music UK, headed by veteran publishing and record executive Rob Dickins, Jones’s debut single, “New Song,” proved an immediate pop hit in the U.S. and the UK upon its 1983 Elektra release. Human’s Lib followed in 1984, earning critical acclaim and Jones’s first UK #1 album via indelible hit singles like “What Is Love.”

Jones returned in 1985 with Dream Into Action, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 – fueled by a seemingly endless stream of hits, including “Life In One Day,” “Like To Get To Know You Well,” and the top 5 favorites, “Things Can Only Get Better” and “No One Is To Blame.”

Having become an RIAA platinum-certified star, Jones teamed with renowned producers Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham, and Arif Mardin for 1986’s soulful One To One. The album was highlighted by a reworked rendition of “No One Is To Blame” featuring the one and only Collins on guest vocals.

Jones later started his own Dtox label and continues to experiment with new production technology, electronics, and pop songwriting.