80s Synth Pop/New Wave LEGEND Howard Jones On Story Of His Top 5 Songs | Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ส.ค. 2021
- Celebrating 80s synth pop legend Howard Jones by counting down his top 5 songs including Things Can Only Get Better, The Prisoner, No One Is to Blame and What Is Love with commentary from the new wave legend himself.
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#80s #NewWave #Story
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Welsh poet Brian Harris once eloquently wrote, "To be born in Wales, Not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with music in your blood and with poetry in your soul, is a privilege indeed."
He wrote this in 1967 and you might say he was a bit of physic Because he perfectly describe THE WORLD’S VERY OWN Synth Pop Poet, Howard Jones or as he’s affectionately know by as his fans Ho Jo. A singer and songwriter for the ages HoJo’s music has always lifted our spirit when it is toiled with regret or sadness. I remember the first time I heard "No One is to Blame" when I was 9 years old in our jeep wagoneer, on the way to a family reunion.
I had found out at the last minute that instead of having the reunion at a water park, we had switched to a big cabin, with no swimming pool, possibly a small stream, just enough to get our feet wet. As you can imagine my 9 year old soul was devastated, so when I heard the lyrics “You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can’t have a swim“ it resonated deeply with my plight and it instantly raised me up, because Howard knew exactly, even literally what I was going through.
At that moment, as I sat transfixed by this delicious slice of dreamy synth pop I was transformed into a fan for life. My story is no different than the countless millions of other fans from Blackfoot Idaho to Bogota, Columbia and thousands of miles in any direction. Howard has a knack for enclosing a plethora of intricate and assorted emotions inside three or four minutes, all entrenched in walls of prosperous and lush synth magic. It’s a world that anyone can experience with the touch of a play button.
Howard Jones was born in South Hampton England to Welsh parents. He grew up in Rhiwbina, Cardiff South Wales. the eldest of four boys, all of the HoJo’s brothers became musicians. At just 7 years of age Jones started taking piano lessons. In his teens his family moved to Canada. He formed his first band, a prog rock act called Warrior. He retuned to the UK for college, where he went to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester through the mid 70s and hopped around to different bands. - บันเทิง
Poll: With Things Can Only Get Better in mind, what are some classic songs that lift you up and make you feel great!
Walking on sunshine by Katrina and the waves
Fantastic day by haircut 100
So in love by so many different artists. My pref is art garfunkel.
You can't listen to "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves without being lifted up (or getting that song stuck in your head all day - I speak from personal experience). I'd add "Everlasting Love" by Ho-Jo, "The Motown Song" by Rod Stewart (with The Temptations), and "Escapade" by Janet Jackson to the list of songs that make you feel good when listening to them.
Wild Cherry:Play that Funky Music Also Like recorded on the album,Donna Summer Bad Girls/Hot Stuff AND the best 2 song in row GOAT: Zeplin Heartbreaker/Livin Lovin Maid
Best match I can think of is Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F.
"It's The End Of The World As We Know It" REM. Magic Man Heart.
Howard Jones is a legend! I still feel he is severely underrated!
Agreed!!
Very true. SO many hits. One of the foremost icons of era.
“Everlasting Love” is one of my favorite 80’s jams that I wish more people were aware of. Such a great sound and message.
Yes! This is one of my all time favorites! Thanks for making me smile
Such A Grest Song.
Howard Jones doesn't get the credit he deserves. I love his music
Just listen to Specialty and lift me up and tears to tell😊😊😊😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
Things Can Only Get Better is such a relentlessly hopeful song that I can never get enough of it.
It really lifts you up!
1. Things Can Only Get Better 2. Like To Get To Know You Well 3. No One Is To Blame 4. What Is Love 5a. New Song 5b. Life In One Day. Great singer/songwriter and piano player!!
(12:32) "Phil played the drums and added his 'Invisible Touch'."
I see what you did there, Mr. Reader! 😉👏🏿
@Anna Trail I agree. Thank you, ma'am. I hope that you are doing well too.
I saw him live on the Cross That Line tour. I still tell people that it was the most polished, professional, beautifully presented show I've ever seen. The performance of Those Who Move Clouds was like a dream on stage, and the pop hits had the crowd singing and dancing along. Absolutely one of my top concerts ever.
A recommendation: try to find the video of him, Thomas Dolby, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder performing at the Grammys. A four-piece synth symphony.
BTW: 'No One Is To Blame' mixes perfectly into 'Hold Me Now' by Thompson Twins, next time you're spinning an 80s prom night!
I’d put “Everlasting Love” in my Top 5, but I’m with you on “No One Is to Blame” as #1. That’s such a brilliant, evocative song.
‘No one is to blame’ is a song that I had on constant rotation for ages. Beautiful! A stand out track of the decade.
THANK YOU for doing this episode on Howard Jones! I saw Howard Jones in a small club and I still remember something very profound that he said (to young musicians in the audience): "There are no gigs...you CREATE the gigs." You get gigs through self-promotion and showing small clubs, restaurants, and such what you can do. You _create_ it.
One of my best concert experiences was seeing Howard Jones in a small club in Toronto in 96. It was a stripped down affair with just him on a few synths and a percussionist.I was side stage to his right. It was such a joyous show with the crowd singing along to every word!
I’ve always loved New Song especially the version on The 12” Album. Great song just much more of it!
He's a genuinely lovely person to meet as well. He's done everything from huge venues to small gigs (sometimes without announcing them). I've met him twice, decades apart and yet he was still amazingly friendly on both instances.
I have met him twice too and he really is so down to earth
I love hearing this. He’s one of my favourite artists. Nice to know he retained his down to earth attitude as famous as he became.
Very humble guy for sure.
Very cool.
“Like To Get To Know You Well”
“Things Can Only Get Better”
“No One Is To Blame”
Always loved him. Still do. 💜💜💜
Live Acoustic America (1992). That record showcases what a great songwriter and pianist he is, and strips away the 80s sound. Hands down my favorite HoJo album.
Hide and seek by Howard is one of the best and most hauntingly beautiful songs of that era.
The lyrics of the tracks on Humans Lib and Dream Into Action played a part in my formative thinking when growing up in the eighties. Seeing Howard perform 'Like To Get To Know You Well' at Bristol Templemeads station ( it is on You Tube) on Top of the Pops in 1984 was a highlight in the greatest year for music of the eighties ( other opinions are available). His message of caring for all is one he has lived and he is an example of both a great musician and human being. Witness the way he reaches out to the crowd at Live Aid as evidence we are all one.
Thanks for sharing.
My 17 year old girl is a fan and knows most of the songs on my original vinyls. She is at a place in her life where Life in One Day truly resonates with her and I know she’s feeling overwhelmed when she plays that 45.
The first album I ever bought with my own money was Howard Jones' Human's Lib. In an instant, I went from listening to Def Leppard and Ozzy Osbourne to opening up to a whole new world that truly spoke to my soul. I've been a lifelong fan of Howard's ever since. In 1986, I bought Dream into Action on vinyl as a sophomore in high school. Those were tough, emotional times for me, and that album alone really helped me through those bleak teenage years. I found parts of myself and a sense of salvation in every song on that album. In a nut shell, it gave me hope. It still does, especially in today's chaotic world. Thank you, Howard.
He was fantastic live. I can’t go past No One Is To Blame as my favourite song from an artist that has a brilliant discography.
My favorites in no particular order:
Like To Get To Know You Well
New Song
What is Love
Look Mama
Life In One Day
You Know I Love You is one of the most underrated Howard Jones songs. The synth horns are awesome on that song.
Thanks for this, I had buried away how much I love his music. It was the soundtrack to the best years of my life.
You are right on the money with HoJo as a pianist. Check out his album “Live Acoustic America” where he plays his songs solo on piano with a back up percussionist. This presentation is my favorite version of “What Is Love” with additional kudos to “No One Is To Blame.”
My two favorite HoJo songs are "Things Can Only Get Better" & "No One Is To Blame".
"Like To Get To Know You Well" and "Everlasting Love" are unforgivable omissions from this list (Ok fine, I'll forgive you)
Too many great songs. A fiver for HoJo is tough.
Love Howard Jones. Saw him in person in the 85 and later in the teens. It was great. I will always link him to my Dad who had backstage passes to the concert in 85.
Just scrolling through and this gladdens my heart, thank you for being a fan ❤️❤️
I still love Howard Jones so very much. When I first had access to MTV (at a friend’s house) in Junior High, “What is Love” became my favorite song and Howard, in his NuRo black plaid shirt, adorned my walls. Major crush! ❤ To this day, the opening synth melody, in that beautiful minor key, sends me straight back to 1982/83. 😊
Just scrolling through and this gladdens my heart, thank you for being a fan ❤️❤️
Mr Howard Jones Formed My Music Interest. I Was 11 Years Old. I Saved All My Money And Bought Humans Lib The First Time I Saw Him Play On National TV. Humans Lib Is Still One Of My Favorite Albums. Mr Howard Jones Deserves A Spot In The Hall Of Fame.
I'm so glad you put The Prisoner in the list. Such an incredible song. I saw him live in Dubai and he was amazing. Thank you for this episode.
Jones got me through my first break up! I had so many great choices of music but "No one is to Blame" got the repeat play. I personally now find that hilarious beyond my ability to describe from a teen perspective, but Howard was awesome. That song and many others were truly great and well composed. Thank, professor!
What an absolute legend of synth pop HoJo is! Every time I hear one of his records it puts a smile on my face. He's a great musician and his love for music shines through.
So nice of you to give Howard the respect he deserves. Great clip and interview, as always. Personnally, "No One Is to Blame" and "Life In One Day" are the two Howard Jones songs I keep returning to.
Yes! Glad you put "The Prisoner" up there. Just a brilliant track and the sound on it is just crazy. I used to crank it up to the max. I'm glad I got to see him twice in concert back in the day. The first time was just after his first album was released and it was just him on a rotating stage with his equipment along with the mime. Then saw him after "Dream Into Action" as well. Such a great musician/songwriter.
In the hospitality and culinary worlds, HoJo has always meant Howard Johnson Hotels, so it was very confusing when Howard Jones began to be called Ho Jo.
Absolutely one of the Best! New Song came out right when I needed it, and been a fan ever since!
I’ll raise a glass with you! Howard Jones takes me back to my college days and his songs have stayed with me with a timelessness that few others have. Saw him with Squeeze at the Greek in Berkeley.
Oh, and your shoes in the interview with him are perfect!
Thanks for this episode Professor! Been a fan of Hojo since his debut in '83. I saw him as the opening act on a bill supporting the Human League and Culture Club. Before the show started, people around me were saying "Who is this Howard Jones person? Never heard of him." When his set started, those same people could be heard exclaiming "I didn't know he sang this! I LOVE this song!" repeatedly. I just smiled and shook my head. Another great episode Professor. Thanks!
Saw Howard last night. He opened for culture club and followed Berlin. He killed it! I could not believe it. Amazing
No one is to blame is one of my favorite songs from the 80s. A true classic. 👍
Great lyrics.
Howard Jones has been one of my all time favorite artists from the first time I heard New Song. I was in 7th grade and amazingly on a summer school trip over to the UK in 1983 when I saw the video on the BBC and I was captivated. I purchased Human's Lib the next day and have been listening to him ever since. I've seen Howard play live more than any other artist and he always puts on an amazing show, from a massive concert venue down to a supper club like the Blue Note in Honolulu.
Great episode Professor! Ive always loved Howard Jones music! Great interview! Thanks for sharing!
I was just listening to Last Supper last week. Absolutely love that song. Takes me back to high school. I always loved his piano work. Cross That Line album has amazing piano. Into Thin Air and Those Who Move Clouds are simply beautiful.
I love it when artists go lyrically into dark meaningful and emotional places in songs because those are the songs that move you the most.
I need to listen to Howard Jones more.
I just know that his song - Things Can Only Get Better - is wonderful.
I had found out about it on an 80s compilation album that I bought a while back.
Thanks Professor!
Definitely do! He's so good
I seriously could and have seen him do his show just with him and his piano. One of the greats
Yes! Howard J. Gave me comfort and joy in the 80’s ❤️
🍻 cheers
Thank you for being an amazing fan ❤😊
From Southern Australia we love you Professor! Howard Jones was HUGE here : What is Love? is incredible
2 minutes after my college girlfriend love of my life walked out on me, it was pouring down rain and I was devastated and No One Is To Blame came on the radio like my own personal soundtrack. It was both healing and a little too on the nose. I was like, "really god... now?"
I'm so glad you included lesser known cuts and the story behind the two versions of No One Is To Blame. I purchased Dream into Action on vinyl in the winter of 87 or early 88 for a whopping $.99. I was shocked to find out this wasn't teh version I fell in love with but, in 2021 this almost 50 year old loves the simple charm of the Album version. Kudos Professor
My top 5 of Howard hits 5. Things can only get better 4. No one is to blame. 3. Specialty 2. All I want 1. Will you still be there when the night comes pick that lot prof rock!!!❤❤😊😊😊
I haven't heard the word "choice" used as an adjective for ages... Love it... Immediately adding it to the lexicon. Choice episode!
I am a metal head but have always had a real soft spot for HoJo, his first albums were brilliant and Cross That Line had my fav song on, The Prisoner and more recently Revelution Of The Heart.
He is very underrated and as a classical trained pianist, his song writing is incredible. I have travelled hundreds of miles to se him live and he has still got it
Professor! You are wonderful, I watch your videos all the time! I didn't realize that you are so young! I first heard No One Is To Blame when it came out, I was 17!
It’s not the first time I tell you this, Professor, but you did it again. There is a lot of background music in my existence that I, even liking it a lot, took for granted. Then you appeared to bring that music up front and show me the beautiful art pieces they are. In debt once again. Thank you...
Meant “the beautiful art pieces these songs are...”
As a (lefty) drummer, I always loved Phil’s unmistakable Gretch’s in “Blame”…and Ho Jo & Phil’s harmonies are perfect for the song.
“Chairman of synth pop.” Love it! And completely agree.
My brother used to tend bar in DC at The Bayou in the late 70s/early 80s. I remember him telling me that HoJo's music was not something he normally listened to, that he put on a great show and was great to talk with.
Howard Jones is such an amazing talent his first four albums especially dream into action are essential synth pop albums for any fan of 80s pop music highly recommended
Everlasting Love was always a big favorite of mine
The video is one of the best ever!!!❤
Great song.
Nicely done! Just met him last week and saw him in concert. Fabulous! ❤️🎹🎶
Have loved Howard since the early days... So happy to see The Prisoner on this list!
I just got home from seeing him live.(For the 4th time)
What a show!!
Sounded amazing.
His band kicked butt too.
Ace of Spades (Sacramento, CA)
He is one of the best!!!
You Tubes algorithm is lacking. Recently, I've been rediscovering the 1980s, and one day I tried to remember the name of a singer who I liked, but couldn't remember his name. I finally remembered his last names was Jones. But I couldn't remember his first name and I kept trying different names to spark the neurons. Finally, a mix of songs on a complication had one of his songs and I found his name. Wow, why wasn't his songs popping up on You Tube from the very beginning. Talk about underrated. Love his lovely songs.
Things can only get better is 1 of my favorites - cool horn line and song that makes a person feel better 👍
My first concert was the Cross That Line Tour in 1989 with Midge Ure opening at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre in Englewood, Colorado. It was an absolutely amazing show!
One of my early concerts. I was 17 and it was 1987. The show opened with ninjas having a slow katana battle to synth effects. HoJo was one of the ninjas. My two favorite monuments were him playing “The Day in the Life” since it was 20 years ago that week that song was released. And Things can only get better brought down the house with a long story leading up to the intro. Last November I was suffering through a mountainous 26km trail race and this song came on during the last km. Helped me get over the line hitting repeat several times.
Absolutely love HOJO and his music!
Things can only get better was such a uplifting jam. Also have to agree with your number one pick.....awesome awesome song.
No one is to blame is a beautiful song. I was dating the love of my life in 1986. Her name was Cindy. This song always reminds me of her as it was a big hit at the time. We broke up and went our own ways in the late 80's.
Sadly I learned Cindy died from brain cancer in the early 2000's. Again, this song always reminds me of the love we shared for each other. Miss and love you still Cindy. Thank you HOJO for such a beautiful and memorable song.
One of my all-time pop heroes and a bloody nice bloke. Love your shout out to the 12 inch of What is Love, absolutely mesmerising. One of those tunes that almost make me weep at the genius.........
Saw him at a concert in the early 90s at Saltair - seemed like a nadir of his poplularity. On his pedestal playing every kind of keyboard (piano, synth, computers). No seating, just everyone milling around having a great time. One of the best concerts I've ever been to.
Seen him four times now, but I’ll never forget the first time I saw him at Park City during the Dream Into Action tour. I was absolutely blown away.
I had forgotten about 'Life in one day' until I heard it last week for the first time in probably 20 years!! Still loved it ❤
Thank You for being a fan ❤❤
I’ve loved Howard Jones since I first saw “What Is Love” on MTV in the early/mid 80s! I’ve seen him in concert a handful of times. I haven’t gotten to know his newer albums, like Engage and Transform, but I have listened to those two a few times each, and sonically, they’re really great. But if you only know his 80s stuff (which I love!), I highly recommend getting to know the albums People and Revolution of the Heart!
Here’s my fiver:
5) Bounce Right Back
4) Specialty
3) Things Can Only Get Better
2) You’re the Buddha
1) Let the People Have Their Say
Howard Jones is a great one, so many hits! Can't go wrong with this 5er Prof :)
"I don't wanna be hip and cool. I don't wanna play by the rules." and "Throw off your mental chains." are my favourite lyrics from my favourite Howard Jones song. A song that always pumped me up! These are my top 5:
5. Like To Get To Know You Well
4. What Is Love?
3. No One Is To Blame
2. Things Can Only Get Better
1. New Song
Btw, the actor in that clip of "What Is Love?" reminds me of "Mean Mr. Mustard" in the Sgt Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club movie...and I spot Stevie Wonder's, "Songs..."in the background. What a masterpiece!
Very moving lyrics and powerful - this truly represents the 80s for me !
I was lucky to see Howard Jones at a 80s outdoor concert in Sacramento (Thunder Valley Casino) with the Thompson Twins, Tom Tom Club, English Beat, and others. Awesome night. And Howard Jones was great too!
Absolutely brilliant. Howard Jones.
funny you mentioned a family reunion....I remember always hearing Howard's stuff on the way to vacation and family functions in the mid 80s...his songs were phenomenally crafted 80s synth pop. always a fan ever since
Was in college when Howard Jones was in that chapter of my life-greatest time in life, greatest music EVER!! Only wish you wouldn't call him "hojo". Howard Jones is in a class all by himself!
When I was growing up in the 40's and 50's, HoJo meant the Howard Johnson's restaurant. lol Great review, yet again, Prof!! Cheers, mate!! :)
I saw him in concert on his acoustic tour in 1992. It was awesome! ❤
I saw HoJo in 1984 in the Edmonton convention center, with Animotion opening for him. The drummer for Earth,Wind and Fire was playing with him which was awesome. During the song "No One is to Blame" there was a male dancer wearing an outfit split into a suit and tie on one side and classic punk garb on the other, and his performance was a combination of dance and mime. Overall, a fabulous show.
New Song is by far my favorite song of HoJo, I loved Dream Into Action so much, that was my Freshman year High School soundtrack.
I love his music-I adore “Nobody Is To Blame”
WELL DONE ADAM!! Yet ANOTHER get post! I’ve been a fan of HoJo’s since I was in 10th grade (1985) and what you spoke ALL the God’s TRUTH!! He was (and still is) and AMAZING pianist!! And his words.. HIS WORDS!! Hide and Seek has ALWAYS been a favorite of mine!! Talk about an uplifting ending…. If other people on the channel were never HoJo fans, they should be now!!
Hey Professor, I pretty much agree with your list of top Howard Jones songs. But there's one that's one of my favorites that deserved a mention as well. That song is "You Know I Love You...Don't You?" Cool partially animated video too.
LOVED Howard since high school (Human's Lib, 1984). Fantastic songs and some great messages.
I always thumbs up right when I click before the Prof says one word! Love the opening theme song. I must be Pavlov‘s dog! Haaa! Your cool beans Prof! Thank you for everyday entertainment and enjoyment. And YES he is awesome. Can still the hear the “oh ohhhhh oh ohhhhh… “ when it came out brand new. Loved it!
Love that piece on the Reunion and the water park. Great story.
It was pretty amazing.
I love Howard Jones' song everlasting love.
i went to his concert in adelaide ,always loved howard jones ,have all his albums..
Hi POR!
I love synthwave music and it’s not a surprise that there is a resurgence in the interest in this music genre.
It feels like adult contemporary music of the 80s will always reflect a certain melancholic vibe that we all went through as young adults while coming of age.
Now I’m not ashamed to admit how much I don’t know about HoJo or even a lot of artists from the 80s. We didn’t have wiki or Google then and I didn’t have MTV or any magazine or articles to find out more about my favorite artists.
So now about 40 years later I’m finally coming up to speed.
Now on the bright side, the radio was free and I could listen to his hits and other early 80s hits as often as those DJs chose to play them.
I agree the lyrics are incredibly moving. I just love his compositions! He’s got an incredible touch and it’s not a surprise that movies snd other types of entertainment creators have used his music fir background fir their creations. I agree with your choices if his top five album/songs. Things can only get better is my fav song of his, that cool do wop style vocalization is groovy, easy to sing and so soulful! I love that we can see him today, he’s so amazing. What a cool time to be a pop star and I’m hoping that we can see more artists capture that enchanting sounds of the 80s synthwave vibe. Thanks so much fir this video 💎😊
Awesome! Thank for watching!
Just as you say, Howard's keyboard virtuosity is showcased with just him and a grand piano on Live Acoustic America.
FANTASTIC
Things Can Only Get Better is like a anthem for what is happening RIGHT NOW in our world! Great artists!
LOVE HoJo! His was the last show I saw Feb. 2020 before the lockdown.