Howard Jones: The Synth-Pop Story Behind the Hits 🎹

Howard Jones is far more than the voice behind “Things Can Only Get Better”: he’s a classically trained keyboard player who helped make thoughtful, human-centered synth-pop a fixture of the 1980s. Start with Human’s Lib and Dream into Action to hear his signature mix of bright synthesizers, irresistible melodies, and lyrics that still invite a second listen.

Jones’s breakthrough began with “New Song” in 1983, and his chart run soon included “What Is Love?” and “No One Is to Blame.” At Live Aid in 1985, he performed the haunting “Hide and Seek” with just a keyboard—proof that beneath the glossy electronic arrangements was a songwriter who could hold a crowd with remarkably little.

Key Takeaways

  • Howard Jones is a British singer-songwriter and keyboard player known for thoughtful, melodic synth-pop.
  • Begin with Human’s Lib (1984) and Dream into Action (1985) for his essential early work.
  • His best-known songs include “New Song,” “What Is Love?,” “Things Can Only Get Better,” and “No One Is to Blame.”
  • His music balances electronic production with humanist lyrics, moving between upbeat pop anthems and intimate piano performances.
  • Jones’s career extends well beyond the 1980s, with later albums, collaborations, and live shows continuing to revisit and reshape his catalogue.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Howard Jones is the British synth-pop singer-songwriter behind “What Is Love?,” “New Song,” “Things Can Only Get Better,” and “No One Is to Blame.” Start with Human’s Lib and Dream into Action for the classic ’80s sound; then try Transform for a later, more electronic chapter. For a quick companion read, see Howard Jones Net Worth Revealed: The Synth-Pop Legend’s Fortune in 2026 💰.

Quick fact Details
Full name John Howard Jones
Born 23 February 195, in Southampton, England
Main styles Synth-pop, new wave, electronic pop
First major breakthrough “New Song” (1983)
Landmark early albums Human’s Lib (1984) and Dream into Action (1985)
Best-known U.S. hit “No One Is to Blame,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100
Signature live approach A career-spanning set that can range from solo piano and voice to a full electronic band
Official site HowardJones.com

Listening shortcut: If you want the bright, buoyant side, start with “Things Can Only Get Better.” For a more reflective Jones, queue up “Hide and Seek” or “No One Is to Blame.” His signature trick is making a synthesizer feel less like a machine and more like a conversation.

For more context on the era, explore Synth Pop™’s guides to 80s Synth Pop and Iconic Synth Pop Songs.

🎹 Who Is Howard Jones?


Video: Howard Jones Everlasting Love.








Howard Jones is an English singer, songwriter, and keyboard player whose melodic electronic pop helped define the sound of the mid-1980s. He broke through in 1983 with “New Song,” then followed it with a run of singles that balanced buoyant hooks, prominent keyboards, and lyrics about love, self-belief, and social connection.

He is sometimes mistaken for Howard S. Jones, the American metal vocalist associated with Killswitch Engage. They are different musicians—and very different listening experiences. This article is about the British synth-pop artist, not the metal singer.

Jones’s appeal has always crossed a useful line: his songs can work as a synth-pop dance-floor rush, but they also reward close attention to the words. As AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine described him, he was “one of the defining figures of mid-’80s synth-pop.” His official biography traces a career that has moved between chart pop, independent releases, electronic collaborations, and intimate piano performances (Howard Jones official site).

📖 Howard Jones’s Early Life and Musical Roots


Video: Howard Jones – New Song.








From Southampton to the London music scene

Jones was born in Southampton and spent parts of his childhood in Wales. He began piano lessons as a child, and music became a serious pursuit well before synthesizers and music videos put him in front of a much larger audience. His three younger brothers—Roy, Martin, and Paul—also became musicians.

A conservatory route followed: Jones attended the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied piano before deciding that a conventional classical career was not what he wanted. The training stuck, though. You can hear it in his tidy chord voicings, melodic discipline, and knack for making a keyboard part feel both technically assured and immediately singable.

Classical training, punk influences, and early bands

Jones’s musical background was not a straight line from recital room to synth-pop stardom. He played in bands, including the progressive-rock group Warior, and absorbed a wide range of music. Influences cited in biographical accounts include keyboard virtuoso Keith Emerson, Stevie Wonder, and electronic pop acts such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD).

That mix matters. Jones approached synthesizers as instruments for songwriting, not as novelty props. Classical practice gave him keyboard fluency; pop and electronic music gave him the tools to make those ideas punchy, direct, and radio-ready. If you’re tracing that bridge between human performance and machine-made sound, our 80s Synth Pop coverage is a good next stop.

🚀 Howard Jones’s Rise to Fame in the 1980s


Video: Daryl Hall & Howard Jones – No One Is To Blame (Live From Daryl’s House).








The solo piano performances that turned heads

Before becoming a video-era pop star, Jones built an audience through live performances. His early solo shows featured vocals, keyboards, and a mime artist, Jed Hoile, whose movement and character work made the stage presentation unusual without turning the songs into mere spectacle.

That contrast became part of the appeal: a performer at a keyboard, a vivid visual foil, and songs with enough melodic shape to hold their own. Jones’s breakthrough showcase at London’s Marquee Club in 1983 helped bring him to the attention of Warner’s WEA label.

“New Song” and the breakthrough moment

“New Song,” released in 1983, introduced Jones’s distinctive recipe: bright electronic textures, an insistent groove, and a lyric about resisting other people’s expectations. It became a UK hit and reached the U.S. charts, giving him a foothold on both sides of the Atlantic.

The follow-up, “What Is Love?,” made his sound even more recognizable. Its lyrics circle a question rather than neatly answering it, while the arrangement keeps moving with fizy keyboards and a firm pop pulse. The song’s video shifts between urban and park settings, a woman’s appearance, and surreal images—an early visual companion to lyrics that are thoughtful but deliberately open-ended. If you’re watching the featured video, notice how the clip’s dreamy fragments match the song’s uncertainty: romance, reflection, and a hook that refuses to sit still.

The Human’s Lib era and chart success

Jones’s debut album, Human’s Lib, arrived in 1984 and reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. It brought together “New Song,” “What Is Love?,” and “Hide and Seek,” establishing him as more than a singles act. The album’s title points toward a recurring concern in his work: how people free themselves from limiting beliefs and social expectations.

In 1985, Dream into Action pushed his popularity further. It reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 10 in the United States, and included “Things Can Only Get Better,” “Life in One Day,” “Look Mama,” and “No One Is to Blame.” His performance of “Hide and Seek” at Live Aid in 1985 gave a large global audience a quieter, more exposed side of his artistry: just Jones and a keyboard, with the song’s emotional tension doing all the heavy lifting.

🎛️ Howard Jones’s Sound: Synth Pop with a Human Touch


Video: Howard Jones – Everlasting Love (Karaoke Version).








Keyboards, synthesizers, and the Fairlight CMI

The sound of a Howard Jones record is not one magic keyboard. It is an arrangement: layered synthesizers, programmed rhythms, acoustic piano, voice, and, depending on the song, bass and backing vocals. Jones was an accomplished keyboard player who used technology to expand a song’s palette while keeping its melody in the foreground.

The Fairlight CMI, an influential digital sampling workstation of the era, is often associated with the broader 1980s studio revolution. But equipment histories can get muddled in retellings, so it’s best not to credit a particular instrument on a specific Jones track without reliable session documentation. The more useful point is that Jones’s records belong to a period when artists and producers were rapidly combining synthesizers, samplers, and conventional instruments. The Science Museum Group’s account of the synthesizer offers helpful context for how electronic instruments changed music-making.

Our fan take: Jones’s synths rarely feel chilly. They bounce, shimmer, or hold a chord beneath the vocal, while the songwriting supplies the warmth. That balance is a big reason his music sits comfortably alongside both electronic-pop innovators and more traditional piano-led songwriters.

Lyrics of optimism, individuality, and social change

Jones’s lyrics often ask listeners to take part rather than simply observe. “New Song” pushes back against conformity; “Things Can Only Get Better” frames change as a collective possibility; “Like to Get to Know You Well” is openly hopeful about human connection. Even the questions in “What Is Love?” feel less like a puzzle with one answer than an invitation to think alongside the singer.

The positive outlook is not always uncomplicated. “No One Is to Blame,” for example, is a tender song about desire and limits, not a pep talk. Jones’s catalogue makes room for optimism, uncertainty, and emotional restraint—and that combination keeps the lyrics from sounding like motivational posters set to synthesizer.

Howard Jones shaped 1980s electronic pop

Jones was part of the generation of British acts whose keyboard-driven songs found a large U.S. audience during the Second British Invasion. His contribution was not simply “more synthesizers.” It was showing that electronic pop could have a clear melodic center, a personal voice, and lyrics that treated listeners as thoughtful people.

For comparison, Depeche Mode often built darker, more industrial textures; Eurythmics moved between sleek synth-pop and bluesy, organic arrangements; Jones leaned into bright keyboard hooks and an openly humanist outlook. Those are broad strokes, of course—each artist changed over time—but they help explain why Jones has a recognizable lane of his own.

💿 Howard Jones Albums and Discography


Video: Howard Jones – New Song – Karaoke Version from Zoom Karaoke.








Studio albums in release order

The albums below show the shift from Jones’s blockbuster mid-’80s run to independent releases, acoustic explorations, and newer electronic work. Release catalogues can vary slightly by country, especially for compilations and special editions, so the table focuses on core studio albums.

Album Year Why it matters
Human’s Lib 1984 UK No. 1 debut, featuring “New Song,” “What Is Love?” and “Hide and Seek”
Dream into Action 1985 Breakthrough international album with “Things Can Only Get Better” and “No One Is to Blame”
One to One 1986 A more polished pop-rock turn, including “You Know I Love You… Don’t You?”
Cross That Line 1989 Expands the arrangements and songwriting beyond the early synth-pop template
In the Running 1992 A more reflective, band-oriented set; includes “Everlasting Love”
Working in the Backroom 1993 Independent release made outside his original major-label framework
People 1998 A later-carer set with a broader, more mature pop palette
Revolution of the Heart 2005 Electronic pop made with producer Robbie Bronnimann
Ordinary Heroes 2009 Orchestral project featuring the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Engage 2015 A collection emphasizing electronic textures and collaborations
Transform 2019 Electronic album featuring collaborations with BT
Dialogue 202 A compact collection of new songs
Piano Composed 2025 Piano-centered compositions presented in two different interpretations

Live albums, compilations, and box sets

Jones’s discography includes live recordings, anniversary editions, and collections that offer an easier entry point than tracking down every original release. His early catalogue has also been revisited through expanded editions and reissues, which can include bonus tracks, demos, or remixes.

For a first purchase, check the track list rather than relying on a title like “greatest hits”: different compilations emphasize different markets and periods. The official discography and verified streaming listings are useful for checking current editions and availability.

Where to start: a listening guide

  • Want the essential ’80s sound? Start with Dream into Action. It has the hits and the crispest snapshot of Jones at commercial peak.
  • Want to hear the beginning? Play Human’s Lib from start to finish, then compare its spare, idea-driven tracks with the fuller production of the next album.
  • Prefer quieter songwriting? Try the piano-oriented material, including Piano Composed, and the solo arrangements Jones performs live.
  • Want modern electronic collaborations? Queue Transform and listen for BT’s production alongside Jones’s familiar melodic instincts.

For more artist-to-artist context, browse our Iconic Synth Pop Songs collection.

🎧 Howard Jones’s Best Songs and Biggest Hits


Video: Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better (Karaoke Version).








Essential Howard Jones songs

Song Why listen
“New Song” The breakthrough single: crisp, energetic, and defiantly individual
“What Is Love?” A playful arrangement wrapped around a genuinely open-ended question
“Hide and Seek” A stark, emotional keyboard performance; one of his most revealing songs
“Like to Get to Know You Well” A warm, internationally minded pop song with an unusually generous spirit
“Things Can Only Get Better” An exuberant chorus built for singing with a crowd
“Life in One Day” A reminder not to postpone living until some imaginary perfect moment
“No One Is to Blame” A measured, bittersweet ballad that became his biggest U.S. hit
“You Know I Love You… Don’t You?” A sleek late-’80s pop single with a strong melodic lift
“Everlasting Love” A later-carer highlight that reached No. 1 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart
“Evergreen” A reflective pick for listeners exploring his more mature writing

“Things Can Only Get Better”: the enduring anthem

“Things Can Only Get Better” is one of those songs whose chorus seems to arrive with its own confetti cannon. Released on Dream into Action, it became a defining Jones single and has repeatedly found new audiences through radio, political campaigns, and pop-culture references.

The track works because the optimism has propulsion. The rhythm pushes forward, the keyboard lines brighten the edges, and Jones sings the title as an invitation rather than a promise that life will magically tidy itself up. That distinction keeps the anthem from feeling too shiny to trust.

“No One Is to Blame” and its international success

The original “No One Is to Blame” appeared on Dream into Action. Jones later re-recorded it for the Action Replay release, with Phil Collins producing, playing drums, and adding backing vocals. That version reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making it Jones’s highest-charting U.S. single.

The song’s restrained emotion is its secret weapon. It is about wanting something that cannot—or should not—be possessed, and it refuses to turn that tension into melodrama. The production gives the vocal space, which is why the song still sounds intimate even at arena scale.

Hidden gems and fan favorites

Not every Jones favorite arrived with a giant chorus. “Hide and Seek” remains a standout for its sparse keyboard atmosphere and emotional exposure, while “Look Mama” shows a more playful, sharply observed side. Fans who want to step beyond the familiar singles should also explore later songs such as “Building Our Own Future” and tracks from Transform.

A useful listening game: Play the hits first, then pick one album track from the same era. You’ll hear how the singles’ optimism sits alongside more experimental arrangements and quieter, more personal writing.

🤝 Collaborations, Bandmates, and Musical Partnerships


Video: Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better – Karaoke Version from Zoom Karaoke.








Jones’s career has included a wide range of musical partnerships rather than a permanent, fixed band identity. His early recordings drew on collaborators including lyricist Bill Bryant and backing vocalists from the group Afrodiziak. His brother Martin Jones also played bass on Dream into Action.

Later collaborations opened different doors:

Collaborator Connection
Phil Collins Produced, played drums on, and sang backing vocals on the re-recording of “No One Is to Blame”
BT Co-produced and collaborated with Jones on material for Transform
Robbie Bronnimann Co-wrote and produced electronic pop material, including work connected with Revolution of the Heart
Propaganda Jones co-wrote songs including “Heaven Give Me Words” and “Your Wildlife”
Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Jones played keyboards on the group’s 2001 tour
OMD Shared bills and reunions have linked Jones with fellow British electronic-pop pioneers

The collaborations show a useful pattern: Jones is comfortable sharing the spotlight when the song benefits. Sometimes that means a bigger studio production; sometimes it means a live set alongside artists from the same electronic-pop generation.

🎤 Howard Jones Live: Concerts, Touring, and Stage Shows


Video: Howard Jones – No One Is To Blame (Karaoke Version).








What to expect at a Howard Jones concert

Jones has performed in several formats across a career spanning more than four decades: solo piano and voice, smaller electronic setups, and full-band shows. That flexibility is part of the fun. One night may foreground the songwriter; another may turn the chorus of “Things Can Only Get Better” into a room-sized singalong.

A good set usually balances the expected hits with deeper catalogue picks. If you’re going for the first time, listen to Human’s Lib and Dream into Action beforehand, but leave room for surprises. Jones’s own official site is the best place to check current touring announcements.

Howard Jones and Sir Rod Stewart’s 2027 UK and Ireland tour

According to the tour announcement on Howard Jones’s official website, Jones is scheduled as a special guest on Sir Rod Stewart’s “Final Encore” tour, with UK and Ireland shows planned for 2027. Jones has described Stewart as a “great friend” and said, “I’m so excited” to join the tour.

The announcement points to a high-energy bill and teases Jones favourites including “Things Can Only Get Better,” “What Is Love?” and “New Song.” It is an intriguing pairing: Stewart’s rock-and-soul showmanship meeting Jones’s bright, keyboard-led pop. The date list below follows the published announcement; because tours can change, verify the venue and ticket details with the promoter before travelling.

2027 tour dates and venues

Date City Venue
23 April 2027 Dublin, Ireland 3Arena
24 April 2027 Dublin, Ireland 3Arena
27 April 2027 Belfast, Northern Ireland SSE Arena Belfast
29 April 2027 Glasgow, Scotland OVO Hydro
1 May 2027 Glasgow, Scotland OVO Hydro
4 May 2027 Birmingham, England Utilita Arena Birmingham
6 May 2027 Manchester, England Co-op Live
8 May 2027 Manchester, England Co-op Live
11 May 2027 London, England The O2
14 May 2027 London, England The O2

Tour listings can be updated after an initial announcement. Check the official Howard Jones tour page and each venue’s website for the latest timings, support details, access information, and ticket status.

Tickets, accessibility, and concert tips

Before booking, confirm that the event listing names Howard Jones as a special guest and check whether the advertised set length is available. As an opening act, he may have a shorter performance than on a headline date.

A few practical steps can make the evening smoother:

  1. Use the venue’s official ticket link. This reduces the risk of buying from an unofficial resale listing.
  2. Check doors and set times close to the event. They can change.
  3. Review accessibility information directly with the venue. Arena policies and facilities differ.
  4. Plan transport home before the encore. Large venues empty quickly, and late-night services vary by city.
  5. Bring ear protection if you prefer it. Even pop shows can get loud near the front.

📺 Music Videos, Live Performances, and Documentaries


Video: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE’s Adam D Reunites with Howard Jones: Burn Eternal.








Music videos were central to Jones’s rise, but the songs often translate just as well without the visual gloss. “What Is Love?” pairs its question-filled lyrics with urban and park scenes, brief appearances by a woman, and surreal images. Rather than acting out a literal plot, the clip creates an impression of thought, attraction, and uncertainty.

His Live Aid performance of “Hide and Seek” offers a striking counterpoint: a minimal, exposed moment with Jones at the keyboard. The contrast captures two sides of his work—the carefully produced video-era single and the solo performer who can hold attention with voice and piano.

For official video releases and current performance clips, look for Howard Jones’s verified channels and tour updates through HowardJones.com. For historical context, the Live Aid archive documents the 1985 event and its performances.

🌱 Howard Jones Beyond the Hits


Video: Reaction To Howard Jones – No One Is To Blame | THE WOLF HUNTERZ REACTIONS.








Spirituality, personal growth, and songwriting

Jones has spoken publicly about practicing Nichiren Buddhism and being part of Sōka Gakkai International. He has described chanting as a meaningful part of his life since 1991, and themes of personal agency, compassion, and inner change resonate with many of his lyrics.

It would be too simple to say every uplifting song is a direct statement of religious belief. Jones’s work is pop songwriting, not a set of sermons. Still, his interest in self-development helps explain why songs like “New Song” and “Things Can Only Get Better” focus on people’s ability to respond to difficult circumstances.

Charity work and environmental causes

Jones has participated in charitable and community-oriented projects, including performances connected with humanitarian causes. He has also been associated with the Glorious Life Chorus as its musical director. For current projects and verified announcements, use his official site rather than assuming older event listings remain active.

His public profile is also notable for the values he has discussed around vegetarianism and veganism. These details add context to his outlook, but they do not need to be decoded into every lyric. The songs stand on their own; the biography offers an additional layer, not a required instruction manual.

🏆 Awards, Recognition, and Musical Legacy


Video: FIRST time HEARING Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better! Let’s Dance then…








Howard Jones’s influence on synth-pop artists

Jones’s strongest influence may be the example he set: electronic pop could be melodic and accessible without flattening its ideas. His early records made keyboards central but kept vocals and songwriting in front. That balance helped make synth-pop feel like a broad pop language rather than a niche studio experiment.

His catalogue also sits within a wider story of British electronic music—alongside acts such as OMD, the Human League, Eurythmics, and Depeche Mode. Each developed its own identity, but together these artists helped take synthesizers from specialist equipment into the mainstream. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s history of new wave and the Official Charts provide broader context for the era’s chart impact.

How his music has aged—and why it still connects

Some production choices are unmistakably of their time: gated drums, bright digital textures, and the crisp sheen of ’80s studio pop. That is part of the charm, not a defect requiring a sonic renovation. Underneath the period details are durable melodies and lyrics about connection, uncertainty, and personal choice.

Jones’s songs also adapt well. “Hide and Seek” can land as a solo performance; “Things Can Only Get Better” thrives with a crowd; “No One Is to Blame” remains emotionally effective in a slower, more spacious arrangement. The tunes survive different settings because the songwriting is doing more than showing off the technology.

🔎 Where to Listen to Howard Jones


Video: HECK YEAH!| FIRST TIME HEARING Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better REACTION.








Howard Jones’s catalogue is available through major music services, though album editions and bonus tracks vary by platform and territory. You can also check physical releases through record shops and official links from his website.

Listening route Best for
Streaming services Quickly comparing albums, singles, and live versions
Official videos Seeing the visual style of the 1980s clips and newer performances
CDs and vinyl Collectors who want album artwork, liner notes, or specific editions
Concerts Hearing the songs reshaped for solo, band, or electronic live formats

For a focused introduction, listen in this order: “New Song,” “What Is Love?,” “Hide and Seek,” “Things Can Only Get Better,” and “No One Is to Blame.” Then play Dream into Action in full. That route starts with the hits and ends with the album context that made them last.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a music producer and award-winning sound designer leading the editorial vision at Synth Pop™, the destination for news, insights, and recommendations across synth-pop and electronic music. He oversees artist features, concert and tour coverage, deep-dive histories, and playlist-ready song spotlights—bringing a studio-honed ear to every story and championing the next wave alongside the icons.

In the studio, Jacob crafts records and immersive soundscapes for film, games, and interactive experiences; in the magazine, he translates that same precision into clear, gear-savvy writing that helps listeners hear what makes a track tick—arrangement, synthesis, and mix decisions included. When he’s not editing or producing, you’ll find him digging for rare drum machines, designing chorus-soaked patches, or scouting emerging scenes for tomorrow’s headliners.

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