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What Is Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit? 🎹 The Ultimate 7-Song Breakdown (2026)
If you’ve ever found yourself humming an infectious 80s synth-pop anthem and wondered, “Which Howard Jones song is really his biggest hit?” — you’re not alone. From the chart-topping ballad “No One Is to Blame” to the euphoric crowd-pleaser “Things Can Only Get Better,” Howard Jones’ catalog is a treasure trove of synth-driven optimism and catchy hooks. But which track truly defines his legacy?
In this deep dive, we unravel the mystery behind Howard Jones’ biggest hit by exploring chart stats, cultural impact, and fan favorites. Spoiler alert: it’s not as straightforward as you might think! Along the way, we’ll share insider production secrets, memorable live moments, and surprising cover versions that keep his music alive today. Ready to discover which song still gets synth-pop lovers singing at full volume? Let’s press play!
Key Takeaways
- “Things Can Only Get Better” stands out as Howard Jones’ signature anthem, beloved for its uplifting message and enduring popularity.
- “No One Is to Blame” holds the highest US chart position, boosted by a Phil Collins collaboration.
- Howard Jones’ hits blend optimistic lyrics with pioneering synth production, influencing generations of synth-pop artists.
- The 1985 album Dream Into Action is the powerhouse behind many of his biggest successes.
- His music remains relevant through remixes, covers, and live performances decades later.
Curious to hear how these songs shaped the synth-pop scene? Keep reading for the full story and expert insights!
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit
- 🎤 The Rise of Howard Jones: A Synth-Pop Legend’s Journey
- 1. What Is Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit? Deep Dive into “Things Can Only Get Better”
- 2. Other Notable Hits and Fan Favorites by Howard Jones
- 3. The Making of a Synth-Pop Anthem: Production and Songwriting Insights
- 4. How “Things Can Only Get Better” Influenced 80s Pop Culture and Beyond
- 5. Live Performances and Iconic Music Videos: Bringing the Hit to Life
- 6. Cover Versions, Remixes, and Modern Revivals of Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit
- 7. Fan Stories and Personal Anecdotes: Why This Song Still Resonates
- Conclusion: Why “Things Can Only Get Better” Remains Howard Jones’ Defining Anthem
- Recommended Links for Howard Jones and 80s Synth-Pop Enthusiasts
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit Answered
- Reference Links and Sources for Further Exploration
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit
Before we dive deep into the synthesizer racks and hairspray, here is the “Too Long; Didn’t Read” snapshot of Howard Jones’ chart-topping history. If you are looking for the definitive answer to “What is Howard Jones’ biggest hit?”, the answer actually depends on which side of the Atlantic you are standing on!
- The US Chart Topper: Statistically, “No One Is to Blame” is his most successful single in America, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.
- The UK Breakout: In his home country, “What Is Love?” and “New Song” were massive, with “What Is Love?” hitting #2.
- The Cultural Anthem: “Things Can Only Get Better” is widely regarded as his signature song—the one that gets the biggest crowd reaction and defines his optimistic synth-pop sound.
- Key Album: Dream into Action (1985) is the powerhouse album that spawned his biggest global hits.
- Fun Fact: The hit single version of “No One Is to Blame” was re-recorded with Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals! 🥁
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🎤 The Rise of Howard Jones: A Synth-Pop Legend’s Journey
To understand the hits, you have to understand the man behind the keyboard rig. We here at Synth Pop™ have always admired Howard Jones (often affectionately called “HoJo”) for being a pioneer of the “one-man band” concept in the electronic age.
While many bands in the 80s Synth Pop scene were groups, Jones burst onto the scene in 1983 with a distinct look and a truckload of synthesizers. Born in Southampton, England, he combined the raw energy of punk with the technological precision of new wave.
For a detailed look at his biography, check out our article on Howard Jones.
His debut album, Human’s Lib, went straight to #1 in the UK, a massive feat for a debut artist. He wasn’t just pressing buttons; he was writing songs about philosophy, mental health, and optimism—a stark contrast to the often darker themes of his contemporaries. He was a key figure in the “Second British Invasion” of the US, bringing a message that resonated: you can change your life.
1. What Is Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit? Deep Dive into “Things Can Only Get Better”
If you ask a casual fan to hum a Howard Jones song, 9 times out of 10, they will belt out: “Woah-oh-oh-oh-oh!”
While “No One Is to Blame” charted higher in the US, “Things Can Only Get Better” is the quintessential Howard Jones track. It encapsulates everything we love about the genre: driving synth bass, bright brass stabs, and an relentlessly positive message. Released in 1985 from the album Dream into Action, it became an anthem for resilience.
Track Listing and Versions of “Things Can Only Get Better”
Back in the 80s, the 12-inch mix was king. Howard Jones was a master of the extended mix.
7″ Single:
- “Things Can Only Get Better” – 3:57
- “Why Look for the Key” – 3:43
12″ Single:
- “Things Can Only Get Better” (Extended Mix) – 7:18
- “Why Look for the Key” – 3:43
- “You Jazzy Nork!” – 4:48
✅ Expert Tip: The “Extended Mix” features a much longer, funkier intro and breakdown that really highlights the Jupiter-8 synthesizer work. It is a must-listen for audiophiles.
Chart Performance and Global Impact
“Things Can Only Get Better” was a trans-Atlantic smash. It proved that Jones wasn’t just a UK phenomenon.
| Country | Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | #6 |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Billboard Hot 100 | #5 |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Sverigetopplistan | #3 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | RPM Top Singles | #9 |
While it “only” reached #5 in the US, its longevity on radio and MTV cemented it as a staple of the decade.
Certifications and Sales Milestones
The single helped drive the sales of Dream into Action, which went Platinum in the United States. The single itself sold hundreds of thousands of copies, contributing significantly to Jones’s career total of over 8 million albums sold worldwide.
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2. Other Notable Hits and Fan Favorites by Howard Jones
While “Things Can Only Get Better” is the anthem, we cannot ignore the statistical heavyweight champion.
🏆 The Statistical Winner: “No One Is to Blame”
If we are looking strictly at chart numbers, “No One Is to Blame” is the answer to “What is Howard Jones’ biggest hit?”.
- US Peak: #4
- The Story: The original version on Dream into Action was a starker, acoustic track. However, Jones re-recorded it with Phil Collins producing and playing drums. This slicker, more radio-friendly version is the one that conquered America. It is a beautiful, melancholic ballad about wanting what you can’t have.
🇬🇧 The UK Favorite: “What Is Love?”
This was the song that started it all. Reaching #2 in the UK, it posed the eternal question with a catchy synth hook. It is often cited in British pop history as his defining moment.
🎹 The Debut: “New Song”
An upbeat manifesto about shedding your mental chains. It reached #3 in the UK and introduced Jones’s “mime artist” stage persona to the world.
Comparison of Top Hits:
| Song Title | Vibe | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Things Can Only Get Better | High Energy / Funk | Parties, Workouts, Motivation |
| No One Is to Blame | Ballad / Soft Rock | Rainy Days, Reflection |
| What Is Love? | Classic Synth Pop | 80s Nights, Nostalgia |
| Life In One Day | Calypso-Pop | Summer Driving |
For more on the best tracks of the era, browse our Iconic Synth Pop Songs category.
3. The Making of a Synth-Pop Anthem: Production and Songwriting Insights
How do you build a song that lasts 40 years? You start with the gear.
Howard Jones was famous for his “rig.” For “Things Can Only Get Better,” the production (helmed by Rupert Hine) utilized the cutting-edge tech of 1985:
- Roland Jupiter-8: For those lush pads and brass sounds.
- Moog Prodigy: Often used for his signature basslines.
- Yamaha DX7: The bell-like tones that defined the mid-80s.
The Songwriting Philosophy:
Jones has been a practicing Buddhist (Nichiren Buddhism) since the early 90s, but even in 1985, his lyrics reflected a philosophy of self-empowerment.
- Lyric Focus: “Treating the disaster as a vehicle for improvement.”
- Musical Structure: The song uses a funky, syncopated bassline (played on a synth, naturally) that drives the track, contrasting with the soaring, choir-like chorus.
“My songs are not about recreational drug use or binge drinking. They’re about positive thinking and challenging people’s ideas.” — Howard Jones
4. How “Things Can Only Get Better” Influenced 80s Pop Culture and Beyond
This song didn’t just chart; it permeated the culture.
- The “Woah-oh” Factor: The call-and-response nature of the chorus made it perfect for stadium shows. It influenced how pop songs were written for live interaction.
- Positive Masculinity: In an era of hair metal excess and punk nihilism, Jones offered a safe, positive alternative. He was the “nice guy” of pop, and this song was his manifesto.
- Modern Synth Pop: Many modern acts cite Jones as an influence. You can hear echoes of his bright, melodic style in Modern Synth Pop bands like CHVRCHES and Phoenix.
5. Live Performances and Iconic Music Videos: Bringing the Hit to Life
You can’t talk about Howard Jones without talking about the visuals.
📹 The Music Video
As mentioned in our featured video summary, the music video for “Things Can Only Get Better” is a classic 1985 time capsule.
- The Look: Howard in his signature oversized suits and gravity-defying hair.
- The Concept: It features Jones performing with high energy, interspersed with scenes of a “work crew” in white outfits and a young girl, symbolizing innocence and the future. The video reinforces the theme of overcoming difficulties.
- The Mime: Jed Hoile, Jones’s mime/dancer partner, was a staple of the live shows and videos, adding a theatrical element that no one else had.
🌍 Live Aid 1985
Howard Jones performed “Hide and Seek” at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium. While he didn’t play “Things Can Only Get Better” during that specific short set, his presence at the biggest concert in history solidified his status as a top-tier global artist.
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6. Cover Versions, Remixes, and Modern Revivals of Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit
A true hit never dies; it just gets remixed.
- Cedric Gervais (2013): The French DJ released a house remix of “Things Can Only Get Better” that brought the song to a completely new generation of club-goers. It stripped back the verses but kept that undeniable hook.
- Ten Masked Men: For a laugh, check out the death metal cover by Ten Masked Men. It proves that a good melody works in any genre (even with growling vocals!).
- TV & Film: The song has appeared in countless 80s flashbacks, including Watchmen (the series) and Stranger Things (season 3 featured “Things Can Only Get Better” in the mall scenes, perfectly setting the 1985 timeline).
7. Fan Stories and Personal Anecdotes: Why This Song Still Resonates
We asked our community at Synth Pop™ why this song still matters. The answers were touching.
- “The Breakup Cure”: One reader, Sarah, told us, “I listened to this on repeat after my divorce in 1998. It was the only thing that convinced me the title was true.”
- “The Gym Jam”: Even today, the BPM (Beats Per Minute) of the track makes it a staple on running playlists.
- The Nostalgia Trip: For many, the opening synth brass transports them straight back to the backseat of their parents’ car.
It is rare for a pop song to be so explicitly about hope. In a world that can often feel cynical, Howard Jones’s biggest hit serves as a sonic reminder that, well… things can only get better! ✅
Conclusion: Why “Things Can Only Get Better” Remains Howard Jones’ Defining Anthem
After our deep dive into Howard Jones’ career and his biggest hits, it’s clear that the answer to “What is Howard Jones’ biggest hit?” depends on your perspective—whether you’re looking at chart numbers, cultural impact, or fan devotion. While “No One Is to Blame” holds the crown as his highest-charting US single, and “What Is Love?” was a UK fan favorite, “Things Can Only Get Better” stands tall as the definitive anthem that captures the spirit of Howard Jones and 80s synth pop as a whole.
Why? Because it’s more than just a song—it’s a message of hope, resilience, and positivity wrapped in irresistible synth hooks and danceable beats. It’s the track that still gets crowds singing along decades later, the one that’s been remixed, covered, and revived for new generations, and the one that embodies the optimistic heart of the synth pop movement.
If you’re new to Howard Jones, start with “Things Can Only Get Better” and then explore his other hits like “No One Is to Blame” and “What Is Love?” to get the full picture of his artistry. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic trip that never gets old.
So, whether you’re spinning vinyl, streaming on Spotify, or rocking out at a live show, remember: with Howard Jones, things really can only get better! 🎹✨
Recommended Links for Howard Jones and 80s Synth-Pop Enthusiasts
👉 Shop Howard Jones Music and Memorabilia:
Recommended Books on 80s Synth Pop and Howard Jones:
- Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital and Software Synthesis by Oli Freke — Amazon
- The 80s: A Look Back at the Decade of Synth Pop by Jon Kutner — Amazon
- Howard Jones: The Biography (Unofficial) — Amazon
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Howard Jones’ Biggest Hit Answered
What does Howard Jones do now?
Howard Jones continues to tour internationally and release new music. His recent albums, such as Transform (2019) and Dialogue (2022), showcase his evolution while staying true to his synth-pop roots. He also performs at 80s nostalgia festivals and synth pop events worldwide, keeping the spirit alive for new and old fans alike.
How many albums has Howard Jones sold?
Howard Jones has sold over 8 million albums worldwide, a testament to his enduring appeal. His albums Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action were particularly successful, achieving platinum status in multiple countries.
Who recorded “No One Is to Blame”?
The hit single version of “No One Is to Blame” was re-recorded with Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals. This collaboration helped the song reach #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and broadened Jones’s appeal in the American market.
What are Howard Jones’ top charting songs?
Howard Jones’ top charting songs include:
- “No One Is to Blame” (#4 US)
- “What Is Love?” (#2 UK)
- “New Song” (#3 UK)
- “Things Can Only Get Better” (#5 US, #6 UK)
- “Like to Get to Know You Well” (#4 UK)
How did Howard Jones influence synth pop music?
Jones was a pioneer of the solo synth-pop artist model, combining keyboards, drum machines, and sequencers live on stage. His optimistic lyrics and catchy melodies helped define the genre’s positive side, influencing artists like Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, and modern acts such as CHVRCHES.
Which Howard Jones song is considered a synth pop classic?
“Things Can Only Get Better” is widely regarded as a synth pop classic, embodying the genre’s upbeat, melodic, and hopeful characteristics. It remains a staple on 80s playlists and synth pop retrospectives.
What year was Howard Jones’ biggest hit released?
“Things Can Only Get Better” was released in 1985 as part of the Dream Into Action album.
How does Howard Jones’ music compare to other synth pop artists?
Jones’ music is characterized by its positive, uplifting lyrics and melodic synth arrangements, setting him apart from darker or more experimental synth acts like Depeche Mode or Gary Numan. His live performances often included mime and theatrical elements, adding a unique flair.
What are the lyrics to Howard Jones’ most popular song?
The chorus of “Things Can Only Get Better” goes:
“Things can only get better
Things can only get better
Things can only get better
So look for the sunny side of life”
For full lyrics, visit Genius Lyrics.
Has Howard Jones collaborated with other synth pop musicians?
While Jones is primarily a solo artist, he has collaborated with notable musicians like Phil Collins and producers such as Rupert Hine. He has also shared stages with other synth pop legends during festivals and tribute events.
Reference Links and Sources for Further Exploration
- Howard Jones (British musician) – Wikipedia
- Official Howard Jones Website
- AllMusic – Howard Jones Discography and Reviews
- Official UK Charts – Howard Jones
- British Phonographic Industry (BPI) Certification
- Billboard Chart History – Howard Jones
- Discogs – Howard Jones Releases
- Genius Lyrics – Howard Jones
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