What is Love?

Today's edition of Retro Friday features the artist Howard Jones.

If you asked me to pick artists for the sound track of my teenage years, Howard Jones would definitely make the list. His songs were the epitome of teenage angst, mixed with a little encouragement and positive thinking: What Is Love? ... Things Can Only Get Better ... No One Is To Blame ... Everlasting Love. My High School friend A turned me on to Howard Jones, along with much of the KROQ 80's music that we listened to, but when I hear Howard Jones in particular, I definitely think of her!

Howard Jones was born on February 23, 1955 in Southampton, Hampshire, England. According to the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums, "Jones is an accomplished singer-songwriter who was a regular chart visitor in the mid 1980s with his brand of synthpop. Jones, who was equally popular in the U.S., appeared at Live Aid". Allmusic journalist, Stephen Thomas Erlewine adds, "Jones was one of the defining figures of mid 1980s synthpop. His music merged the technology intensive sound of new wave with the cheery optimism of hippies and late 1960s pop. Jones racked up a string of hits in the mid and late 1980s, before he retreated into being a cult figure in the 1990s".

My favorite Howard Jones album is the Dream into Action album, which was released in 1985. One of the most popular singles released from this album, "No One Is to Blame," was later re-recorded and featured Phil Collins as both drummer and producer. Dream into Action was Jones' most successful album, reaching number 2 in the UK and number 10 (and going platinum) in the U.S. The album produced the hit singles "Things Can Only Get Better", "Life In One Day", and "Look Mama". Another highlight of 1985 was Howard Jones performing live at Wembley Stadium as part of the Live Aid concert, singing his 1984 hit "Hide and Seek" while playing a piano belonging to Freddie Mercury.

Listening to Howard Jones brings back very happy-go-lucky High School memories for me. It's just one of those things that always brings a smile to my face! I hope that after listening to a little Howard Jones, you feel the same way, too!

Here is a little Howard Jones for your listening pleasure!

Things Can Only Get Better

No One Is To Blame

Everlasting Love

What Is Love?


I know ... no embarrassing stories this week ... only great music! Enjoy!

Cheers!