80s Synth Pop/New Wave LEGEND Howard Jones On Story Of His Top 5 Songs | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: With Things Can Only Get Better in mind, what are some classic songs that lift you up and make you feel great!

[@edhirt1020]

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.

[@janet4498]

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.

[@Stlmgnolia]

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

[@Slammy555]

Best match I can think of is Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F.

[@williambenner5550]

"It's The End Of The World As We Know It" REM. Magic Man Heart.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

“Everlasting Love” is one of my favorite 80’s jams that I wish more people were aware of. Such a great sound and message.

[@dk9619]

Yes! This is one of my all time favorites! Thanks for making me smile

[@lyricalalchemist4091]

Such A Grest Song.

[@burnout3722]

Howard Jones is a legend! I still feel he is severely underrated!

[@christinevr7698]

Agreed!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very true. SO many hits. One of the foremost icons of era.

[@billystutz55]

Howard Jones doesn't get the credit he deserves. I love his music

[@alanrabjohns4656]

Just listen to Specialty and lift me up and tears to tell😊😊😊😅😅😅🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@surlechapeau]

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!!

[@rebeccahwalker4395]

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. 😊

[@Jacksondean.]

Just scrolling through and this gladdens my heart, thank you for being a fan ❤️❤️

[@Tubes12AX7k]

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.

[@rikaika4178]

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.

[@Niklarus2010]

Things Can Only Get Better is such a relentlessly hopeful song that I can never get enough of it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It really lifts you up!

[@tomlorijohnston]

No One is to Blame brings back bittersweet memories for me. One of my best friends was tragically hit by a drunk driver in the spring of 1986. I had just turned 16 years old. Death is difficult to deal with at any age, but this was the first loss I had experienced in my life. We spent the entire summer of 1985 together watching MTV, riding our bikes around town, playing baseball at the neighborhood elementary school and swimming at the community pool. During the summer of 1986, No One is to Blame (and Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams) played often over the speakers at the pool. I wanted to spend time with my friend, but I couldn't bring her back. When planning activities, I instinctually thought, "Hey, let's see if Renee can come!" and the realization and finality of her death would hit me. The lyrics of wanting something so badly but not being able to have it resonated with me. Ultimately, a drunk driver was to blame, and he spent the rest of his life in jail. But I could not have my friend back. Forgiving that driver through the lyrics of this song was what helped me cope with the most painful loss I had experienced to that point in my life. P.S. - Summer of '69 brings back the happier memories. Today, I still sing "Summer of '85" when I hear it. - Lori J.

[@alanrabjohns4656]

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!!!❤❤😊😊😊

[@patriciatardugno7275]

I loved, "No One Is To Blame".

[@Jacksondean.]

❤❤

[@msmoniz]

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!

[@chuckhuber5294]

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.

[@RenePeraza]

BTW: 'No One Is To Blame' mixes perfectly into 'Hold Me Now' by Thompson Twins, next time you're spinning an 80s prom night!

[@JasonM96]

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.

[@doncollins6465]

‘No one is to blame’ is a song that I had on constant rotation for ages. Beautiful! A stand out track of the decade.

[@Private-Hudson]

Hide and seek by Howard is one of the best and most hauntingly beautiful songs of that era.

[@TalisSolepsis]

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.

[@MichaelLeeHoward]

I have met him twice too and he really is so down to earth

[@christinevr7698]

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.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very humble guy for sure.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool.

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

(12:32) "Phil played the drums and added his 'Invisible Touch'." I see what you did there, Mr. Reader! 😉👏🏿

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

@Anna Trail I agree. Thank you, ma'am. I hope that you are doing well too.

[@martynlewis5901]

I’ve always loved New Song especially the version on The 12” Album. Great song just much more of it!

[@islandbee]

You Know I Love You is one of the most underrated Howard Jones songs. The synth horns are awesome on that song.

[@Jillyconjem]

“Like To Get To Know You Well” “Things Can Only Get Better” “No One Is To Blame” Always loved him. Still do. 💜💜💜

[@jeffreykoger3978]

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!

[@thomsevilla4956]

no one is to blame is my fave of his ......

[@utahsteveoutdoors]

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.

[@Cicilo1983]

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.

[@LeeLee-sk2wf]

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.

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

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.

[@smokey62productions99]

Thanks for this, I had buried away how much I love his music. It was the soundtrack to the best years of my life.

[@jennifermorris6848]

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.

[@Jacksondean.]

Just scrolling through and this gladdens my heart, thank you for being a fan ❤️❤️

[@coloaten6682]

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.

[@JoeyOMusic]

Nicely done! Just met him last week and saw him in concert. Fabulous! ❤️🎹🎶

[@jasonchace494]

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!

[@sirmoog]

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.

[@drewdalzell6924]

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.

[@boblaw6903]

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!

[@BecomeConsciousNow]

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.

[@judysebern2005]

Yes! Howard J. Gave me comfort and joy in the 80’s ❤️ 🍻 cheers

[@Jacksondean.]

Thank you for being an amazing fan ❤😊

[@eightiesmusic1984]

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.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@robcoventry574]

“Chairman of synth pop.” Love it! And completely agree.

[@aaronlatham8358]

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.

[@DaveCosley]

No one is to blame is one of my favorite songs from the 80s. A true classic. 👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great lyrics.

[@bishdizzle67]

I seriously could and have seen him do his show just with him and his piano. One of the greats

[@KevyNova]

I saw him in concert 8 years ago and he put on a great show, with everyone singing along. During Like To Get To Know You Well, he came off stage and walked through the audience with his keytar and headset mic singing to people. If you get a chance to see him, GO!!!

[@shawnkramer37]

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.

[@intertubicular]

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.

[@samuelbush8734]

Just saw him in concert tonight. One of the best I've seen. Love HoJo!

[@trifritz2571]

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.”

[@bigwillie5717]

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.

[@marisa0478]

Absolutely love HOJO and his music!

[@scottburton9701]

My two favorite HoJo songs are "Things Can Only Get Better" & "No One Is To Blame".

[@cruisinwithdentures]

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.

[@patmurray8265]

Two years ago, Howard Jones did a American tour with Men without Hats. My brother plays the drums for the Hats. He told me Howard was one of the nicest people he had ever met. Made me feel proud being a fan of Howard Jones and my brother.

[@georgemathie8123]

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

[@amberheardsbumpyknuckles9336]

I haven't heard the word "choice" used as an adjective for ages... Love it... Immediately adding it to the lexicon. Choice episode!

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

Absolutely one of the Best! New Song came out right when I needed it, and been a fan ever since!

[@jefff2223]

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!

[@ProvenGroove]

Things can only get better is 1 of my favorites - cool horn line and song that makes a person feel better 👍

[@axelspaulding5558]

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!

[@RobinMarks1313]

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.

[@hbofbyu1]

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.

[@TheTakeRocks]

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.

[@martinpascoe5904]

From Southern Australia we love you Professor! Howard Jones was HUGE here : What is Love? is incredible

[@FatherAndTeacherTV]

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!

[@billystutz55]

Definitely do! He's so good

[@kristineholcroft9163]

Loved howard jones when i was young in the 80s still love him and a lot of our 80s music still listening

[@dr.westwood]

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.

[@Peter-gu9ph]

Have loved Howard since the early days... So happy to see The Prisoner on this list!

[@mr.mertman5711]

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!!!

[@DavidSmith-zd2rp]

Everlasting Love was always a big favorite of mine

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

The video is one of the best ever!!!❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song.

[@christianboyd4635]

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.

[@michaellove174]

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

[@ashleydonohoe7941]

I love Howard Jones' song everlasting love.

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

Fantastic singer.Love some of his music

[@kings656565]

Absolutely brilliant. Howard Jones.

[@cuzzindave]

The passion in your voice towards Hojo is in no way overstated! I listened to a music critic go off on him one day and was like..."This isn't even sort of accurate!" Howard Jones sounds dated....and yet for me that's ok! I like him right where he was and each time I hear him the memories of a certain time come back. Thirty five+ years later one of his songs comes on the radio and a room full of people will still sing along. You can't ask for more than that really!

[@theditto69]

Saw Howard last night. He opened for culture club and followed Berlin. He killed it! I could not believe it. Amazing

[@AnnieBoBannie421]

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 ❤

[@Jacksondean.]

Thank You for being a fan ❤❤

[@shane6242]

Howard Jones is a great one, so many hits! Can't go wrong with this 5er Prof :)

[@downhomesunset]

I love his music-I adore “Nobody Is To Blame”

[@ocw164]

He's really great. You can listen to any of his albums and you will love every single song !

[@islandbee]

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!

[@scottwilson4008]

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

[@JeffMulitalo]

Howard is the truth. My fiver: (1) Pearl in the Shell [From Live Acoustic America], (2) At the Speed of Love [Transform], (3) The Presence of Other [Revolution of the Heart], (4) Transform [Transform], (5) We Make the Weather [People]. I would love to hear Howard talk about lesser known album concepts: Revolution of the Heart, Ordinary Heroes, Engage, Transform. Thanks professor!

[@StepOSX]

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.

[@bethshadid2087]

Things can only get better was such a uplifting jam. Also have to agree with your number one pick.....awesome awesome song.

[@mmccartney6579]

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!! :)

[@moose6509]

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.........

[@celebkiriedhel]

I fell in love with Howard when he first got popular - and bought all the albums. There isn't a bad song on the lot. "A little bit of Snow" was an absolute favourite of mine.

[@Jacksondean.]

Just scrolling through and this gladdens my heart, thank you for being a fan ❤️❤️

[@hello-vs4dc]

@@Jacksondean.I remember seeing you at a small club in NYC sometime between the late 90s and mid-2001 when, unfortunately, you had lost your voice … But that didn’t matter one iota to the small audience of dedicated HoJo fans like me who had excitedly packed the club to see you. We did the singing while you played, and I don’t think anyone in the place wasn’t smiling from ear to ear - yourself included! It’s still one of my favorite concert memories, and definitely the most remarkable audience I’ve been lucky to be a part of … and all because your music is so special to us and you happened to have laryngitis! Thank you for a beautiful evening! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Jacksondean.]

@@hello-vs4dc Thank you for being an amazing fan ❤️❤️ How long have you been a fan ?

[@hello-vs4dc]

@@Jacksondean. I’ve been a fan since you released _Human’s Lib_, which is still one of my favorite albums!!! 🥰🥰🥰 However, I didn’t discover your music until the release of “What Is Love.”

[@Jacksondean.]

@@hello-vs4dc That is really good to know dear.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Professor! Ive always loved Howard Jones music! Great interview! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelfrazia4569]

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

[@frumexicano4112]

"Like To Get To Know You Well" and "Everlasting Love" are unforgivable omissions from this list (Ok fine, I'll forgive you)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Too many great songs. A fiver for HoJo is tough.

[@stevewiskowski495]

My favorites in no particular order: Like To Get To Know You Well New Song What is Love Look Mama Life In One Day

[@nickcohoon820]

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

[@traceyk4531]

"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!

[@705johnnyboy]

i went to his concert in adelaide ,always loved howard jones ,have all his albums..

[@mahesaarifin6263]

Everytime Listen to HoJo, always reminds me to my Late Brother. HoJo was his favorite.. a Fan From Bali, Indonesia

[@celestjujube8]

My happy songs have always been Don't worry be happy and Things can only get better! I really lover HoJo's music! So Pop and yet so deep and thoughtful!

[@ashlynlisle7409]

Just as you say, Howard's keyboard virtuosity is showcased with just him and a grand piano on Live Acoustic America.

[@daiseytheduchessofh]

I saw him in concert on his acoustic tour in 1992. It was awesome! ❤

[@DRKDOVE70]

One of my fave artists of all time.❤❤❤