Howard Jones - Human's Lib - 1984

HJ's first album, and my second favorite.  These were the songs that were playing on my radio when I was first discovering Pop music.  I remember them vividly, and his videos on Saturday Night Videos on our local channel, playing the best videos after 11pm. 

Howard truly shows a maturity level in his songwriting that a lot of his peers completely lacked.  When compared to others, who wrote about these subjects at a level that he did?  Shy of Phil Collins' solo work, I can't think of many. Maybe Bryan Ferry.  Aside from all that, it's funny, yet somewhat disheartening to read the various contemporary reviews of the album during the time it was released.  Some of the reviews seem to be exercises in verbal logistics more than substantial analysis of the album.  Most of them were probably jealous, anyway.

Howard had quite a few b-sides for this album, and I think I have them all here.  The mix disc is extra special, too.  But, I'm not sure if I have all of the mixes, let me know if I don't.  As for the cover, I have always liked the artwork, so I kept it the same, just making a black version and a white version.

Enjoy...

Howard Jones - Human's Lib - 1984

Mixes

Howard Jones - One to One - 1986

By this time, Howard had started to wind down.  His popularity was flagging, and his writing on this album was less than impressive.  Mind you, it's still a great album, it just doesn't carry the clout that his earlier releases did.  He'd gotten rid of the huge hairdo, which is a plus.  But the album showcases something specific about him, he's maturing.  No longer is he concerned with writing songs for teeny-boppers, and he's writing songs his own age.  The singles are good, the album tracks aren't bad, but the album as a whole is solid.  It is a solid piece of work that really reflects a lot of time and effort to make it as best as he could.  A true artist.

We didn't hear from HJ again until 89 with Everlasting Love off the Cross That Line album, another HJ essential. 

If we strip out all of the unnecessary crap from the 80s and only kept the artists and albums that expressed the true heart and soul of humanity, I'm sure that Howard Jones would be among that crowd.  It's a small crowd, and guys like HJ don't come along that often.  Take the time and appreciate this man who is in tune with his soul.  You may learn something....

Howard Jones - One to One - 1986 

Howard Jones - Hunger For the Flesh (Mensepid Video Edit)

Preparing a Howard Jones post for mid-October, and I found this absolutely beautiful video for HJ's Hunger For the Flesh.  It's all about the video, and it gives a whole new dimension to the song....  I love this one!

Howard Jones - Dream Into Action & Action Replay - 1985-86

My favorite of Howard Jones albums, this one reminds me of my youth in Chicago.  It came out when I was in Junior High, and I had the cassette of Action Replay.  At the time it wasn't one of my favorites, but it was always a go-to when I was looking for something "normal" to listen to.

As I've aged, I have grown to respect the work that Howard did in the 80s.  Yes, it was Psuedo-New Wave Radio Pop, but it was all well written.  He worked with a number of talented producers and musicians, including Phil Collins, that helped to give true heart and life to his work.  Although some of the songs aren't too interesting, I can't say anything bad about them lyrically, their melodies aren't that bad, and the production was always tight.  He is a true artist and master at what he does.

I saw him live in 1999 in Chicago with Human League and Culture Club.  All three bands were great, but Howard was the only one who went out there without pretense, and just to have a good time.  He didn't dress up flashy, he didn't have the wild hair, and he was smiling the entire time.  He even brought his teenage son out on stage for a couple of songs.

I don't know how else to put it other than the guy is simply GENUINE. And I love that about him.

Howard Jones - Dream Into Action - 1985

Howard Jones - Action Replay - 1986