When I was 8, I loved Howard Jones. He was the first artist that I really sought after on my own, hearing one song and longing for more. That first song? What else: “Things Can Only Get Better.”
It was lost on me as an 8-year-old just how adult contemporary and downright motivational speaker-y Howard Jones is. He’s in your face about positivity, self-esteem, love. You don’t get that very much from musical artists. Good for him! I read recently that he turned to Buddhism in the late 80s, which makes a lot of sense.
I kind of adore how cheesy he was – is. That key-tar, ever symbolic, is totally in his branding. Amazing. The guy is like 64. Beyond the cheese though – what confuses me is that he spawned from 80s synth & new wave, and his earlier music does fit in. Along with his spiky 80s hair. But his voice toggles between 80s synth artist and… Phil Collins-y adult contemporary. And lo and behold, the two collaborated on HoJo’s big mainstream hit, “No One is to Blame.” I like Phil Collins alright, but only when I’m in a cheesy mood.
Jane brought up HoJo last week, and I launched into a week-long Howard Jones listening spree. Those old favorites still resonate with me, and it makes me realize more and more – I love the cheese. Just give me all the cheese.