Howard Jones
Human's Lib

You have built a very complicated life full of ups and downs. Made of sun and rain. And you had so much time at your disposal to have fun and play. You were so caught up in the game that you didn't realize your life was falling apart. Now you are spending the rest of your time searching for all its parts to piece the mosaic back together. At this point I hope you can find them, find all the pieces of your life in everything you see. I also hope you can find my soul inside you.

Here is the prosaic translation of “Hide and Seek”, the most touching track from Howard Jones's debut album, dated 1984. This song has such a touching and engaging sound and melody that you can't help but sing along. Present at “Live Aid”, unlike the other artists who performed their best hits, Mr. Jones played only this piece because he considered it the most suitable for the type of event.

An album with an enigmatic title “Human's Lib” was released right after the explosion of his first single “New Song” which reached the number one spot on the UK chart. Subsequently, the hit “What Is Love” topped the charts thanks to MTV's constant programming, and lastly, “Pearl in the Shell” also made it to the Top ten.

Howard Jones is the most influential figure of mid-'80s synth pop. He managed to blend the high-tech sound of the New Wave with lyrics tied to absolute love and the optimistic vision of the previous generation. The bright, colorful musicality is the trademark of the works of the One Man Band from Southampton, who gave his best in his first release. The tour that followed this album was highly appreciated, so much so that critics hailed him as the new Elton John. Howard Jones was known for performing surrounded by all types of keyboards and synthesizers. With his cheerfulness and pounding sound, he made the audience jump to the constant rhythm of the drum machine.

Unfortunately, his artistic career came to a halt very quickly. Few new ideas and reinterpretations of old tracks in multiple versions. Nothing more.

Listening to him again outside the production period makes one appreciate the contemporaneity of the sounds and arrangements.