Howard Jones’ latest album is a return to his synth-pop beginnings
Howard Jones is one of a fair few synth-pop legends still enjoying success decades after tasting platinum sales back in the 80s. What drives the likes of him, OMD, Gary Numan and more to still be making music all these years later – let alone making successful careers out of it – is something that we’ll discuss later, but the ‘success’ element is certainly not to be downplayed. Jones can still shift 20,000 copies of a self-funded and promoted new album with ease, and even embark on the odd 35-date US tour. Those are sales and venues that most current bands, even signed to many labels, can only dream of.
Howard is, of course, grateful for this ongoing popularity and puts it down to his fans, an almost relentless passion and choosing his projects carefully. He has learned to channel his craft into focused albums that, on the one hand are tailored to those fans, but on the other, allow him to comment on current issues that he feels are important. His latest project, Transform, for example, is a driving synth-pop album that covers everything from losing his mother to dealing with negativity – and saving the planet along the way. It opens with The One To Love You, surely his most single-worthy track in years (a good job then that it is the new single), and also features that rare Howard Jones occurrence: collaborations with an artist outside of his immediate production team. On three tracks he’s partnered with US dance producer BT, a process that he says he greatly enjoyed.