Howard Jones

Coming out of High Wycombe, England in the early 1980s, Howard Jones built his reputation as a one-man synth-pop powerhouse before most people even knew what a synthesizer was. Jones handled everything himself, crafting intricate layers of keyboards and electronic beats while delivering lyrics that leaned heavily into philosophy, self-help, and optimism — not exactly the typical rock and roll playbook, but it worked. His live shows often featured mime artist Jed Hoile as a visual counterpart, giving his performances an almost theatrical edge that set him apart from the pack.

His debut album Human's Lib dropped in 1984 and shot straight to number one in the UK, announcing Jones as a genuine force in the synth-pop movement. Dream Into Action followed in 1985 and broke him wide open in the States, fueled by MTV-friendly videos and radio hits like Things Can Only Get Better and No One Is to Blame. The latter became one of the defining ballads of the decade, showcasing his knack for wrapping genuinely emotional moments inside pristine electronic production.

While rock purists might raise an eyebrow at the absence of guitars, Howard Jones influenced a generation of artists who understood that electronic music could carry just as much emotional weight as any riff-driven track. His optimistic worldview and meticulous sonic craftsmanship made him a cornerstone of 80s new wave that still holds up surprisingly well today.