Howard Jones on “Things Can Only Get Better” and ’80s Synth-Pop

Before we get started, we'd like to make one thing clear:

Things can only get better.

Howard Jones told us so in 1985, and we're still holding him to it.

In this classic Stuck in the ’80s interview, we talk with Howard Jones about his rise from the British synth-pop scene to international success and the songs that made him one of the most recognizable artists of the early MTV era.

Howard Jones Breaks Through With “New Song”

Jones arrived in 1983 with “New Song,” introducing audiences to an optimistic, keyboard-driven sound that stood apart even during a decade overflowing with synthesizers.

His debut album, Human's Lib, also featured “What Is Love?” and helped establish Jones as a major star in the U.K.

American success soon followed.

The 1985 album Dream Into Action produced “Things Can Only Get Better,” “Life in One Day” and “Like to Get to Know You Well,” while Jones became a familiar presence on MTV.

He also performed at Live Aid in 1985, putting him onstage during one of the decade's defining musical events.

“No One Is to Blame”

One of Jones' biggest American hits came from a song that sounded very different from his more upbeat singles.

A re-recorded version of “No One Is to Blame,” produced by Phil Collins, became a major U.S. hit in 1986.

Its melancholy lyrics and restrained arrangement showed there was considerably more to Howard Jones than synthesizer hooks and spectacularly ’80s hair.

Jones continued scoring hits with songs including “You Know I Love You... Don't You?” and 1989's “Everlasting Love.”

Howard Jones Looks Back on His ’80s Hits

In our Howard Jones interview, he looks back on his music, his use of emerging electronic technology and the whirlwind years that took him from playing keyboards in England to becoming an international pop star.

His songs remain perfectly suited to ’80s nostalgia because they capture something the decade sometimes doesn't get enough credit for:

Optimism.

Howard Jones made music about questioning your assumptions, embracing change and believing things might actually work out.

More than 40 years later, we'll take it.

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Use promo code STUCK when booking to receive $250 in onboard credit.

Things can only get better.

Especially with $250 in onboard credit.

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