Think you know everything about Howard Jones and his iconic 80s hits? Think again.
Behind the synth-pop anthems that defined a generation lie secrets so surprising, they’ll make you hear classics like “Things Can Only Get Better” and “No One Is to Blame” in a whole new light.
From near-disasters in the studio to hidden meanings in the lyrics, here are five shocking truths about Howard Jones’ biggest hits—straight from the man himself.
1. “What Is Love?” Was Recorded in a Living Room
Before Howard Jones became a synth-pop legend, he was a DIY musician with a dream—and a tape recorder.
The demo for “What Is Love?” was recorded in his living room, with Jones playing every instrument himself.
Even crazier? The iconic “woo-hoo” backing vocals were improvised on the spot and almost left out of the final track.
2. “No One Is to Blame” Almost Had a Very Different Sound
This haunting ballad was originally conceived as an upbeat, synth-driven track.
It wasn’t until producer Phil Collins stepped in that the song took its melancholic turn, with Collins famously adding the drum fill that became its signature.
Fun fact: Jones wrote the lyrics while stuck in traffic, scribbling them on the back of a parking ticket.
3. The Hidden Message in “Like to Get to Know You Well”
On the surface, it’s a feel-good anthem about connection, but the song has a deeper meaning.
Jones revealed it was inspired by his fascination with human psychology and the masks people wear in social situations.
The upbeat melody was intentionally crafted to contrast the song’s more introspective lyrics—a classic Jones paradox.
4. The Near-Disaster Behind “Things Can Only Get Better”
This uplifting hit almost didn’t make it onto the album.
During recording, a technical glitch erased the entire track, forcing Jones to rebuild it from scratch in one marathon 24-hour session.
The pressure paid off: it became his highest-charting single in the U.S., proving that sometimes, things really do get better.
5. The Song Jones Hated Performing (But Fans Loved)
Despite its popularity, Jones once admitted he grew tired of playing “Hide and Seek” live.
Why? The complex synth arrangements made it a nightmare to recreate on stage, leading to years of frustration.
Ironically, it remains one of his most requested songs—proof that even the artist doesn’t always get the final say.
So, did any of these truths surprise you?
Howard Jones’ music has always been about layers—both in sound and meaning—and now you’ve peeked behind the curtain.
Next time you listen to “New Song,” remember: even the brightest pop gems have shadows worth exploring.
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