still essential Howard Jones

Howard did not have as many fast techno-dance oriented tracks on this one, but the technology still shows up masterfully. There are several synth?-tricks on this album I've never heard elsewhere. He uses horns wonderfully on the firsts track "You know.." and the songwriting is still masterful and original. No two songs sound alike. Catchy hooks, great use of musical bridges and shifting moods and textures (in a modern music way), this is still an essential disc if you are exploring HoJo music. Should have gotten more credit and I wish it was remastered.

What Happened?

After "Human's Lib" and "Dream Into Action:, I was all fired up to hear what HoJo had in store for us the next go around. What I got, was what I think, is his most disappointing album. "You Know I Love You" somewhat sounds like HoJo was trying to re-visit "Things Can Only Get Better" but it didn't work. "No One Is To Blame" was originaly on "Dream Into Action". This new version was produced by Phil Collins. The two songs that I really do like on this album are "Will You Still Be There?" and "Give Me Strength". I think HoJo spent a lot of time arranging this album, and trying new ideas and concepts. The songs seem well produced but lack the warmth and infectiousness of his previous works. Which is ironic since he began to use live musicians more on this album than on his previous two.

You Know I Love Howard's Music...Don't You?

This is by far my fave album from HoJO!

"You Know I Love You...Don't You" is a fast rhythm pacer with a bunch of sexy similees like "i'm the steam engine and you are the tracks...roll over me I'll be rolling right back!".

"Give & Take (Balance of Love)" is sung with backup singer Caron Wheeler I believe which creeps its way into a duet with Howard and Caron sparring really well together! This so should have been a single!

"All I Want" is a penultimate HoJo lovesong. Predating "Everlasting Love" this song became the second single from the album. This is really a sweet invitation to spend a lifetime together as only Howard can deliver.

"Where Are We Going?" has this neat little vocal sample loop that forms a sorta beat pattern. A song about refusing to conforming to others expectations and using your full potential. Very HoJo to slide in some issues here!

"Don't Want To Fight Anymore" Howard gets down and boogies! Backup singers, fast loud ranting just makes this a great song!!

""Step Into These Shoes" is a busy song with phone bells and horns which settles around the chorus'. "Step into these shoes and feel this heart...".

"Will You Still Be There" is an achy song that Howard sings so sweetly. Released as a fourth single this song went nowhere. (Meanwhile so did Howard as he went to NYC to open his veggie bistro "NOWHERE"!). Still this is such a beautiful song it remains a fan favorite.

"Good Luck Bad Luck" sparkles with synth! Howard is a bit of Taoist and you can compare this one to "Is There a Difference" on the DREAM INTO ACTION album.

"Give Me Strength" is so cool! It's as if Howard has saved the best for the later part of the album! Reggae rhythm, rapper style delivery, and a neat processed vocal sample that jumps from speaker to speaker!

"Little Bit of Snow" is the only antidrug song that could make rocks cry. Rather than preach the ill effects of drugs, Howard just basically says he wants you let people help you. "Please give you to us...don't destroy yourself in a little bit of snow".
Acoustic piano, strings and vibraphone make this musically one of his prettiest tunes. This was the third single, released only in the UK. (Around this time I believe there was a controversial article in one of the London papers that explained how crack was made which outraged many people. This song would later be put on an Antidrug Benefit record along with Bananamrama's "Hooked on love".)

"No One is To Blame" is a remade version originally from the DREAM INTO ACTION album. More synth, backup vocals and Phil Collins, this became HoJo's biggest hit! But to be honest, it's so overplayed they should have put "Roll Over", an unbelievable omission from ONE TO ONE that became a b-side later on.

This was a turning point in Howard's career where he cared less about looking kooky and focused on being a great songwriter. So...what are you doing? Go buy it!