Audio By Carbonatix
Within a year of getting his start in the early ’80s, Howard Jones performed on Top of the Pops and subsequently garnered a record deal that resulted in the 1984 release of his debut album, Human’s Lib. While he wasn’t quite an overnight sensation, his career took off quickly, and his first album made him a pop star with a single in the John Cusack vehicle Better Off Dead. Then, with the success of 1985’s Dream Into Action and the hit song “Things Can Only Get Better,” he became something of an ’80s music icon. His mixture of melodic soulfulness, buoyant yet atmospheric synth work and warmly charismatic stage presence set Jones apart from many of his contemporaries. Catch him playing his first two albums in their entirety at the Summit as he proves that he’s still got it.
Will you step up to support Westword this year?
At Westword, we’re small and scrappy — and we make the most of every dollar from our supporters. Right now, we’re $22,000 away from reaching our December 31 goal of $50,000. If you’ve ever learned something new, stayed informed, or felt more connected because of Westword, now’s the time to give back.
