Search - Howard Jones :: Revolution of the Heart

Does Anybody Love Anybody Anyway?

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 09/23/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So Howard Jones returns after eight years with "Revolution Of The Heart", and you can tell by looking at the front and back covers that this is an attempt to return to his electronic roots. With a blonde mowhawk now instead of orange, Howard appears like a middle-aged jet setter on a Friday night in Los Angeles, walking the Sunset Strip. Yet, the music herein would probably not appeal to those people. No, Howard lyrically refines the views he laid down on his two best albums, 1984's "Human's Lib" and 1985's "Dream Into Action". Themes of making peace, getting in touch with one's feelings, finding insight into one's behaviors, anti-war messages, religious messages and spirituality are all over each song.



Howard works his pen well in writing. I don't think he's had something he was this enthusiastic to say since 1989's "Cross That Line". He wisely avoids past mistakes (see 1992's "The Voices Are Back" from "In The Running") to make statements that hit their marks.



What about the music? Well, having seen Howard three times in concert, and owning all of his albums, "Revolution Of The Heart" is a bit behind the times technologically. In fact, I felt Howard has somehow fallen out of touch with a genre he used to be a spearhead for. There's nothing cutting edge as what you might find on "Human's Lib" or "Dream Into Action", but he manages to rise above mediocrity with repeated listens. I'd say this falls somewhere beneath the aforementioned albums but above the dismal "In The Running", "Working In The Back Room" and "People". So, it is a return to form of sorts, but more like a step in the right direction rather than a complete success. He really ought to take his cues from other New Wavers such as Human League's 2001 effort "Secrets", Roland Orzabal's (of Tears For Fears) 2001 "Tomcats Screaming Outside", or even Depeche Mode or Kraftwerk.



As it stands, I don't think he will have any recognition in the charts in the U.S. There's nothing here that would fit right now, but I'd say the most likely single would be "Just Look At You Now" with "Revolution Of The Heart" possibly being a second single. I also enjoyed "The Presence Of Other", "Black & White" and the 8 1/2 minute epic "For You, See Me".



My hope would be that Howard continue to make more cutting edge electronic music rather than playing it safe. Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins certainly evolved into Babble and now International Obsever, and Howard could, with his own publishing company and label, make some very interesting and experimental music if he so desired. But, for now we are left with this cd, which will have to suffice until Mr. Jones challenges himself more. Maybe he needs a producer like Rick Rubin, or maybe he should try Rupert Hine again.



If you are a fan of Howard Jones, I'd recommend buying this, I don't think you will be disappointed, but I also don't think you will be amazed."

Just Look At Him Now!!

James C. Laubhan | Austin, TX | 09/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just a correction to a previous reviewer.. Howards last commercial CD was not "Human", it was "People", which is a GREAT CD.. on "Revoution" Howard returns to his synth pop days of the mid to late 80's, virtually abandoning his "adult contempoary" style of say 95-2003. Results do not disappoint, and it's just amazing to me that his voice never seems to age. He sounds younger and more vibrant (even though some of these songs are a bit dark for HoJo), than in 1985. First 4 songs will make you both smile and dance big time though, and I hope these find their way to clubs and radio stations in the US.. Whatever style Howard puts out, he knows how to please his fans, and that's whats kept me listening for 21 years. 80's bands and performers seem stuck in the past, but Howard has always remained fresh, weather as a solo artist, executive producer for up and coming artists like DBA, or Martin Grech, or record label exec with his own D-TOX. Any fan of Howards early work will find this CD particuarly enjoyable, so pick up a copy and enjoy! Well done HoJo, and welcome back!!"

A+!!!! Welcome back HOWARD!

Julyguy | Richmond, VA | 09/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't BE more excited about this CD! After what seems like decades of watching Howard Jones fade into obscurity, he has returned out of nowhere with his best album since his debut ("Human's Lib") in 1983.



At 50 years old, Howard has rediscovered the electronic pop music that made him a star both on MTV & radio stations worldwide 20 years ago. Throughout most of the 90's, HoJo fans left the star behind as he travelled further & further down the adult contemporary path to obscurity. Lucky for us, however, Howard has come to his senses & apparently re-embraced his love for electronica.



"Revolution of The Heart" may be dark in tone, but bright in spirit- with its pulsing dance beats, electronic blips & bleeps, & Howard's earnest vocals. Several singles from the album have already exploded on the UK dance charts & hopefully will do the same here. If only American FM airwaves were more open to older artists, Howard Jones would be a prime candidate for a Cher-"Believe"-style massive comeback.



For fans: be on the look-out for the imported expanded edition coming out soon. This version contains a different cover & a second disc of remixes!!!"