Howard Jones' first new album in four years offers fans more of what they first enjoyed about the '80s synth-rocker. While Transform is another one-man-band synth-rock production, it reveals his evolution as a songwriter.
Howard Jones talked about his new album: "It's a kind of return to my roots, in a way, It's a full-on electronic album -- all synths, drum machines, technology. At the root of it all is songs, 'cause, you know that's what I do. And really exciting keyboard sounds, with big anthemic tunes and big landscapes. The sort of thing that I...was doing on the first two albums. But I've learned a bit since then."
The native of Southampton, England who made his mark with "Things Can Only Get Better" and "No One Is to Blame" turned 64 recently. And he clearly identifies with the musicians from his youth who influenced his writing, recording and performing style.
Howard Jones discussed his musical heroes: "Growing up in the '60s and '70s, are obviously, your biggest influence, so [Keith] Emerson was my keyboard god -- and Stevie Wonder. Yeah, and he was an embracer of the technology. He would always have the latest thing in and I got to jam with him in the studio at one time. Elton John, for songwriting. McCartney, for songwriting."