Best of Howard Jones
This is the only Howard Jones album you'll ever need. HoJo was a founder of early '80s synth-pop, which was as easy to sing to as it was to dance to. The rhythms on this record pop like new wave corn kernels in heated oil, tempered by Jones's high-strung vocals extending over the top. Jones makes good use of the bright synth piano patches available during that time, especially during "Things Can Only Get Better." "No One Is to Blame" is a solid ballad, just Jones and his keyboard. It's heartfelt and regretful--a little cheesy, but in a good way.--Beth Bessmer