Howard Jones is the ultimate optimist. His songwriting and attitude both reflect a person who’s determined to throw off his mental chains, as he professes in “New Song.” I’ve been a fan of his since his earliest MTV videos, where his vocal range and hairstyle defied gravity equally. So who’s ready for a Howard Jones dream setlist?
I’ve been lucky enough to interview Howard twice. Once on the podcast in 2010 when his tour came through Tampa Bay. Another time on the 2023 voyage of The 80s Cruise when Howard was our special guest for Big 80s Trivia. I’ve probably seen him perform a half dozen times over the years. He’s a fantastic live performer who likes to mix up his setlists while still honoring the hits that he’s known best for.
Howard is actually on the road again these days promoting a new best-of collection: Howard Jones – Celebrating 40 Years 1983-2023. For that tour, let’s playing 17 songs but I’ll trim it a little for my dream setlist. Here goes.
Howard Jones Dream Setlist:
Pearl in the Shell: HoJo opened with this tune in 2010 when I saw him in Largo, Fla., and it’s a gem. A snappy, loud start. This fourth and final release from 1984’s “Human Lib” sets the tone for a fun evening.
You Know I Love You, Don’t You: Before the audience can catch its breath, here comes another underrated classic from “One To One.” It wasn’t a huge hit, but I love it regardless.
Lift Me Up: Howard’s 1992 album “In the Running” was a departure from his regular poppy sound with the exception of this tune. The video, which features footage of jazz-era performers, is a blast too.
Like To Get To Know You Well: First heard this on the “Better Off Dead” soundtrack. Astute moviegoers will also recognize in playing in “The Social Network” during a frat party scene. Howard wrote it with the 1984 Summer Olympics in mind.
Everlasting Love: Have I waxed on too much about Howard’s excellence with music videos? This bright shining star of a tune is well-matched when played out by two mummies – everlasting love indeed.
Ordinary Heroes: The title track from his 2009 album is an underappreciated gem. Most casual fans won’t recognize but I still appreciate the songwriting evolution it represents.
Soon You’ll Go: Here’s the real gem from “Ordinary Heroes.” Get out your hankies as Howard sings about his daughter’s department for college and the wonders of life that wait ahead for her. Oh, hell, I’m not crying … my keyboard is just really dusty.
What Is Love? From his debut album, this song is peak HoJo. In fact, he handles just about every facet of the song including lead and backing vocals (with an assist from the great Rupert Hine).
Life In One Day: “Try and enjoy the here and now. The future will take care of itself somehow. The grass is never greener over there.” Oh, if I could only go back and time and tell my younger self how true this is.
New Song: HoJo loves to tell the story of how he wrote this first single. A factory worker at the time – and very unhappy about it – he decided to throw off his mental chains and become a musician. And thank god he did.
ENCORES
Things Can Only Get Better: The first HoJo video I saw on MTV. That hair! I still hum this tune on days when I need a pick-me-up and it works without exception.
Hide and Seek: Howard’s single-tune setlist for 1985’s Live Aid. Let him play it solo here for maximum emotional payoff.
No One Is To Blame: No, we’re not talking the Phil Collins’ remix. I want the original – Howard and the piano only. If you’ve never heard this version live, then you have only yourself to blame.
More Dream Setlists: