What is love howard jones

Overview of "What Is Love"

"What Is Love" is a synthpop song released in 1983 by British musician Howard Jones from his debut album "Human's Lib". The track became an international success, establishing Jones as a major voice in 1980s new wave and electronic pop music. The song's thoughtful lyrics combined with its engaging synthesizer arrangements made it both a commercial success and a fan favorite that remains popular decades later.

Musical Style and Production

The song exemplifies the synthpop and new wave sound that dominated 1980s pop music. Howard Jones utilizes prominent keyboards and synthesizers to create an upbeat, energetic soundscape that contrasts with the introspective nature of the lyrics. The production features layers of electronic instruments, a catchy melodic hook, and Jones' distinctive vocal delivery. The arrangement balances electronic sophistication with pop accessibility, making the philosophical subject matter engaging for mainstream audiences while appealing to music enthusiasts who appreciated the technical instrumentation.

Lyrical Content and Themes

The song explores fundamental questions about love, human connection, and the difficulty in defining or understanding love's true nature. Rather than offering simple answers, the song presents love as complex, multifaceted, and sometimes contradictory. Howard Jones examines emotional vulnerability, the desire for human connection, and the universal experience of grappling with love's meaning. The thoughtful lyrics resonated with listeners who appreciated pop music with substantive content beyond simple romantic declarations.

Chart Performance and Success

"What Is Love" achieved significant commercial success upon its release. The single reached top 10 positions in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and various European nations. The song's success helped establish Howard Jones as a major recording artist and led to extensive radio play and music video rotation on MTV during the height of the music video era. The track contributed to the broader popularity of synthpop and new wave music during the 1980s.

Howard Jones' Career Context

Howard Jones was born in Southampton, England, in 1955 and emerged as a prominent figure in 1980s pop music. "What Is Love" was one of his breakthrough hits, followed by other successful singles like "Things Can Only Get Better", "No One Is to Blame", and "Like to Get to Know You Well". Jones' approach combined electronic instrumentation with thoughtful, introspective songwriting, distinguishing him from more superficial pop acts of the era. He remains active in music, touring regularly and continuing to release new material.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Decades after its initial release, "What Is Love" continues to be recognized and appreciated by music fans worldwide. The song represents a high point of thoughtful synthpop and demonstrates how electronic music could address meaningful themes. Howard Jones' contribution to 1980s pop music is celebrated by critics and fans, with "What Is Love" recognized as one of his finest compositions. The track influenced subsequent synthpop and electronic pop artists and remains a touchstone of 1980s new wave music.