Quoting the Allmusic.com biography written by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, "Howard Jones was one of the defining figures of mid-'80s synth pop. Jones' music merged the technology-intensive sound of new wave with the cheery optimism of hippies and late-'60s pop." I personally loved Howard Jones' sound the first time I heard it and have been a fan ever since.

His debut album, Human's Lib, was released in 1983 going #1 in the UK but only reaching #59 on the U.S. album charts. His second album, 1985's Dream Into Action, was his most successful in the U.S. going platinum and reaching #10 on the album charts. He would release two more albums in the 80s and his last single to chart was released in 1992. He might not have as big of a name in the U.S. as some others from the 80s, but several of his singles rank as some of my very favorites from the entire decade. So without further ado, here is OLD SCHOOL'S TOP 10 HOWARD JONES SONGS:

10. "Hide and Seek" from Human's Lib (1983) - This is the song that Jones performed at Live Aid in 1985 [link to video of Live Aid performance]

9. "All I Want" from One to One (1986) [link to video]

8. "What Is Love?" from Human's Lib (1983) [link to video]

7. "Lift Me Up" from In The Running (1992) - This is his last Top 40 hit in the U.S. and only song not from the 80s on this list [link to video]

6. "Like To Get To Know You Well" from Dream Into Action (1985) - Was featured in the film Better Off Dead in a scene which ranks on my Top Montage Scenes from 80s Movies list [link to video]

5. "Everlasting Love" from Cross That Line (1989) [link to video]

4. "Life In One Day" from Dream Into Action (1985) - Features backing vocals by the all-female group Afrodiziak which included Caron Wheeler [link to video]

3. "New Song" from Human's Lib (1983) - His debut single from his debut album [link to video]

2. "Things Can Only Get Better" from Dream Into Action (1985) - Also features backing vocals by Afrodiziak [link to video of live performance]

1. "No One Is To Blame" originally from Dream Into Action (1985), but U.S. Single version is from One to One (1986) - This is one of my very favorite songs of the entire decade. It was re-recorded with Phil Collins as drummer, backing vocals and producer of the version which would become the U.S. single. He has done several acoustic versions that I really like too including one released on his 1996 album Live Acoustic America [link to video for the U.S. single version]

There's my list. If you are a fan of 80s music, you are likely a fan of the "synth-pop" sound. If you are a fan of that sound, then you have to appreciate the great work of Howard Jones. As I said earlier, I am a huge fan and want to wish Mr. Jones a wonderful birthday. I want to thank him for these wonderful songs which I still enjoy as much today as I did back in the 80s. Howard Jones is still performing as well as recording new music (you can find out lots more at his official website), but it is that magical run in the mid-80s that I will always remember him for best.

That will do it for this issue of Kickin' it Old School. Thanks so much for reading. If you are interested in reading any of my other 80s related issues, please click there for a summary of those. If you are interested in reading more of my Top 10 lists, please click there for a summary. You can also always click on the Archives in the upper left hand column or use the Google Search Box at the top of the right hand column to find any other issues you may have missed. If you are a fan of Kickin' it, PLEASE CLICK ON THE FACEBOOK LOGO in the upper right hand column. This will take you to the Fan Page where I ask you to then click on "Become a Fan". Even if you are not a Facebook member yet, please consider joining and registering as a fan at that page. You can also follow Old School on Twitter by clicking on the FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER LOGO also in the upper right hand column. This will take you the page and you can just click on the box that says "Follow". Have been sending daily 80s tweets out via Twitter, so be sure to follow me there. Let other 80s fans know about it as well! Peace and much love.

Check this out: If you stare at this blurry green square long enough, you should be able to see a giraffe. Keep looking and let your eyes focus. Stare hard & you should be able to see it. Give it a try!

Quote of the day: "The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now." -James Baldwin