Customer Reviews

Revolution of the Heart

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

So Howard Jones returns after eight years with "Revolution Of The Heart", and you can tell by looking at the front and back covers that this is an attempt to return to his electronic roots. With a blonde mowhawk now instead of orange, Howard appears like a middle-aged jet setter on a Friday night in Los Angeles, walking the Sunset Strip. Yet, the music herein would probably not appeal to those people. No, Howard lyrically refines the views he laid down on his two best albums, 1984's "Human's Lib" and 1985's "Dream Into Action". Themes of making peace, getting in touch with one's feelings, finding insight into one's behaviors, anti-war messages, religious messages and spirituality are all over each song.

Howard works his pen well in writing. I don't think he's had something he was this enthusiastic to say since 1989's "Cross That Line". He wisely avoids past mistakes (see 1992's "The Voices Are Back" from "In The Running") to make statements that hit their marks.

What about the music? Well, having seen Howard three times in concert, and owning all of his albums, "Revolution Of The Heart" is a bit behind the times technologically. In fact, I felt Howard has somehow fallen out of touch with a genre he used to be a spearhead for. There's nothing cutting edge as what you might find on "Human's Lib" or "Dream Into Action", but he manages to rise above mediocrity with repeated listens. I'd say this falls somewhere beneath the aforementioned albums but above the dismal "In The Running", "Working In The Back Room" and "People". So, it is a return to form of sorts, but more like a step in the right direction rather than a complete success. He really ought to take his cues from other New Wavers such as Human League's 2001 effort "Secrets", Roland Orzabal's (of Tears For Fears) 2001 "Tomcats Screaming Outside", or even Depeche Mode or Kraftwerk.

As it stands, I don't think he will have any recognition in the charts in the U.S. There's nothing here that would fit right now, but I'd say the most likely single would be "Just Look At You Now" with "Revolution Of The Heart" possibly being a second single. I also enjoyed "The Presence Of Other", "Black & White" and the 8 1/2 minute epic "For You, See Me".

My hope would be that Howard continue to make more cutting edge electronic music rather than playing it safe. Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins certainly evolved into Babble and now International Obsever, and Howard could, with his own publishing company and label, make some very interesting and experimental music if he so desired. But, for now we are left with this cd, which will have to suffice until Mr. Jones challenges himself more. Maybe he needs a producer like Rick Rubin, or maybe he should try Rupert Hine again.

If you are a fan of Howard Jones, I'd recommend buying this, I don't think you will be disappointed, but I also don't think you will be amazed.

Just a correction to a previous reviewer.. Howards last commercial CD was not "Human", it was "People", which is a GREAT CD.. on "Revoution" Howard returns to his synth pop days of the mid to late 80's, virtually abandoning his "adult contempoary" style of say 95-2003. Results do not disappoint, and it's just amazing to me that his voice never seems to age. He sounds younger and more vibrant (even though some of these songs are a bit dark for HoJo), than in 1985. First 4 songs will make you both smile and dance big time though, and I hope these find their way to clubs and radio stations in the US.. Whatever style Howard puts out, he knows how to please his fans, and that's whats kept me listening for 21 years. 80's bands and performers seem stuck in the past, but Howard has always remained fresh, weather as a solo artist, executive producer for up and coming artists like DBA, or Martin Grech, or record label exec with his own D-TOX. Any fan of Howards early work will find this CD particuarly enjoyable, so pick up a copy and enjoy! Well done HoJo, and welcome back!!

What happens when you really listen to a man who has something to say? You fall in love. That was my experience with HJ (affectionately called) when "What Is Love?" came out. The lines "... I know you doubt my love for you but I don't mind...can anybody love and want so much that they will never fear, never worry never be sad; the answer is they cannot love as much, nobody can; this is why I don't mind you doubting...love is letting people be just what they want to be..." Those words still melt my heart to this day and so just when it seemed like Howard was gone...he's back!

I always felt that his music never reached the level of his writing, but with this album, he definitely has become 'musically complicated'. I would give this album a 10 if I could! He has returned to synth pop, but with a trance-like edge to it. Believe me, it works! He has tracks you can definitely dance to, as well as mid and down-tempo beats that are catchy. Personally, I liked all the songs, but the first 7 are the best and then the last song "For You, See Me" is really good, as he loops the title around a mixture of up and down-tempo beats- it works!

He is truly becoming in this album and his potential has been reached. When you see someone after they have been gone awhile, the return is all the much sweeter when they deliver something this good!

Howard's music is akin to one of your best friends who keeps in touch once in a while and calls you at Christmas, but he hasn't paid an extended visit in quite some time. Well, Mr. Jones is back for an extended visit, and I hope he never leaves. This album is refreshing, surprising, amazing, and quite different. His voice has never been better, his ability with his instruments even more so. The production values are superb, but what it really gets down to are the songs. 10 amazing compositions, and as you may surmise, not a bad one in the lot. The tunes are infectious, the lyrics thoughtful and inspiring.

He starts the album with a toe tapper, or should I say, foot stomper.
"CELEBRATE OUR LOVE" will keep you going from start to finish. "RESPECTED" is a Rock Ballad that would be worthy of Freddy Mercury and Queen, it resonates with both soul and passion..

"JUST LOOK AT YOU NOW" reinvigorates the dance grove while leaving you feeling quite uplifted after the song is over. This single has been playing in part of Europe for the past several months which is where I first heard it.

"REVOLUTION OF THE HEART" is a new version of a song that was released on the "VERY BEST OF HOWARD JONES" last year. I didn't think it possible to reconstruct and make the song better, but he did.!!!

Other tracks, "I'VE SAID TOO MUCH, THE PRESENCE OF OTHER, BLACK AND WHITE, ANOTHER CHANCE, keep the middle of the album cooking, while the finishing songs, "STIR IT UP" and "FOR YOU, SEE ME" end this ride on an amazing high.

I hope Howard stays around this time. I'd like to see him more than just at Christmas.

Another correction to Mr. Stein..."after eight years"? Howard has put out several CDs since 1997. While alot of them are remixes and compliations, he has also put out "Piano Solos (for friends and loved ones)" and of course, the brilliant "People" CD.
"ROTH" is a trancy new beater which keep his fans wanting more. He keeps up with today's music - no, he's no rivethead, but he's not old style, either. This album has new and upcoming guest musicians, keeping it fresh and fun, as well. Night clubs play this album and people jump onto the floor.
Yes, he's been bringing people music for 21 years. That shows his staying power, and this album is no exception to his wonderful talent. This music is NEW, and sounds like it. :)

I never have understood why music fans gripe that groups who consistently write and record music of the same niche from one album to the next fail to evolve. To me, when a band finds the right sound, they should stick with it. Howard Jones did this during the 1980's and early 90's. Then, when his star began to fade in Europe and North America, he "evolved," tweaking his music just enough not to sound like himself.

I enjoyed his new sound to a limited extent but really just wanted to hear more of his early work with updated recording technology. That's what "Revolution" is and I couldn't be happier! If you ever wondered how HoJo of 1988 would sound in the 21st Century, buy this album! I promise you won't regret it!

Yah, it might be a little too cliched with the dance beat, but this CD is great! Get the australian version with the bonus disk with some great remixes. If you are remotely into Hojo from the days of old, get this CD.

Howard J has done an unusual thing here. Somehow this CD manages to sound crystal clear, warm and crisp but still has a dance synth pop feel to it. Every cut is memorable. When I first heard it, I had also purchased 3 other CD's; I was suppose to be working but could not move from my chiar.....Buy IT

My view may be a little biased since I have bought every howard jones cd since humans lib but this new one is really cool. Way fun and easy to listen to. I like electronic sounds and there are definatley some cool sounding songs. Even if you're not a hojo fan, I say still pick it up. Strong songs are 1 thru 7 and 9.

This was really a nice surprice, that good "old" Howard Jones
still makes wonderful electronic music. Back in the 80's Jones
made some evergreens like "What Is Love?", "New Song" and "Things Can Only Get Better" and like the latter things are even better now. If you like great synthpop, this is a cd for you - well done Howard!!