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It's been over twenty years since Howard Jones released his first CD "Human's Lib," bringing the one-man synthesizer act to a mainstream audience. Since then, this singer/songwriter/producer/performer/label-owner has kept up a schedule of touring and releasing records that would make most artists collapse in exhaustion. Whether standing in the midst of racks of synthesizers, playing with a band made up of some of the most talented musicians in the world, or sitting at a grand piano accompanied by only a percussionist, Howard has been able to adapt and evolve his music and performing to continually give the audience something new and unexpected.


So it goes with his latest musical endeavor, "Revolution of the Heart." This is classic Howard Jones, but with a 21st Century twist. As with his releases in the late 1980s, "Revolution" is laden with synthesizers and drum machines. The production is crisp and clear with only the sound of the occasional electric guitar being thrown in to add some grit to the music. And, most notably, Howard sounds as good as he did back then, if not better; his voice is as shining as it was on "New Song," "Things Can Only Get Better," and "No One Is To Blame."

Howard showcases his versatility on this CD as well. From the trance sound of the title track and "Celebrate Our Love" to the 1985-meets-2005 productions of "Stir It Up" and "Just Look At You Now," he shows that he can do it all. "I've Said Too Much" gives a nod to fellow electronic-pop pioneers Depeche Mode and he even experiments with a drum-and-bass feel on the last track, "For You, See Me."

Lyrically, "Revolution" touches on many of the issues common to mankind around the world.

He ponders war, peace, race, unity, and love (to name a few), neither ignoring nor solving the issues, perhaps just exploring what he's seen and heard his remarkable 22-year career.

Twenty years is a long time and a lot has changed in the world, especially in music. Few of Howard's contemporaries in 1983 are even around today; most have faded into musical history never to return again, or if they do, it's a sad attempt at what we so politely call a "comeback." Well, this is no comeback; Howard Jones never left. And judging from his success and stamina over the last two decades, I wouldn't be surprised if he's still turning out great music 20 years from now.