Dive into the vibrant synth-pop world of Howard Jones with his heartfelt 1989 hit, "Everlasting Love."
The Song
"Everlasting Love" is a captivating synth-pop track by English singer and songwriter Howard Jones, released on February 20, 1989. It served as the lead single from his fourth studio album, Cross That Line (1989). The song, penned solely by Jones, is characterized by its bright, optimistic melody and a distinctive late-80s pop sound, incorporating elements described as having a reggae-inspired backbeat with some unexpected musical turns, particularly in its bridge.
The production of "Everlasting Love" saw Jones collaborating with a notable team. It was co-produced by Chris Hughes, Ross Cullum, and Ian Stanley, the latter being a former member of Tears for Fears. Hughes and Cullum had previously co-produced Tears For Fears' 1983 album The Hurting, with Hughes also producing the acclaimed Songs From The Big Chair. Jones himself also contributed to the production, and Mike Roarty handled the mixing.
The Artist
Howard Jones, born John Howard Jones on February 23, 1955, is a British musician celebrated for his significant role in 1980s synth-pop and the Second British Invasion of the US. He is widely recognized for his bright, optimistic sound and sophisticated use of synthesizers, setting him apart from some of his more detached synth-pop peers. Jones amassed a string of hits in the UK and US throughout the 1980s, including "New Song," "What Is Love?", and "Things Can Only Get Better."
Jones's career is marked by his innovative approach to music and performance, often incorporating live drums layered with synths to create a unique texture. He also famously performed with a mime, Jed Hoile, during his early career, adding a unique visual element to his live shows. Beyond his musical output, Jones is seen as a cultural bridge, connecting the synth-pop of the '80s with later electronic sounds and influencing a generation of artists.
Chart Performance
"Everlasting Love" achieved significant success, particularly in North America. In the United States, the song reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the early summer of 1989. It also performed exceptionally well on the US Adult Contemporary chart, where it spent two weeks at No. 1, marking Jones's second chart-topper on that tally after "No One Is to Blame" in 1986. The single additionally peaked at No. 19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
In Canada, "Everlasting Love" was Howard Jones's highest-charting single of his career, soaring to No. 3. However, in his native UK, the song had a more modest impact compared to his earlier hits, stalling at No. 62 on the UK Singles Chart.
Cultural Impact
While not his biggest hit globally, "Everlasting Love" remains a recognizable track from the tail end of the 1980s, often noted for being one of the last songs to distinctly carry that decade's synth-pop sound before new genres took over. It showcased Howard Jones's continued evolution, slightly shifting his sound towards a more bass-heavy dance number, hinting at the sonic makeovers needed for the upcoming decade.
The song, like much of Jones's work, embodies a positive and optimistic message, a hallmark of his artistic philosophy. Its enduring appeal contributes to Howard Jones's legacy as an artist who consistently offered uplifting and thoughtful synth-pop, making him a beloved figure for fans of 80s music.
Fun Facts
- Howard Jones wrote the lyrics and music for "Everlasting Love."
- The B-side to the "Everlasting Love" single was "The Brutality of Fact."
- The song was among the first singles to be issued on a 3-inch CD, a less common format at the time.
- The music video for "Everlasting Love" features various locations around London, with many scenes filmed near Regent's Park.
- Howard Jones has been happily married to his wife, Jan, since 1977, and has often spoken about their relationship improving with time, which aligns with the song's theme.