Howard Jones
In the Running (Elektra) (STAR)(STAR)
On past records, Howard Jones` catchy, if pleasantly subdued, pop hooks plopped into the driver`s seat as the Briton`s sometimes misguided humanistic lyrics sat in the back, just a minor irritation. But compared with platinum LPs ”Human`s Lib” (1984) and ”Dream Into Action” (1985), ”In the Running” is not for the manic-depressive. Enter into the chorus of `80s-excess-bashing the oeuvres ”Exodus” (environmental despair), ”City Song” (homelessness) and ”The Voices Are Back” (mental illness and bureaucratic bungling). Jones sounds a lot like Steve Winwood and his keyboards are suspiciously in the Bruce Hornsby mode, especially on ”Lift Me Up.” And that`s one of the brighter, and more welcome, songs. Jones aims for social statements as a catharsis for change, but the lyrical territory is well-trodden. He just needs an ounce of optimism.
Ratings:
Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Fair (STAR)(STAR)
Poor (STAR)