What Is Love

The Enigmatic Echo of "What Is Love" by Howard Jones (1984)

There's something almost haunting about Howard Jones's "What Is Love," isn't there? Released in 1984, this synth-pop gem captures the shimmering optimism of the era while probing deeper questions about human connection. As a one-hit wonder in the U.S., it lingers in the collective memory, a snapshot of 80s electronic soul that still tugs at the heartstrings. Let's dive into its story, from the quiet inspirations behind its creation to the whirlwind of its unexpected fame.

The Spark of Creation in a Changing World

Howard Jones was already making waves in the UK new wave scene when he penned "What Is Love." It was 1983, and the musician, born in Southampton, England, had just parted ways with his earlier band Warner's Lot. Freshly signed to WEA Records, Jones was navigating the thrill of solo artistry amid the synth-heavy revolution sparked by acts like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran. But this song wasn't born from club beats or chart ambitions—it stemmed from a more personal, philosophical place.

Jones has shared that the track emerged from his fascination with human emotions in an increasingly technological age. Drawing from his self-taught piano skills and love for classical influences like Bach, he wanted to explore love not as a fluffy romance, but as a profound force amid life's confusions. "I was thinking about how love can be misinterpreted," Jones once reflected in interviews. Interestingly, an anecdote from his early days reveals he composed the melody on a borrowed synthesizer during a rainy afternoon in a friend's attic studio—nothing glamorous, just a guy tinkering with sounds that felt right. That raw, introspective vibe infused the lyrics: lines like "Take my heart, take my soul" plead for genuine understanding, mirroring the isolation many felt in the post-punk haze.

Recording in the Heart of 80s Innovation

The recording happened swiftly at Eden Studios in London, a hub for the era's cutting-edge pop. Produced by Rupert Hine—known for his work with Tina Turner and The Thompson Twins—Jones layered lush synthesizers with his distinctive, emotive vocals. The session was intimate: just Jones, Hine, and a small team wielding the Fairlight CMI, one of the first digital samplers that gave the track its crystalline textures. Drums were programmed on a LinnDrum machine, capturing that crisp 80s pulse, while Jones's live piano added organic warmth.

What stands out is the efficiency— the bulk of it was tracked in a couple of weeks, with Jones experimenting late into the nights. An fun tidbit? During mixing, Hine accidentally boosted the reverb on the chorus, creating that ethereal echo that makes the song soar. Jones kept it, saying it mirrored love's elusive nature. No big-budget drama here; it was pure creativity in a modest setup, blending electronic precision with heartfelt delivery.

Release, Rise, and Chart-Topping Magic

Launched as the lead single from Jones's debut album Human's Lib in October 1983 in the UK (and early 1984 stateside), "What Is Love" exploded onto the scene. It topped the UK Singles Chart, holding the No. 1 spot for a week and selling over 500,000 copies. In the U.S., it peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its video—directed by Godley & Creme with Jones in a stark white room, surrounded by floating objects—became an MTV staple, boosting its cult status.

Success came fast: radio DJs couldn't get enough of its catchy hook, and it propelled Human's Lib to multi-platinum sales. Yet, Jones's follow-ups like "Things Can Only Get Better" overshadowed it in some markets, cementing its one-hit wonder tag abroad. Still, the song's momentum carried Jones through sold-out tours, a testament to its infectious appeal.

A Lasting Echo in Culture and Music

"What Is Love" didn't just chart; it shaped the synth-pop landscape, influencing artists from Pet Shop Boys to modern acts like The 1975. Culturally, it resonated with a generation grappling with love in the AIDS crisis shadow and tech's rise—its plea for authentic bonds felt urgent. Featured in films like Reality Bites and endless 80s playlists, it's a generational touchstone, evoking nostalgia for neon-lit dreams.

Jones himself has revisited it in acoustic sets, stripping back the synths to reveal its emotional core. For me, it's that rare track that feels both timeless and tied to its moment—a reminder that even in a world of machines, love's questions endure. If you haven't spun it lately, do it; let those keyboards wash over you.