Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better

Released in 1985, “Things Can Only Get Better” was the first single from Howard Jones’s second studio album, Dream Into Action. Written by Jones and produced by Rupert Hine, the song combined his distinctive synth-pop style with funk-inspired rhythms, energetic keyboards and soulful backing vocals. It represented a confident progression from the sound of his debut album, Human’s Lib. 

The song is built around an uplifting message of optimism and determination. Jones acknowledges that pursuing dreams can be frightening and difficult, but argues that fear should not prevent people from moving forward. Rather than pretending that life is always easy, the lyrics recognise uncertainty while maintaining a positive belief that better times can follow difficult ones.

Musically, the track is bright, rhythmic and incredibly infectious. Synthesiser melodies are combined with a funky bass line, crisp electronic percussion and prominent backing vocals from the female vocal group Afrodiziak. The simple “whoa-oh” refrain was deliberately designed to encourage audiences to sing along, reflecting Jones’s experience of performing to increasingly enthusiastic crowds during his extensive touring.

There is a genuine sense of energy running through the recording, with the optimistic lyrics matched by an arrangement that constantly feels as though it is moving forward. “Things Can Only Get Better” remains one of Howard Jones’s most enduring songs, capturing the positive spirit of mid-1980s synth-pop while delivering a message of hope that remains just as appealing today.

The song peaked at No. 06 in the UK charts on 23rd February 1985.