Howard Jones, a name synonymous with the vibrant synth-pop era of the early 1980s, gifted the world with anthems like ‘What Is Love’, ‘No One Is To Blame’, and ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. Among his impressive catalog, ‘What Is Love?’ stands out, not just for its catchy melody and thought-provoking title, but also for its groundbreaking sound. Jones himself fondly revisits this track when asked about a favorite sonic creation, revealing the secrets behind its unique texture.
It all begins with the bassline, a robust and resonant foundation laid by the then-new Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. Interestingly, Howard Jones believes “What Is Love?” might have been the very first hit song to prominently feature the DX7. While acknowledging that some artists experimented with it on B-sides, the impact of “What Is Love?” was undeniably significant, catapulting the DX7 into the spotlight.
The Yamaha DX7: Embracing the Preset Power for “What Is Love”
Jones candidly admits to committing a “cardinal sin” among synth purists: utilizing a preset sound on the notoriously complex DX7. “The DX7 was impossible to program,” he confesses, emphasizing the time constraints he faced. Instead of delving into years of programming research, he opted for the readily available preset, a decision that ultimately contributed to the song’s distinctive character. Beyond the bass, the DX7 also contributed the memorable brass melody, that iconic “da da da da da da da da da” hook that’s instantly recognizable in “What Is Love?”.
Adding another layer of sonic texture, the arpeggiated background figure was crafted using a Roland Juno-60. This combination of Yamaha’s digital innovation and Roland’s analog warmth became a signature element in Howard Jones’ early sound.
Drums, Delays, and the Dawn of Sampling in “What Is Love?”
The rhythmic backbone of “What Is Love” was built with an E-mu Drumulator. While the original tom sound from the Drumulator was retained, engineer Steve Tayler and producer Rupert Hine elevated the drum track with an AMS digital delay unit. In a testament to early sampling technology – with a mere 16 seconds of sample time available – they triggered more impactful snare and bass drum sounds within the AMS, adding depth and punch to the rhythm section. Further enriching the sonic palette, a shakahachi sound, sampled on an Emulator II, was incorporated. The lush brass fanfare pads that punctuate the track are a bespoke creation, a blend of sounds from both the Juno-60 and a Roland Jupiter-8, showcasing Jones’ personalized approach to sound design.
Unexpected Twists: Moog Prodigy and the Mid-Section Shift
“What Is Love?” isn’t afraid to take sonic detours. A subtle yet intriguing 12-note melodic sequence, played on an SCI Pro One, weaves its way into the arrangement. However, the true surprise lies in the mid-section. Jones describes it as a deliberate departure, a foray into “a really weird area,” and confesses it’s one of his personal highlights within the song. This unexpected shift was brought to life using the Moog Prodigy. Owning two of these affordable yet powerful synths – one for bass and one for lead lines – Jones unlocked a “raucous, crazy synth sound” in this section by manipulating the mod wheel while layering the two oscillators.
The Groove and the Vocals: Human Touch and SSL Polish
Even the seemingly programmed hi-hat part in “What Is Love?” has a human touch. Trevor Morais, owner of Farmyard Studios, crafted a unique two-bar hi-hat pattern by sampling and processing it in the AMS. Giving it a subtle 16th-note swing injected a cool groove that became integral to the song’s feel. This two-bar loop, constantly retriggered, subtly propels the entire track. The powerful vocal sections were meticulously multitracked using a slave reel, allowing for rich vocal harmonies. Producer Rupert Hine himself contributed to the backing vocals, adding another layer of texture and depth to Jones’ lead.
The recording and mixing of “What Is Love?” and the album Human’s Lib marked a significant milestone for Farmyard Studios as the first projects undertaken on their newly acquired SSL console. Tayler and Hine utilized the SSL’s built-in compressor to give the sounds an extra punch and polish. Reflecting on the final product, Jones marvels at the enduring sonic impact of “What Is Love?”. Its powerful presence on the radio, even decades later, is a testament to the combined talents of Jones, Tayler, and Hine, and their innovative use of cutting-edge technology. The song remains a fantastic-sounding record, a benchmark of 80s synth-pop production, all built around the central question: “What Is Love?”.
