HOWARD JONES - NO ONE IS TO BLAME

Released: March 3, 1986

Charts:  US: #4  UK: #16 

“No One Is to Blame” is a contemplative ballad exploring themes of unfulfilled desire and the acceptance of life’s limitations. Originally appearing on his 1985 album “Dream into Action”, the track was re-recorded in 1986 with Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham. The single became Jones’ most successful U.S. hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching #1 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart. It also charted in the UK (#16) and Australia (Top 10).

“No One Is to Blame” underwent a transformation that turned a modest album track into an international hit. The original version had a faster tempo and heavily-reverbed percussion, which some felt clashed with the song’s reflective tone. For the 1986 remix album “Action Replay”, Jones re-recorded the track with producers Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham. This version slowed the tempo, stripped back the percussion, and emphasized Jones’ emotive vocals and piano. Collins’ contributions, including subtle drumming, helped create a more elegant, radio-friendly rendition. Ironically, the original version—with its louder, more pronounced drums—sounds more like Collins’ typical style than the understated re-recording.

“No One Is to Blame” delves into the universal theme of longing for unattainable relationships. The song was inspired by a comment Jones heard in San Francisco when someone remarked, “You can look at the menu, but you don’t have to eat,” sparking the idea for its lyrical content.