John Howard - Collected: The Best of John Howard (2021) [Hi-Res]

Long overdue, 2CD career retrospective (including a cache of previously unreleased tracks) by one of the UK’s best artists you probably never heard! Curated by Edward Rogers who also wrote the copious liner notes. “What happens when you meet THE SPECIAL artist who can put a thrill in your heart from a twinkle in their eye? Well in 1974, that artist was John Howard. He was discovered playing in the Troubadour Folk Club. The music world was at his feet -wined and dined at the most fabulous London restaurants, photos by THE photographer (Dezo Hoffman), clothed by the finest haberdashery in town. He was groomed to the be the next Elton John meets David Bowie! He had the songs, looks, charisma and style. Pop music had a new contender. As we all know, not every artist who is a star achieves commercial success, and London streets are not paved in gold. That doesn’t stop a true artist from creating the precious art they were born to make. For most artists that would break their spirit but John found a respectable way to pursue his musical career by playing London’s fashionable restaurants and piano bars. He continued to release singles, like 1978’s ‘I Can Breathe Again’ produced by Trevor Horn of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ fame! By the mid-80’s he had a successful career in A&R working at MCA, EMI and Universal, while still pursuing his songwriting career. Listen to these songs and feel the emotions revealed in his lyrics as the writer opens himself up and invites you into his private world. He reveals little segments of his life through each lyric. Feelings we can all relate to! Maybe by wearing his heart on his sleeve and revealing his true feelings he has alienated some but I believe this should be the mission of every true artist." (excerpted from the liner notes)