Search - Tom Jones :: 24 Hours

Tom Jones Remains True to his Roots

L.A. Scene | Indian Trail, NC USA | 09/19/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Times change - and what goes in and out of style is often very subjective to the period of time we are in. While Tom Jones has always maintained a core legion of fans - if you go back to the late 1970s and early 1980s and mention the name of Tom Jones, you probably would be laughed at. However if you went back to the 1960s, Tom Jones had an extremely devoted following. At the same time, it also seems that Tom Jones has somehow gone through a renaissance in the 2000s. People are now getting into Tom Jones again. It's not like there has been this great 1960s cultural renewal - it's just that Tom Jones music is suddenly come in today. Although this is a shot in the dark, one reason why I think that there is renewed interest in Tom Jones is because of the success that the "Austin Powers" movies had. Whatever it is, when I hear the sounds and music of Austin Powers - it immediately reminds me of Tom's music. I can honestly say that picture got me into Tom's music and thus I was inclined to explore his 2008 release "24 Hours". Now I'm not comparing this collection to Austin Powers music. This sound is much more mature. It also proves that Tom is still a force in the music scene.



I think there are several reasons for why Tom Jones can still have appeal in the 21st century. The main reason is Tom's unique baritone voice. Tom's vocals are some of the strongest in the music business. Whether its pop, dance - or even country and techno, Tom has always found the ability to adapt his style to many different music variants. Tom's music also has some very interesting sounds. Finally, I think Tom's strength as a live performer has really helped to solidify his appeal. Tom's somewhat gregarious style on stage has made him one of the most frequent recipients of women's undergarments on stage - even today. I feel many of these traits are present on the "24 Hours" collection.



Here is a track by track synopsis:



"I'm Alive": This is a great opening track. Good mix of horns in this song. This song showcases the gregarious style of Tom through some powerful vocals.



"If He Should Ever Leave You": This is another great track. This track will have appeal, as it will showcase the retro-style music and vocals that built Tom's reputation. The song sounds like something out of the mid 1970s.



"We Got Love": Like the previous track, this song also has a retro feel. This song has a slower tempo to it. There are good use of keyboards really help contribute to this being a good track.



"Give a Little Love": This song continues the retro-feel theme heard across this collection. This time it is the horns section once again playing a role. The hook into the chorus seems a little forced, but still this is a track that grew on me.



"The Road": This song has more of a retro R&B feel to it. This song really showcases Tom's vocals and they are going to be the dominant story of this particular track.



"In Style and Rhythm": Some interesting synth sounds play a key role on this track. Despite some of the programming into the synth sound, this track still keeps true to Tom's retro roots. This is another track that grew on me.



"Sugar Daddy": This song sounds like a Tom Jones track both lyrically (from the title) and from the music. However the big surprise is that U2's Bono and the Edge wrote this track.



"Seasons": This song is a slower R&B styled track. Although this had some good vocals by Tom, this was one of the weaker tracks of this particular collection.



"Never": The melody of this song almost has a haunting mantra-like feel on top of the retro-styled sounds. Tom's vocals layer on top of this melody perfectly - and get some good help from some background vocals.



"The Hitter": This is a Bruce Springsteen song from his "Devil's and Dust" album. The song is the story of a boxer who fights in and out of the ring. While Springsteen's has more of a Folk feel to it, Tom uses his retro style music to tell this story. I like Tom's version better.



"Seen that Face": Another slower R&B styled track. Like "Seasons", good vocals but one of the weaker tracks.



"24 Hours": This is highlighted with a military-styled drum. It is another slower track highlighted by Tom's vocals. The drumming adds to the haunting element of this track.



"More than Memories": The opening melody reminded me of a bit of a Chicago (band) song. This song is highlighted by some piano work and accompanying horns. Not quite the retro sound, but still a good track.



The liner notes include a list of the songwriting and musician credits. Overall, I was disappointed that the lyrics were not included here. While the retro-styled material remains true to Tom Jones' roots, for the most part it isn't going to be the same old stuff either. This is one album I would recommend.

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