Reviews of Tom's Music, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where all the critical reviews of Tom’s music — the new stuff and, if we can find any — older recordings.
More Tom Jones “24 Hours” Reviews: 2 B+ Grades and A Rave
Saturday, November 29th, 2008The Dallas News says, “Call him ageless…” and gives 24 Hours a B+.
Bill Brotherton in the Boston Herald also awards a B+ grade and says, “Some 43 years after his first hit, the 68-year-old Welshman endures with a shockingly enjoyable set. Aided by red-hot Brit producers Future Cut, Jones co-wrote much of 24 Hours, and his booming baritone remains strong. The Road, an apology to his wife for putting up with his infidelities, and the soaring Seen That Face are standouts, as is the retro “Austin Powers” vibe of I’m Alive, an old Tommy James & the Shondells B-side. The only misstep is Sugar Daddy, an over-the-top embarrassment by U2’s Bono and The Edge that toys with Sir Tom’s sex bomb image. The song to download is a soulful, nuanced take of Bruce Springsteen’s little-known The Hitter.”
Finally, now, Nic Oliver in musicOMH.com gives it a rave review saying, among other things, that The Hitter “…is a sympathetic, deeply soulful reading that recalls the glory days of Stax Records” He bemoans the fact that If He Should Ever Leave You “maintains the hit rate and is also the album’s first single release, although its classic pop style seems to have regrettably avoided troubling the charts.” And, he likes Sugar Daddy.
Best of all is his conclusion: “24 Hours is notably Jones’s first American release for 15 years (he is signed to the independent label S-Curve over there), and on this form he deserves to reap the same kind of critical and commercial success bestowed on the likes of Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond in the twilight of their careers.”
November 29th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Excuse me…….twilight of the his career???? Never
November 29th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Beverly: When I posted the review I was going to comment on that but, in truth, it may not be “twilight,” but it’s not dawn, either, and in the context of the whole, does it really matter? Tom’s great, the CD is great and this review is great. Just wish more people would see it.
November 29th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Exactly
November 29th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I have’nt been able to get tom’s single in our shops in England.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Pat: I’m not sure, but I think it read the single is a download only and it is on the album.
November 30th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Saw Tom in AC last night. WOW, did he ever have the audience turned on!! Can he ever press those buttons !!
November 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Here is a very favorable review by Miriam Nunzio in the November 30 Chicago Sun-Times. She gave the CD 3.5 out of 4 stars.
POP | Tom Jones, “24 Hours” (S-Curve) What a triumph for the 68-year-old Welsh crooner. This beautifully crafted collection of pop, soul and R&B oozes retro sensibilities, and that’s what makes it addictive.
From the opening cover of Tommy James and the Shondells’ “I’m Alive,” you know the musical journey will be a special one. Gone are the trappings of a techno-infused approach to recordmaking (which had pervaded Jones’ previous recordings for some time). In its place is a powerful homage to the late 1960s, early ’70s, when trumpet bombasts were created by, well, trumpet players, drums were deep and unobtrusive, strings helped move the song’s emotions along, and a singer’s pure voice had to carry the tune. The Bono-penned “Sugar Daddy” pretty much sums up Jones: “You don’t send a boy to do a man’s job.” It veers into techno for a wee bit, and it works well. Jones’ take on the Bruce Springsteen ode “The Hitter” is as smart as it is poignant. The arrangement is so far removed from the Boss’ that the song is almost reborn. The rhythmic, hymn-like “Seasons” will make you want to stand up and testify, amen.
This is Jones’ first U.S. release in 15 years, and he’s saved the best for us. The voice is lush and unwavering, the styling vintage Jones.