Amazon.co.uk Review
Long qualified for a state pension and generally recognised as a national treasure, Tom Jones is in no need of an unnecessary makeover, which is probably why
24 Hours turns out to be such a relaxed collection. Relaxed is a relative term for the Welsh veteran--Jones still bellows like a man trying to make himself heard over a rowdy crowd. But the best moments on
24 Hours, such as a terrifyingly spirited take of "I’m Alive", originally performed by Tommy James and the Shondells, and first single "If He Should Ever Leave You", a rather knowing if undeniably catchy pastiche of the supper club soul that made his name, could only be the work of one man. The stark title track enters Nick Cave territory while "The Road", a heartfelt if somewhat overdue apology to Jones’s loyally obscure wife Linda, will either repel or seduce. The louche "Sugar Daddy", penned by U2 no less, rather exalts Jones’s reputation as an ageing lothario, even as he seems determined to shake it off. The odd clunker aside (notably the rather naff "In Style and Rhythm")
24 Hours, produced by Future Cut, a team of studio bods half his age, is an enjoyably effective collection, filling a previously unnoticed niche between Duffy and Solomon Burke.
--Steve Jelbert
CD Description
Welsh siner Tom Jones is best known for boasting one of themost powerful voices in the music industry. His distinctivestyle has earned him over 100 million record sales since 1965. '24 Hours' follows 2005's 'Tom Jones And Jools Holland' and shows that he has lost none of his hunger or talent. Co-writing much of the album has given the Jones the freedom toadd some touches that hark back to his 1960's style. A gem for old fans and new.
