Customer Reviews

24 Hours

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I admit up front that I am a big fan of Sir Tom's... if he sings a song, I will give it a listen. With that in mind, I did my very best to listen to "24 Hours" and rate it on its own merits.

If you are a fan of Tom Jones, you should love this album. He doesn't "reinvent the wheel" here, he just does what he does best: belt out soulful, fun, awesome tunes. If you are NOT a fan of Tom Jones, you should still enjoy this album. If the stylings of Amy Winehouse or Duffy have done anything for you, pick up "24 Hours", because you will find a lot of that same brassy, ballsy UK soul.

What is truly remarkable to me is Jones' voice. While other "comeback" crooners like Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, and most recently Neil Diamond ("Home Before Dark" is an excellent album, by the way) have lost a little of their voices' depth, Tom Jones sounds as strong as he ever has.

This is a great album from a great talent. Tom Jones fans rejoice... A-Tomic is back!

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.

I have been a huge Tom Jones fan all of my life. I am 45 now and still get chills at his voice..and this cd will not disappoint you..My favorite tune so far is IF HE SHOULD EVER LEAVE YOU...The best "instrument" is his VOICE..He will ALWAYS BE..."THE VOICE"..it will always haunt us and live on forever. I believe the album intended to be a "retro" back to the awesome 60s sound of Tom..and it SUCCEEDED...beautifully...His voice never fails him..I'm in complete awe. I remember seeing Tom for the first time in my life a year or two ago...I was in the front row...You always wonder...an artist his age...does he HAVE to do it for money? And being in the front row gave me the answer I longed for...NO...he loves what he does. He was at the "encore stage" of the concert...and it was like he did not want to stop singing..I heard him turn to his band members and say (not audible to everyone..but I lucked out into the front row...) "we've GOT to do this one"....he really loved his gift of his voice and music. Excellent cd...get it.

I'm not sure why some reviewers feel it's just a run-of-the-mill pop album, I don't hear it that way at all. It's infused with retro/ classic Tom Jones, sure with modern elements but that's a good thing. It's clear he put a lot of time into making this album, every song has its own feel, they all are good and fresh, his voice is still in top form, and the album sounds better after each listen... it's TJ moving forward as an artist.

Wow! His first US recorded album in many years and well worth the wait. Awesome. His powerhouse vocals still the best in the business. This CD has innovative sounds mixed with retro-sounds that bring Tom full circle in his career. He has three or four cuts that bring back that big full horn sound of Vegas (that I still miss)and two or three cuts that take chances into a new direction for Tom. A few cuts are pure fun but through all this CD the music is amazing and it affects you deep in your spirit. When Tom sings he blows away all other singers with his power and range and on this magnificent album he gets into every song soulfully as only he can. This should be a platnum selling album and it is sad we have such a treasure that gets passed by like Tom does.
All other so called male singers should take notes while listening to the CD and learn from the master vocalist of our time while we still have him. God blessed Tom Jones with a gift no other singer has in power and range and you cheat yourself of what talent truly is if you do not get this CD. As long as he keeps recording great stuff like this i'll keep buying- enuff said!

What can I say that hasn't already been written about this guy? There's virtually no style of song he can't sing with awesome pathos! I've been a huge fan of Tom Jones since the late 60's -I have all of his early LP's. As a serious singer myself I've always been amazed at the incredible vocal range and power he posesses. He's about a year older than me (I'm 68) and he's my vocal icon/hero... seeing/hearing him keeps me hanging in there - if he can still belt out the tunes, so can I. As far as this album, I like the fact that he's finally writing a lot of his own material. There's nothing like singing songs you've penned the lyrics and music to and lived yourself... it comes through as emotionally real and much more believable to the listener. His skillfulness on this album of songs is right up there with all of his previous albums. I can't wait for his next album! As far as I'm concerned... He's Still Got It!

Again, he's selected a range of stirring ballads and fresh dance tunes that prove he's still the artist he's always been (but I think even better).

"I'm Alive" opens the set with an upbeat affirmation that seems to sum up the album's themes: reflection, redemption... and then revelry!

My personal fave is the superfun "In Style and Rhythm" - I've been caught a few times rockin' out while I'm driving! It's catchy, and - like "Sexbomb" before it - everyone comes running into the room to dance when it comes on. I also enjoy "Give a Little Love" and "We've Got Love," and it took me a while to warm up to "Sugar Daddy" (written by Bono to celebrate Sir Tom), but I like it now.

Slower songs that I really identify with include "Seasons," "24 Hours" (*love* the refrain), "More Than Memories," and "Seen That Face," which I found particularly touching as a new parent. I typically skip "The Hitter" (seriously, it's beautifully arranged, and I can appreciate the portrayal of the fallen boxer, especially with its parallels to the recent award-winning film *The Wrestler*, but I just find the lyrics to be gratuitous - it's not a story I can listen to over and over again). For the slow songs, "The Road" is my favorite. His road has always returned to his wife, Melinda... maybe it just gives me hope.

"If He Should Ever Leave You" and "Never" fall somewhere in the middle. They're enjoyable and I find myself singing along to them whenever they're playing, but they're a little forgettable once the next song comes on.

Ultimately, this is an album I enjoy listening to in its [almost] entirety (it's just one song, right?), and there are plenty of individual gems to take away. Love it, and love Sir Tom.

This CD is Pure Class! Retro Music: Tom Jones Vocals, just wraps every note, with emotion you can actually feel. The more I listen to this CD, the more I enjoy it. You can dig right into the music, I'm Alive gets everything going. "If He Should Ever Leave You", I remember Tom Jones performing that song live on the Canadian Idol, I was hooked on that song immediately, what a performance as well. "Give A Litte Love" is another gem, I'm really partial towards "In Style and Rhythm", everyone should hear this song, especially if you like a good sax player, Tom's vocal ability just moves this track to a hit making show stopper. "Never" was a cleverly written song, very interesting with a hook. The music, background singers and Tom just blends in so well together. "24 Hours" really brings out Tom Jones lower tones with his vocal ability. Most people probably wouldn't associate Mr. Jones of hitting the lower register, but this song will hit you in a different way, it is so cool to hear his range and how the blend just seems to stand out. Tom co-wrote most of the songs for this CD, it is a really cool CD that I store close to my vehicles CD player, it's absolutely amazing. A true artist is always creative and thinks of new ways to develop.
Tom Jones is a True Living Legend and a True Artist, continuing to Create.
This CD should be in everyone's library.
Allen Kerwin

Tom has a voice and talent that is just second to none. He exudes energy, personality, emotion, and his love of music with every note he sings. This CD has a wide variety of music, and Tom nails every bit of it. He hits you between the eyes with the opener "I'm Alive". You want to dance to the great tune of "Give a Little Love". "In Style and Rhythm" is so catchy and makes you feel good. You can just picture the story of "The Hitter" as you listen, because Tom doesn't just sing the notes, he reaches your soul and takes you through the experience. "Seasons" and "24 Hours" make you feel reflective about your own life. Tom has got to be the most versitile singer on the face of this earth. This CD will blow you away. And here's a message to Simon Cowell...this is the real American Idol. All your winners through the years don't hold a candle to this man who is approx. 3 times their ages. No comparison!

I purchased this CD of Tom Jones' new hits after seeing his show in Vegas! It is fantastic! He's still got it! Great music, great rhythm, great performance! Loved it!