Tom Jones has enjoyed over six decades of a successful music career (Image: Getty)
Welsh music legend Sir Tom Jones has been delighting fans for over six decades, with a career spanning chart-topping hits, Las Vegas residencies, and global tours.
At 85, the ‘Sexbomb’ singer is still on the road, performing to thousands as part of his Defy Exploration world tour, which is set to continue through the summer despite a short postponement in Bremen this week due to an upper respiratory infection.
With more than 100 million records sold, a knighthood, and an enduring stage presence, Sir Tom remains one of the UK’s most iconic performers. But which of his hits are connecting most with listeners today?
Using Spotify streaming data, we’ve ranked Sir Tom Jones’ ten most popular tracks – from timeless ballads to late-career anthems – showing just how broad his appeal remains.
10. Mama Told Me Not To Come
18,143,322 streams
Originally written by Randy Newman in the 1960s, this tongue-in-cheek song about a young man’s wild night out became a hit for Three Dog Night in 1970. Jones revived it three decades later with the help of Stereophonics for his 1999 collaborative album Reload.
Their rendition injected a raw, bluesy energy into the track, with Kelly Jones’ raspy vocals blending perfectly with Tom’s booming delivery. The song went on to become a UK Top 5 single, proving that Jones could reinvent himself for a modern audience without losing the magnetic charm that made him a star.
9. Burning Down The House
24,308,253 streams
Another highlight from Reload, this cover of the Talking Heads’ 1983 hit brought together Jones and Swedish band The Cardigans. Their version transformed the quirky art-rock track into a funky, horn-driven number, with Jones’ deep voice anchoring its playful energy.
Though it didn’t chart as highly as ‘Mama Told Me Not To Come,’ the collaboration showcased Jones’ versatility and willingness to embrace different genres. It also introduced him to a new wave of listeners, cementing Reload as a defining moment in his late-career resurgence.
8. What’s New Pussycat?
27,324,102 streams
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1965 Peter Sellers comedy of the same name, ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ quickly became one of Tom’s early trademark songs.
Its playful melody and cheeky lyrics gave him the chance to show off his vocal charisma, while the song’s success helped solidify his reputation as an entertainer who could cross effortlessly between pop, cabaret, and film soundtracks.
7. (It Looks Like) I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
35,288,763 streams
Released in 1967, this sweeping ballad marked one of Jones’ most emotional studio recordings. Backed by lush orchestration, his soaring vocals convey heartbreak and resignation with a depth that resonated deeply with listeners. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and became a fan favourite, often cited as one of his most accomplished love songs.
The track also showcased Jones’ ability to balance his energetic stage persona with moments of genuine vulnerability, a quality that kept audiences coming back throughout his career.
6. Help Yourself
38,454,780 streams
An exuberant, horn-laden pop track, ‘Help Yourself’ came out in 1968 and quickly became a UK Top 5 hit. Adapted from an Italian song by Carlo Donida, it offered Jones another chance to blend his powerhouse voice with bright, swinging arrangements that reflected the optimism of the era.
Its lively, singalong chorus has kept it in rotation for decades, while its success reinforced Jones’ standing as one of the decade’s most bankable performers.
5. Delilah – Live
92,027,448 streams
While the studio version of ‘Delilah’ is beloved, this live performance has captured the imagination of streaming audiences. Originally released in 1968, the dramatic ballad – telling the story of a man driven to a crime of passion – has become one of Jones’ defining hits.
Its theatrical delivery and operatic chorus make it a natural centrepiece for his concerts. Over the years, it has taken on a life of its own, even becoming an anthem at sporting events, especially among Welsh rugby fans.
4. Green, Green Grass of Home
93,021,616 streams
Few songs in Jones’ catalogue are as emotionally affecting as this 1966 classic. Written by Curly Putman and first recorded by country artists, Tom’s version elevated it into an international hit. The story of a man dreaming of returning home — only to reveal he is facing execution — stunned listeners with its twist ending and powerful delivery.
It topped the UK Singles Chart and became a crossover success worldwide. More than half a century later, its themes of longing and regret are still relevant.
3. She’s a Lady
127,431,186 streams
Written by Paul Anka, ‘She’s a Lady’ was one of Jones’ biggest US hits, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. Its polished production and confident lyrics fit perfectly with his public persona, offering an updated sound for the new decade.
The track marked one of the high points of his American career, further boosting his international profile. Today, it’s remembered as one of his defining recordings of the 1970s, balancing sophistication with his trademark vocal firepower.
2. Sexbomb
148,019,658 streams
This late-career anthem proved that Jones could thrive in the pop charts well into his sixties. Released in 2000 and produced by Mousse T, ‘Sexbomb’ combined funky beats with playful, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, becoming a Top 3 UK hit and a club favourite across Europe.
It showed Jones’ ability to reinvent himself yet again, appealing to both long-time fans and younger audiences. More than two decades later, it remains one of his most-streamed tracks, underscoring his enduring relevance.
1. It’s Not Unusual
353,414,738 streams
The song that started it all. Released in 1965, ‘It’s Not Unusual’ catapulted Jones to stardom, reaching No. 1 in the UK and cracking the US Top 10. Its lively brass arrangement and exuberant vocals captured the spirit of the Swinging Sixties, making it an instant classic.
Over the years, it has appeared in countless films and TV shows, solidifying its status as his signature song. With more than 350 million streams, it’s Jones’ most popular track by a wide margin.