Tom Jones has been in the music industry for more than six decades, so it is safe to say he has reached icon status. He has had numerous hits, three of which being number ones. Jones’ musical genre spans jazz, pop, rock and soul and here we delve into his top 10 best tracks as ranked by Gold Radio.
What’s New Pussycat, perhaps one of his most famous songs, only comes in at number 10 on the list, just making its way into the ranking.
10. What’s New Pussycat?
What’s New Pussycat? came out in 1965, and was written by the legendary Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the film of the same name, which starred Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole. The track reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, and further cementing Jones’ reputation as a leading artist in the pop genre at the time.
9. Thunderball
Another song created for a film, Thunderball, released in 1965 perfectly encapsulates the energy that a James Bond film needs. Despite being a last-minute replacement, the song has become a standout of the Bond collection due to Jones’ strong vocals and the impressive brass section. Johnny Cash also submitted a version of the song but it was Jones’ rendition that took the biscuit.
8. Mama Told Me Not to Come (with Stereophonics)
Written by Randy Newman, this gem was released in 1970, capturing the chaotic essence of a party gone awry. Initially released fame by Three Dog Night, Tom Jones’ version added an extra layer of charm. With the song working its way up the UK charts in 1999, it quickly became a fan favourite.
7. Kiss (with the Art of Noise)
By 1988, Tom Jones was held a Welsh Elvis like prescence within the industry. This song, originally a Prince hit, was made into his own by Jones and he teamed up with Art of Noise. The song had sealed the approval of fans all over the world, from Cardiff to California and it reached number five in the UK charts.
6. I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again is a classic from Jones. The emotional track, released in 1967, showcases his voice at its best. Written by Lonnie Donegan and Jimmy Currie, the song pulls at the heartstrings and depicts someone who has been through the trials and tribulations one too many times. It reached number two in the UK charts.
5. The Green Green Grass of Home
This 1966 release, originally recorded by Porter Wagoner in 1965, has a nostalgic feeling. Once it tooke the charts by storm, it became Jones’ signature song. It also reached new heights in the US, making the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. She’s a Lady
She’s a Lady is Tom Jones through and through and it was the perfect track to kick off his career in the 1970s. Released in 1971, this hit written by Paul Anka became has become another of Jones’ signature tunes. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and making it Jones’ highest-charting single in the US.
3. Help Yourself
Jones’ 1968 tune is a singalong like no other. It features brass instruments that compliment his voice perfectly and sends out of message of grabbing life’s opportunities. It reached number five in the UK charts.
2. It’s Not Unusual
This is the song that would catapult Jones into stardom. It’s Not Unusural was released in 1965 and became a hallmark of the swinging sixties. The song was originally meant to be for Sandie Shaw, but a passionate demo from Jones could not be denied. impressed everyone so much that it was decided he should keep it. It reached number one in the UK and number ten in the US, cementing Jones an international sensation.
1. Delilah
The first song anyone surely thinks of when they think of Tom Jones. Delilah was a popular track to be busted out on the karaoke and it continues to be today. Released in 1968, Delilah is the ultimated break up track and paired with Jones’ booming voice, he managed to turn a bad sitation into a chart-topping hit. It reached number two in the UK.