Single Review: Tom Jones, Hit or Miss

Published on spiltinc.co.uk, May 2012.

Surely the most popular, celebrated and successful singer to emerge from the depths of Pontypridd, Tom Jones has nonetheless been something of a forgotten entity for much of the past decade. Now, however, things seem to be on the up: an assured and entertaining showing as a judge/coach on the BBC reality show “The Voice” has moved him back into the public consciousness, and the veteran has decided to see in the fifth decade of his career – and the 72nd year of his life – by recording a host of new songs, culminating in a studio album.

“Hit or Miss” is Jones’ second single to be released recently, following on from the Jack White collaboration “Evil.” But while that song was a chest-beating, thumping blues number featuring Sir Tom’s vocals at their mighty best, “Hit or Miss” falls sadly short of that mark. The pleasantly low-key instrumentation lends the track a warm country vibe, but Jones’ voice is definitely beginning to show its first signs of aging, sounding more grizzled than soulful. The result of a lifetime of excess? Almost certainly, but the new, world-weary tone seems quite fitting as one of the music legends of the 20th century looks to head into the beginning of the end of his career with a pleasing amount of dignity.

Overall, a positive indication of things to come for Tom Jones.

7/10.