Sir Tom Jones, the Welsh powerhouse vocalist with a career spanning over six decades, remains one of music’s most enduring legends. From his breakthrough in the 1960s to his recent acclaimed performances, Jones has consistently delivered songs that showcase his remarkable vocal range and charismatic stage presence. With over 100 million records sold worldwide and 36 Top 40 hits in the United Kingdom alone, Tom Jones has created a musical legacy that transcends generations and genres.
This comprehensive list celebrates the very best of Tom Jones’ extensive catalog, featuring his most beloved classics alongside notable tracks from his more recent work. Whether you’re discovering his music for the first time or revisiting old favorites, these songs represent the pinnacle of his artistry and showcase why he earned his knighthood and remains a beloved figure in popular music. From heart-wrenching ballads to energetic dance numbers, each track demonstrates the versatility and power that have made Tom Jones a true icon.
It’s Not Unusual
Tom Jones’ breakthrough hit “It’s Not Unusual” launched his career when it reached number one in the UK in 1965, though it was originally intended as a demo for Sandie Shaw. The song’s infectious energy and Jones’ powerful delivery immediately established him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. When Sandie Shaw heard Tom’s demo version, she was so impressed that she recommended he release it himself, a decision that would change music history.
The track’s distinctive brass arrangement and Jones’ commanding vocal performance created an instant classic that continues to captivate audiences today. Its timeless appeal has made it a staple at sporting events, particularly rugby matches in Wales, where crowds sing along with passionate enthusiasm. The song perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and charisma that would become Tom Jones’ signature style throughout his remarkable career.
What’s New Pussycat
Written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the film of the same name, “What’s New Pussycat” initially left Tom Jones skeptical about recording such an unconventional song. However, Bacharach’s insistence on having “the big voice” sing this playful tune proved to be inspired. The song became Jones’ third UK top 30 record, peaking at number 11, while reaching number 3 on the American charts.
The track’s quirky lyrics and memorable melody showcased a different side of Jones’ artistic personality, proving his versatility beyond traditional power ballads. The song’s success helped establish him as an international star and demonstrated his ability to tackle diverse musical styles. Its enduring popularity in popular culture, from movie soundtracks to television shows, has cemented its place as one of his most recognizable hits.
Delilah
Written by Barry Mason and Les Reed and released in 1968, “Delilah” became one of Tom Jones’ most emotionally charged performances, hitting number one in several countries including Germany and Switzerland. The song tells the dramatic story of a man consumed by jealousy, with Jones delivering each verse with theatrical intensity that brings the narrative to life. His passionate vocal performance transforms the song into a gripping musical drama that showcases his ability to convey complex emotions through his voice.
The track’s Middle Eastern-influenced melody and dramatic arrangement perfectly complement the dark storyline, creating an atmosphere of tension and passion. “Delilah” remains perhaps his most recognizable song, with audiences singing every word with passion during live performances. The song’s enduring popularity at Welsh rugby matches and its status as an unofficial anthem demonstrate its deep cultural significance beyond just entertainment.
Green, Green Grass of Home
Originally popularized by Porter Wagoner in 1965, Tom Jones’ 1966 recording of “Green, Green Grass of Home” became a worldwide number one hit and even claimed the rather unusual distinction of being the Christmas number one that year. The death-row ballad tells the poignant story of a condemned man’s final dream of returning home, with Jones delivering one of his most emotionally powerful performances. His interpretation brings genuine pathos to the narrative, making listeners feel the protagonist’s longing and despair.
The song’s gentle beginning, building to Jones’ trademark powerful delivery in the final verses, showcases his dynamic range and storytelling ability. The track’s success demonstrated Jones’ capacity to handle deeply emotional material with sensitivity and authenticity. Its enduring appeal lies in the universal themes of home, memory, and loss that resonate across cultures and generations.
She’s a Lady
Written by Paul Anka specifically for Tom Jones and released in 1971, “She’s a Lady” became his highest-charting single in the United States, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song epitomizes Jones at his most suave and confident, strutting through lyrics that celebrate feminine allure with his characteristic swagger. Paul Anka originally intended the song for himself but wisely passed it to Jones, who infused it with his unmistakable charisma.
The track’s disco-friendly arrangement and Jones’ smooth vocal delivery made it an instant dance floor favorite while showcasing his evolution as an artist. Its celebration of sophistication and charm perfectly matched Jones’ public persona as a charismatic entertainer. The song’s lasting popularity has made it a cornerstone of his live performances and a perfect example of early 1970s pop excellence.
(It Looks Like) I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
Originally written by Lonnie Donegan and Jimmy Currie and first released by Donegan in 1962, Tom Jones’ 1967 version became the most commercially successful rendition, reaching number two in the UK. The song captures the bittersweet lament of someone who has been hurt by love repeatedly, with Jones delivering the emotional weight of the lyrics through his powerful vocal performance. His interpretation brings both vulnerability and strength to the narrative, creating a perfect balance of melancholy and hope.
The track showcases Jones’ ability to convey complex emotional states through subtle vocal nuances and dynamic control. The song’s universal theme of romantic disappointment paired with Jones’ passionate delivery resonated with audiences worldwide. Its enduring appeal demonstrates how great vocalists can take existing material and make it completely their own through interpretation and emotional commitment.
Kiss
In 1988, Tom Jones teamed up with Art of Noise to create a funky, brass-filled version of Prince’s “Kiss” that reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, actually charting higher than Prince’s original. This unexpected collaboration proved that Jones could successfully adapt to contemporary musical styles while maintaining his distinctive identity. The music video became iconic, featuring Tom’s charismatic moves and screen presence that practically leaped off the screen.
The track’s success marked a significant comeback for Jones, introducing him to a new generation of fans while demonstrating his adaptability as an artist. The funky arrangement and Jones’ cheeky delivery transformed Prince’s minimalist original into something entirely new and exciting. This collaboration perfectly exemplified how established artists could successfully reinvent themselves by embracing current musical trends without losing their essential character.
Sex Bomb
Released in early 2000 as part of the “Reload” album, “Sex Bomb” became one of the biggest hits from that collection, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. The collaboration with Mousse T brought Jones into the electronic dance music era with spectacular results, proving his continued relevance in contemporary music. The song’s playful and suggestive nature, combined with its perfect pop sensibilities, created an irresistible combination for radio and dance floors.
The track’s success helped cement Jones’ reputation as an artist who could successfully bridge generational gaps and musical genres. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus made it an instant classic that continues to fill dance floors decades after its release. The song perfectly captured the essence of turn-of-the-millennium pop culture while showcasing Jones’ timeless appeal and vocal prowess.
Thunderball
“Thunderball,” the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, represents one of the most underrated Bond themes and showcases Tom Jones’ vocal talents at their most dramatic. Legend has it that Jones fainted in the recording booth after holding the song’s final high note for an extended period, demonstrating his commitment to delivering powerful performances. The song’s epic orchestral arrangement and spy-thriller atmosphere provided the perfect vehicle for Jones’ theatrical vocal style.
The track’s cinematic quality and Jones’ commanding presence made it an ideal match for the glamorous world of James Bond. His ability to convey both danger and sophistication through his vocal delivery perfectly captured the essence of the Bond franchise. While perhaps less commercially successful than some of his other hits, “Thunderball” remains a testament to Jones’ versatility and his ability to excel in different musical contexts.
I Who Have Nothing
This English-language cover of the Italian song “Uno dei Tanti” featured new lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, with Tom Jones scoring a significant hit in both the UK and US in 1970. The song’s dramatic narrative of unrequited love and social inadequacy provided Jones with an ideal vehicle for his emotional vocal style. His passionate delivery transforms the song into a powerful statement about desire, class, and human dignity.
The track’s dramatic arrangement builds from intimate verses to soaring choruses that showcase Jones’ dynamic range and emotional intensity. His interpretation brings both vulnerability and defiance to the lyrics, creating a complex emotional landscape that resonates with listeners. The song’s success further established Jones as an interpreter of sophisticated material who could bring depth and nuance to popular music.
Mama Told Me Not To Come
Written by Randy Newman and later covered with Welsh band Stereophonics for the “Reload” album, this collaboration gave Tom Jones another top 10 hit in 1999. Originally brought to fame by Three Dog Night, Jones’ version with Kelly Jones of Stereophonics added an extra layer of cheeky charm and funky, bluesy vibes. The song’s narrative about a party gone wrong perfectly suited Jones’ ability to combine humor with vocal power.
The collaboration showcased how Jones could successfully work with contemporary artists while maintaining his distinctive style. The track’s success demonstrated the enduring appeal of great songs when interpreted by powerful voices across different generations. The chemistry between Tom Jones and Stereophonics created a version that honored the original while bringing fresh energy and Welsh pride to the performance.
Burning Down the House
For his “Reload” collaborations album, Tom Jones teamed up with Swedish band The Cardigans to cover this Talking Heads classic, resulting in a big top 10 hit that gave both artists one of their biggest successes in 1999. The unlikely pairing of Jones’ powerful vocals with The Cardigans’ indie sensibilities created something entirely fresh and unexpected. Their interpretation transformed David Byrne’s quirky original into a more soulful and accessible version while maintaining its essential character.
The collaboration demonstrated Jones’ ability to work across musical genres and with artists from different backgrounds and generations. The track’s success proved that great songs could be successfully reinterpreted when artists bring genuine creativity and respect to the material. The combination of Jones’ vocal power with The Cardigans’ modern production created a perfect bridge between classic and contemporary music.
Till
Originally released by Percy Faith in 1957 and written by Charles Danvers and Carl Sigman, Tom Jones’ 1971 rendition reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and number 41 on the Billboard charts. The song’s romantic lyrics and gentle melody provided Jones with an opportunity to showcase his softer, more intimate vocal style. His interpretation brings warmth and sincerity to the classic love song while maintaining the emotional depth that characterizes his best performances.
The track demonstrates Jones’ versatility as an interpreter of standards and his ability to make older material relevant to contemporary audiences. His vocal approach balances power with restraint, creating an intimate performance that draws listeners into the emotional core of the song. The success of “Till” proved that Jones could excel with quieter, more contemplative material as effectively as with his more dramatic showstoppers.
You Can Leave Your Hat On
Tom Jones’ version of this Joe Cocker classic gave him another top 10 hit in the UK and became one of his signature songs, perfectly suited to his charismatic stage presence. The song’s seductive lyrics and bluesy arrangement provided an ideal showcase for Jones’ ability to combine vocal power with sensual appeal. His interpretation brings both playfulness and genuine passion to the performance, making it a concert favorite that never fails to energize audiences.
The track’s success demonstrated Jones’ continued relevance in the modern music landscape and his ability to make any song distinctly his own. His performances of the song have become legendary, showcasing not just his vocal abilities but his complete command of the stage. The song’s enduring popularity reflects Jones’ unique ability to balance sophistication with raw, primal energy.
Love Me Tonight
Released as part of Tom Jones’ continued exploration of contemporary sounds, “Love Me Tonight” showcases his ability to adapt to modern production while maintaining his distinctive vocal identity. The song features a more electronic-influenced arrangement that complements Jones’ powerful voice without overwhelming it. His performance demonstrates how experience and wisdom can enhance rather than diminish an artist’s creative output.
The track represents Jones’ ongoing commitment to musical growth and his refusal to simply rely on past successes. His vocal delivery remains as powerful and emotionally engaging as ever, proving that great voices only improve with time and experience. The song’s modern production values and timeless vocal performance create a perfect blend of contemporary and classic elements.
If I Only Knew
From his 1994 album “The Lead and How to Swing It,” “If I Only Knew” reached number 11 in the UK and was performed at the MTV Europe Music Awards, where Jones also served as host. The song marked an important period in Jones’ career as he embraced more contemporary R&B influences while maintaining his distinctive style. His vocal performance demonstrates remarkable control and emotional depth, bringing genuine feeling to the song’s themes of romantic regret.
The track’s success helped establish Jones as an artist who could successfully navigate changing musical landscapes without compromising his artistic integrity. The song’s sophisticated arrangement and Jones’ mature vocal approach showed how veteran artists could evolve and remain relevant. When exploring different musical genres, it’s clear that Jones’ adaptability has been key to his longevity.
Tower of Song
Tom Jones’ interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song” has become a regular feature in his recent live performances, demonstrating his continued artistic growth and willingness to tackle challenging material. The song’s philosophical lyrics and complex emotional landscape provide an ideal vehicle for Jones’ mature vocal style. His interpretation brings new dimensions to Cohen’s introspective composition while respecting its essential character and meaning.
The track showcases Jones’ evolution as an artist who continues to seek out meaningful material that challenges both himself and his audiences. His approach to Cohen’s sophisticated songwriting demonstrates the depth and intelligence that have always underlain his more obvious vocal power. The song represents the kind of artistic choices that have kept Jones relevant and respected throughout his long career.
I Won’t Crumble with You If You Fall
Featured on his most recent album “Surrounded by Time” (2021), “I Won’t Crumble with You If You Fall” represents Tom Jones’ continued artistic evolution, dedicated to personal losses and performed with nothing but his voice and a single spotlight. The song’s intimate arrangement allows Jones’ vocal power to speak directly to listeners without embellishment or distraction. His emotional delivery demonstrates how life experience can deepen an artist’s ability to convey complex feelings through music.
The track exemplifies Jones’ willingness to embrace vulnerability in his later career, showing a different side of his artistic personality. His performance creates an atmosphere of profound intimacy that draws audiences into the emotional core of the song. The song’s placement on his recent album shows that Jones continues to grow as an artist and explore new emotional territories even in his eighties.
Not Dark Yet
Tom Jones’ interpretation of Bob Dylan’s contemplative “Not Dark Yet” has become a powerful feature of his recent live performances, confirming his love for songs with depth, introspection, and poetry. The song’s philosophical themes about aging and mortality provide Jones with material that perfectly suits his current life stage and artistic perspective. His vocal approach brings both wisdom and acceptance to Dylan’s introspective lyrics while maintaining hope and dignity.
The track demonstrates Jones’ continued commitment to challenging material that goes beyond simple entertainment to explore deeper human experiences. His interpretation respects Dylan’s original vision while bringing his own life experience and vocal power to bear on the material. For music enthusiasts exploring different artistic interpretations, Jones’ approach to Dylan’s songwriting offers a masterclass in how great artists can make other artists’ work their own.
Talking Reality Television Blues
“Talking Reality Television Blues” from his 2021 album “Surrounded by Time” represents Tom Jones’ willingness to tackle contemporary social commentary, recorded during lockdown with biting lyrics about modern culture. The song showcases Jones’ continued relevance as an artist who can address current events and social issues through his music. His delivery combines humor with genuine concern about the state of modern media and entertainment.
The track demonstrates that Jones remains an artist willing to take risks and express opinions through his music, rather than simply relying on nostalgia. His approach to the song’s satirical lyrics shows how experienced artists can use their platform to comment on contemporary society. The song’s inclusion on his recent album proves that Jones continues to evolve as both an artist and a social commentator.
One Hell of a Life
This track from Tom Jones’ recent work serves as both a celebration and reflection on his extraordinary career and personal journey. The song’s autobiographical elements allow Jones to look back on his experiences while maintaining his characteristic energy and optimism. His vocal performance demonstrates that experience and age have only enhanced his ability to convey complex emotions and life experiences through music.
The track represents the kind of personal statement that only artists with Jones’ longevity and experience can make authentically. His delivery combines gratitude with hard-won wisdom, creating a performance that feels both celebratory and contemplative. The song serves as a perfect example of how great artists can transform their life experiences into meaningful art that resonates with audiences across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Jones’ most famous song?
“It’s Not Unusual” is widely considered Tom Jones’ most famous song, as it was his breakthrough hit that reached number one in the UK in 1965 and established him as an international star. However, “Delilah” and “What’s New Pussycat” are also incredibly popular and recognizable worldwide.
How many albums has Tom Jones sold?
Tom Jones has sold over 100 million records worldwide throughout his career, with 36 Top 40 hits in the United Kingdom, 22 in Canada, and 19 in the United States. His commercial success spans multiple decades and different musical styles.
What was Tom Jones’ biggest hit in America?
“She’s a Lady,” written by Paul Anka and released in 1971, was Tom Jones’ biggest hit in the United States, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. This makes it his highest-charting single in America and his last Billboard Top 10 hit.
Is Tom Jones still performing in 2025?
Yes, Tom Jones continues to perform and has announced tour dates for 2025, with the Welsh legend turning 85 in June but showing no signs of slowing down. He recently performed his first-ever concerts in Greece and continues to tour internationally.
What is Tom Jones’ latest album?
Tom Jones’ most recent album is “Surrounded by Time” released in 2021, with “The Hourglass Edition” being released later with additional tracks recorded in the studio. The album reached number one in the UK and featured both original songs and covers of artists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
Has Tom Jones won any major awards?
Tom Jones received a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966, an MTV Video Music Award in 1989, and two Brit Awards: Best British Male in 2000 and the Outstanding Contribution to Music award in 2003. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music.