Tom Jones - Praise & Blame

Equally cursed and blessed

There is a vitality and energy to The Voice’s new album that borders on the remarkable. Everything about the record is brilliantly-devised: Ethan Johns’ production, the live recordings, the arrangements and, crucially, the song choices. While Sir Tom’s previous album, 24 Hours, brought together multilayered, often lush arrangements, big sentiments and significant-feeling statements in its tracks (which he co-wrote), Praise & Blame unlocks his – and its – inspiration through covers by musical heroes and the odd spot of nihilism.

Prime example is the blistering take on John Lee Hooker’s Burning Hell, raucously devilish and sung with fangs bared by Jones, whose voice is in exceptional shape throughout. Ain’t No Grave, complete with banjo riffs, frames a country bluegrass tale of the Rapture, while Nobody’s Fault is a powerful blues track that allows the singer to utterly control the dynamic of the story with a vocal performance of spectacular quality. Dylan purists may be divided over the merit – or otherwise – of album opener What Good Am I, but the footstep-beat and sparse, spacey feel makes it a perfect bridge to concluding track on 24 Hours; an inspired moment among many on a great album.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Universal/Island | 2741297

Reviewed by Joe Shooman
<< Back to Issue 379

You might also like:

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk