Reload - Tom Jones

Advantages: You'll like something, in all probability.
Disadvantages: You'll hate something, in all probability.

I can’t imagine anyone will be unaware of Tom Jones. He’s been around for decades, Here in the 60’s, in Las Vegas throughout the 70’s, 80,s and 90’s and back here to make more noise in the 21st century. He’s the great adapter…a musical shape-shifter. Something for everyone…at some time in their lives, and at some point in his career. Even those who break out in a rash at the very mention of his name will, if they go back through all his material, ...
...not joking…really! At the early stages of his career, his big hits were BLOODY BALLADS the likes of Delilah and Green, Green Grass of Home. People must have liked these, as they sold by the truckload and he made my young life a misery by appearing on Top of the Pops week after hip-grinding week. I loathed him and his music so much, that my family threatened me with a Tom Jones album…or LP as they were wittily known in those far-off days..for my ... Read review

Advantages: A Fun Packed Party Album
Disadvantages: Simply Red & Robbie Williams

Over the last few years “auld Tom” has had a bit of a renaissance. He’s always had a decent voice, and I remember him doing “Opportunity Knocks” when I was a wee lad. My mum loved him, with such hits as “It’s Not Unusual”, “Green Green Grass of Home” and the perennially fresh “Delilah” (recently duetted with Pavarotti on one of the portly ones worthy fund raising concerts for ...
...brought out the critically acclaimed “The Lead & How To Swing It”, followed by a hilarious cameo appearance in Tim Burton’s “Mars Attacks” (singing It’s Not Unusual, of course, as the place is over run by Aliens), then he serves up this little , and very successful , artefact. Seems a good idea, increase street credibility by recording class songs with the supposed best of today’s new talent. It doesn’t ... Read review

Advantages: Many other artists on the album, some addictive tunes
Disadvantages: Some songs can be a bit repetitive, a few bad songs generally, no lyrics written out

...present in another song on Reload – “Sunny Afternoon”, with Space, which I personally do not like, but it’s up to you really. It has a very repetitive tune, but I must admit, the choruses are excellent and jazzy. There are many great songs on the album. “I’m left, you’re right, she’s gone”, with James Dean Bradfield, is another one of these. It has a pop-rock tune, which I find very addictive. ...
...Tom. I think everyone heard the song “Sexbomb” when in became number 3 in the charts in 1999. The version on the album, with Mousse T, is completely different to the version he released. It has the same lyrics, but a different tune, and I think you will like it. I personally prefer the version he released, but this version is excellent as well. Heather Small accompanies Tom in the pop-rock song “You need love like I do”. ... Read review

Advantages: It's Tom Jones! He's back!
Disadvantages: Ends with a whimper rather than a bang.

Reload is, for those not in the know, an album full of remakes. The idea is that Tom Jones has got together with 17 fantastic artists to create an album full of songs that he has never performed before. Originally All Saints were slated to appear in the album as well, but they never made it because they wanted to do "What's new pussycat?", which, as we all know, Tom did himself many years ago. The album is Tom's first for many years, and can be ...
...singing of the song "You can can keep your hat on". From there it was a short hop to appearing on the Brits in 1998 with a duet of the same song. And from there the germ of an idea was born. But enough of the background, what you really want to know is, "is the album any good?" In a word, yes. For your money you get 17 well crafted pop songs with (as far as I'm aware) five getting released as singles. Hre they are: 1: Burning down the house - ... Read review

Advantages: Nil
Disadvantages: A blank CD would honestly be more entertaining

Ah, Tom Jones. Good old rug-head (or his management, presumably) had the idea to record an album of duets in order for the Greatest Living Welshman (in Wales that is the title we afford him, you see) to make a comeback and impress a new generation of fans who had previously not given a jot about the music of Tom Jones apart from when ‘It’s Not Unusual’ was played by an exceptionally irritating DJ at a wedding or anniversary party. ...
...because this album is the most unlistenable drivel I have ever had the misfortune to listen to. I shall painstakingly take you through thus album track by track and explain exactly why you should NOT buy this album. ‘Burning Down The House’ is devoid of any kind of depth or emotion and is an insult to the quirk-funk of the Talking Heads original. ‘Mama Told Me Not To Come’ could be any Stereophonics track ever and has the ... Read review

Advantages: Great songs
Disadvantages: None for me

..., and the highlight of the album was Noel and Liam Gallagher joining Steve Craddock (the true talent behind Ocean Colour Scene), and delivering a tremendous version of “Carnation”. James reappeared in 2000, and “Just Like Fred Astaire” gave them the chart success they were craving. Another song from the album “Reload” by Tom Jones, and this time it is the successful collaboration with The Cardigans. “Burning Down The House” was a surprise hit, and to be honest I was not hopeful when I heard who Tom Jones was teaming up with. It works though, and proved a lot of doubters, me included, wrong! Oh, how I miss Pulp! Hearing “Disco 2000” only reminds me of the void in the music world while Jarvis and co are not about. This is an anthem for me, and always gets me dancing. A total change of tempo for the next song, as “Beat Mama” by Cast is the usual more... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Some good tracks
Disadvantages: Some great tracks missed off

...' (with Cerys) (4.10) this track hits you straight from the opening a loud crashing piano opening, this is like the idea 'Fairy Tale of New York' mixed with Tom Jones song names, mixed with pop culture references, add that Space charm and sound and this is the song you get. I always remember this song for the memorable video where Cerys and Tommy where hanging off the edge of a cliff in a car. "Tommy: What did I do wrong? Cerys: Oh, you nearly drove me cuckoo Tommy: Am I really all that bad? Cerys: You're worse than Hannibal Lecter, Charlie Manson and Freddy Krueger" 'Sunny Afternoon' (with Tom Jones) (3.27) - taken from Tom Jones 'Reloaded' album, you know the one he did with all the young stars. Nice little cover good to finally hear it without having to buy the Tom Jones album. 'Money' (4.02) this song sums up a greedy world... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Bringing real music back to the masses
Disadvantages: Could be viewed as a novelty by some

...different I cant help but feel, alas, that we wont see a renaisance of swing music as a result of his efforts. This has appeared on the horizon on a number of occasions beginning around the time that Tony Bennett performed his 'unplugged' session to popular acclaim. This was followed by various tracks from stars such as Dean Martin appearing on the soundtracks of movies. And although this often made the track and artist popular for a short time it seemed that this is always temporary and awaiting the next track and next star to be highlighted. Note the re-establishment of Andy Williams through tracks being included in adverts. Now it appears that re-mixing of old songs is the way to rediscover fame or fortune, dead or alive. From Lulu's re-light my fire, Shirley Bassey and the propellerheads and of course the chart bursting Tom Jones... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful