The New Oldies: #6 Album of the Year 2021: Tom Jones – Surrounded by Time

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2021.

#6 Tom Jones – Surrounded by Time

Sir Tom Jones is 80 years young. The now octogenarian has shown no signs of slowing down. His 2021 release, Surrounded by Time shows his voice is as strong as ever.

This is the 41st Studio album by Jones, but it is the fourth consecutive album he has worked on with producer Ethan Johns. One my say this has been a series of cover albums, but in reality I look at this as Jones’ interpretation of songs. Of the four album series Jones has worked with Johns, Surrounded by Time might be the best effort to date.

While there are covers of Cat Stevens (Popstar), Bob Dylan (One Cup of Coffee) and The Grateful Dead (Samson and Delilah); there are also covers of The Waterboys (This is the Sea) and Todd Snider (Talking Reality Television Blues). Normally I’m the last one to like it when an artist tries to reinvent the wheel with a cover, but with Surrounded by Time the word “cover” just never entered into my mind – it’s a great album. Yes, Tom Jones is still cool.