Introduction
Tom Jones Looks Back on His Life and Career With Surrounded by Time
At 80 years old, Sir Tom Jones is proving once again that time may pass, but true artistry never fades. With the release of his album Surrounded by Time, the legendary Welsh singer reflects on his extraordinary journey through music, love, and loss — offering fans a deeply personal collection of songs that highlight not only his voice, but also his wisdom earned over decades in the spotlight.
A Career Like No Other
From his explosive debut in the 1960s with hits like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah,” Tom Jones quickly rose to international fame, his powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence making him one of the era’s biggest stars. Over the years, he became known for his ability to transcend genres — tackling pop, rock, soul, gospel, and country — all while retaining the rich baritone that defined his sound.
Yet, even with a career spanning more than 60 years, Jones insists he is still learning, still evolving. Surrounded by Time is not just a collection of covers; it is a meditation on life, mortality, and resilience, told through songs that carry new meaning in his twilight years.
Choosing the Song
The album features Jones’s interpretations of tracks by artists including Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Michael Kiwanuka. But rather than simply revisiting familiar classics, Tom chose songs that speak directly to his own experiences.
“I wanted to record music that reflects where I am now,” he explained. “These songs aren’t just tunes I enjoy — they’re pieces of my story. They capture my journey, my struggles, and the way I see the world today.”
Tracks like “I’m Growing Old” resonate with poignant honesty, while “Talking Reality Television Blues” channels his sharp observations about fame and modern culture. Each performance reveals layers of emotion, as if Jones is less interested in showcasing his vocal power and more intent on baring his soul.
A Personal Chapter
Surrounded by Time also marks the first album Jones recorded after the death of his wife of 59 years, Melinda “Linda” Rose Woodward, in 2016. Her loss devastated him, leaving him unsure if he would ever sing again. But in the years since, Jones has found solace in music, and this album reflects that healing process.
“Music saved me,” he admitted. “When I sing these songs, I feel her with me. It’s my way of keeping her close.”
A Voice That Endures
What makes Surrounded by Time remarkable is not just the choice of material, but the depth Jones brings to it. His voice, still commanding, has gained a rawness with age that adds gravity to every lyric. Listeners don’t just hear Tom Jones sing; they hear him live through the words.
A Legacy of Reflection
With this album, Tom Jones reminds the world that true artistry only deepens with time. Surrounded by Time is not about looking back with regret, but about embracing the lessons of the past and carrying them forward with dignity and passion.
For fans, it is both a gift and a reminder: Tom Jones is not simply surviving the passage of years — he is thriving, still telling his story, and still singing it better than anyone else.