Tom Jones

Given the longevity of Tom Jones, it seems late in the game for the ambitious reinvention attempted on 24 Hours. But from his riff-backed howl on the opening "I'm Alive," Jones blows the doors off his first American release in over a decade, impressive both because of his career-first writing credits and his heavy hand in directing the brassy, natural retro soul production. Front-loaded with strutters, the album gives listeners a chance to towel off with deep-cut ballads like "Seasons" and "Seen That Face." All told, a brilliant late-career effort.