Is Delilah a good place to start with Tom Jones?

Yes, Delilah is recommended as a starting point for new Tom Jones listeners. A lush blend of orchestral pop and soul, punctuated by Tom Jones's powerful vocals and emotive storytelling. By 1968, Tom Jones had established himself as a prominent figure in the music scene with his early hits like 'It's Not Unusual'. 'Delilah,' released on July 12, 1968, marked a significant moment in his career as it showcased his ability to tackle darker themes while maintaining mainstream appeal. This album followed his initial surge in popularity and set the stage for further exploration of complex narratives in his music.

Delilah works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, emotive storytelling with vocals and for nostalgic evenings.

How many songs are on Delilah?

Delilah has 12 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Delilah

Tom Jones · 1968

36 min · 12 tracks · blues

A lush blend of orchestral pop and soul, punctuated by Tom Jones's powerful vocals and emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Delilah Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's dramatic flair, featuring a haunting narrative that explores themes of love and betrayal, all delivered with Jones's commanding vocal presence.
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Weeping Annaleah — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and emotional depth, showcasing Jones's ability to convey vulnerability amidst his typically robust performance style.
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My Elusive Dreams — A duet that highlights the interplay of longing and aspiration, this song exemplifies Jones’s skill in blending heartfelt storytelling with rich melodies.
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Only a Fool Breaks His Own Heart — This track features a classic heartbreak theme, allowing Jones to explore softer dynamics while delivering a powerful emotional punch through his vocal interpretation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and orchestration, with memorable performances that resonate over time.

What we noticed

The title track 'Delilah' features a dramatic orchestral arrangement that builds tension before Jones's powerful vocal delivery.
Several tracks incorporate lush string sections and background vocals, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only a few tracks varying significantly in tempo or mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic journey throughout
emotive storytelling with vocals
for nostalgic evenings
engaging sing-along moments
suitable for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Tom Jones's reputation with a signature song that gained wide recognition.
Moods: Nostalgic· Romantic
Career context: By 1968, Tom Jones had established himself as a prominent figure in the music scene with his early hits like 'It's Not Unusual'. 'Delilah,' released on July 12, 1968, marked a significant moment in his career as it showcased his ability to tackle darker themes while maintaining mainstream appeal. This album followed his initial surge in popularity and set the stage for further exploration of complex narratives in his music.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Cocker· Engelbert Humperdinck· Wilson Pickett