Tom Jones, one of the most iconic voices in music history, has long been known for his incredible vocal prowess and eclectic style. In a career that spans more than six decades, he has explored genres ranging from pop and soul to gospel and rock. His 2021 album Surrounded by Time was a remarkable entry in his discography, showcasing a more reflective, mature side of the Welsh singer. Among the standout tracks from the album is his haunting and moving rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet.”
In this review, we’ll explore how Tom Jones interprets this Dylan classic, analyze the arrangement and instrumentation of the track, and delve into the broader context of Surrounded by Time, while offering a few listening recommendations for those who appreciate Jones’ unique approach to music.
The Album: Surrounded by Time (2021)
Surrounded by Time is Tom Jones’ 41st studio album, released at the age of 80. This album marks a significant evolution in Jones’ career, demonstrating his ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his roots. The album is a collection of covers, reimagining works by artists like Paul Simon, Terry Callier, and, of course, Bob Dylan. The common thread among the selections is a reflection on the passage of time, the human condition, and the introspective musings that come with age.
Jones brings a newfound depth to his voice in this album. His performance is characterized by a raw, emotional vulnerability that is hard to ignore. The arrangements are sparse, allowing his voice to take center stage, and the production leans into the contemporary with subtle touches of orchestration. It’s a meditative work that invites listeners to explore themes of mortality, regret, and wisdom, making it one of the most compelling albums of his later career.
The album’s musical style can best be described as a mix of folk, blues, and soul, with occasional orchestral flourishes. Surrounded by Time finds Jones taking on songs that aren’t typically associated with his musical history, showing how an artist can transform songs across genres while staying authentic. This track, “Not Dark Yet,” is one of the clearest examples of how Jones imbues a song with his own personality and interpretation.
“Not Dark Yet”: A Song of Reflection and Resilience
Originally written by Bob Dylan and featured on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind, “Not Dark Yet” is a deeply introspective piece. The song reflects themes of existential reflection, as Dylan meditates on the inevitability of aging and death. The lyrics are dark and melancholic, with the refrain “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there” conveying a poignant recognition of life’s impermanence. Dylan’s version is haunting in its spare instrumentation, and Jones’ rendition does much to preserve this sense of solemnity while adding his own emotional weight.
In Jones’ interpretation, we hear the same sorrowful beauty, but there’s an added dimension to his vocal delivery. Jones, now in his 80s, sings with a sense of lived experience that adds gravity to the words. His rich baritone, which has always been capable of evoking raw emotion, serves as the perfect vehicle for conveying the contemplative mood of the song. Jones’ voice feels even more textured than before, with a slight rasp that underscores the sense of weariness in the lyrics.
The arrangement on “Not Dark Yet” is minimalist, maintaining the bare-bones quality that makes the song so effective. The track opens with a deep, resonant bass line and a soft, steady drumbeat, both of which set a melancholic mood. The sound of an acoustic guitar is present throughout, though it’s played gently, almost as if it’s guiding the song forward rather than dominating it. A few atmospheric keyboard swells are also woven into the background, adding to the haunting nature of the track without overwhelming it.
One of the standout features of the arrangement is the piano, which comes in during the latter part of the song. The piano plays subtle, but essential, chords that underscore the rising tension in the lyrics. As the song progresses, the instrumental layers become more pronounced, mirroring the emotional complexity of the subject matter. Jones’ performance here is masterful in its restraint—he knows that the emotional depth of the song doesn’t require loud, bombastic displays of vocal prowess, but rather a quieter, more controlled delivery that allows the sorrow to resonate more deeply with the listener.
The Instrumentation: A Sparse Yet Powerful Arrangement
In terms of instrumentation, “Not Dark Yet” sticks to a relatively simple setup, relying heavily on the synergy between the guitar, bass, piano, and drums. These four instruments provide the foundation for Jones’ vocal performance, supporting the mood of the track without overpowering it.
The guitar is used sparingly but effectively. There’s a sense of space in the arrangement, and the guitar’s occasional strums create a subtle, melodic echo that complements the mournful tone of the song. The bass adds a rich undercurrent, keeping the track grounded while adding depth to the mood. The piano, as mentioned earlier, comes in to elevate the song’s emotional impact, gently filling in the spaces between the lyrics. This interplay between instruments allows the track to breathe and provides a perfect backdrop for Jones’ delivery.
The production, overseen by Jones and Ethan Johns, maintains a sense of restraint that allows for clarity in every note. There’s an intimacy to the recording that makes the listener feel as though they are right there in the room with the artist. Every pluck of the guitar, every subtle breath from Jones, and every note on the piano feels purposeful. This spareness is not to be mistaken for emptiness; rather, it creates a profound sense of emotional weight.
Tom Jones’ Vocal Delivery: A Masterclass in Emotion
Tom Jones has always been known for his incredible vocal range and power, but on “Not Dark Yet,” it’s his emotional delivery that truly shines. There’s a vulnerability to his voice on this track that feels earned and raw. As he sings the words “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there,” there’s a noticeable sense of weariness, as if Jones is fully aware of the passage of time and the inevitability of life’s end.
His phrasing on the song is also worth noting. Jones uses subtle variations in his delivery to convey a deeper emotional range, sometimes holding notes longer than expected or letting them trail off into silence. This creates a sense of intimacy, as if he’s confiding in the listener rather than performing for them. Jones’ voice has always been larger than life, but here, it feels as though he’s pulling the listener into his own personal reflection, creating an atmosphere of shared contemplation.
Comparisons and Similar Songs
For those who enjoy Tom Jones’ take on Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet,” there are several other tracks and artists you might appreciate. Jones has a knack for interpreting songs with his own signature style, and here are a few tracks that showcase his ability to blend his voice with different genres and themes:
- “The Wind” by Cat Stevens – Another reflective song that delves into existential questions and the passage of time, much like “Not Dark Yet.”
- “Hurt” by Johnny Cash – This is an iconic cover that, like Jones’ rendition of “Not Dark Yet,” carries deep emotional weight and introspection. Cash’s raw and vulnerable performance is similarly compelling.
- “Take Me to the River” by Al Green – If you’re looking for more of Jones’ soulful side, this track offers a great example of his ability to infuse classic songs with a fresh energy.
- “Desperado” by The Eagles – A song that similarly captures the themes of isolation and emotional yearning. Jones’ delivery on “Not Dark Yet” bears some resemblance to the emotional resonance found in “Desperado.”
Conclusion
Tom Jones’ interpretation of Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet” is a poignant and introspective piece of music that highlights the singer’s maturity and depth. With its spare instrumentation and Jones’ emotionally charged vocal performance, the track is a fitting representation of the themes explored in Surrounded by Time. The song is a meditation on aging, mortality, and the quiet moments that define our lives, and Jones brings a sense of vulnerability and wisdom to the lyrics that make it his own.
If you’re a fan of artists who are willing to take risks with their interpretations, or if you appreciate music that explores deep emotional themes, this track (and the entire album) is worth exploring. Tom Jones continues to prove that age is no barrier to musical innovation, and Surrounded by Time is a powerful reminder of the emotional depths that can be achieved in music, regardless of genre.