Released in 1965 on Tom Jones’s debut album Along Came Jones, the song “Strange Things” embodies the rich, dynamic energy that helped propel Tom Jones to fame. Along Came Jones marked Jones’s entrance into the music world and showcased his signature style, combining elements of pop, blues, soul, and country. The album itself was an interesting mix of songs that varied in tone and style, showcasing Jones’s impressive vocal range and his ability to convey both strength and sensitivity. Though songs like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Chills and Fever” became the album’s best-known hits, “Strange Things” remains an underrated yet fascinating gem within this collection, capturing Jones at his most raw and expressive.
Jones was known for his powerful, deep voice and his impassioned singing style, which made him an instant sensation. The album Along Came Jones introduced audiences to a fresh voice in pop and soul music that brought both gravitas and excitement to his performances. His emotive singing style quickly became his trademark and set him apart from many of his contemporaries, aligning him with a growing interest in passionate, heart-stirring music that defined much of the 1960s. “Strange Things” is a notable track that exemplifies this style, combining intense instrumentation with Jones’s unique, robust vocal delivery.
Instrumentation and Musical Texture in “Strange Things”
The instrumentation in “Strange Things” leans heavily on brass, a defining feature of many of Jones’s songs, especially in his early works. The song opens with a powerful horn section that instantly grabs the listener’s attention. The brass section provides the song with an almost big-band quality, setting the stage for Jones’s intense vocal performance. This brass-heavy arrangement is layered with rhythm guitars, bass, and drums, each complementing Jones’s vocals and creating a compelling backdrop that builds in intensity as the song progresses.
The bass and drums work together to create a steady, driving rhythm that underpins the entire song, giving it an upbeat and almost danceable feel. These instruments provide a solid foundation for the brass and vocals, allowing Jones’s voice to soar without feeling overpowered. This rhythm section’s subtle, consistent groove enhances the song’s urgency and supports its narrative of experiencing the unexpected and the strange, themes conveyed powerfully in the lyrics. The horns punctuate the chorus and bridge sections, emphasizing the song’s emotional peaks and contributing to the sense of intrigue and tension. The overall arrangement makes the song a dynamic listening experience that holds the listener’s attention throughout.
The song’s guitar work adds another layer to its rich soundscape. While not as prominent as the horns or vocals, the guitar adds depth with rhythmic strumming and occasional melodic fills. The subtle but effective guitar lines create a sense of movement, pushing the song forward and adding texture to the track. This instrument choice aligns well with the classic sounds of 1960s rock and roll, blues, and early country, genres that were flourishing at the time and which Jones borrowed from liberally. Together, the brass, rhythm section, and guitar create a complex and engaging sound that feels both familiar and fresh, showing off Jones’s ability to adapt and blend different musical influences seamlessly.
One of the unique qualities of “Strange Things” is how it incorporates a slight sense of drama and theatricality, which became a hallmark of Tom Jones’s music. His vocal delivery is at once strong and emotive, bringing out the song’s theme of confronting unexpected and almost surreal circumstances. This dramatic quality was something Jones carried into many of his future works, solidifying his reputation as an intense and theatrical performer who could convey stories as much as he could sing songs. In “Strange Things,” Jones’s voice moves between a controlled intensity and moments of heightened emotion, perfectly complementing the song’s instrumental arrangement.
Lyrical Themes and Vocal Delivery
Lyrically, “Strange Things” captures a sense of mystery and intrigue, with Jones singing about the odd and surprising experiences that life throws our way. The lyrics convey a narrative of unexpected events that shake up one’s understanding of the world, delivered with the power and sincerity that made Jones a compelling storyteller. The song’s tone is both playful and earnest, suggesting that while these strange things may be unsettling, they are also part of life’s adventure. Jones’s delivery brings the lyrics to life, imbuing them with a weight that makes the listener feel as though they, too, are grappling with life’s unpredictabilities.
Jones’s unique voice was critical to the song’s impact. He was known for his robust baritone, a rarity among pop singers at the time, which gave his songs an added layer of gravitas. In “Strange Things,” he uses his voice to full effect, moving from deep, rumbling lows to emphatic highs with ease. His ability to project both strength and vulnerability is on full display here, making his performance captivating and emotive. His vocal style is perfectly suited to the song’s theme, giving it a sense of immediacy and depth that only Jones could bring.
Suggested Listening: Similar Songs
For fans of “Strange Things,” there are several other songs that offer a similar blend of intense vocal performance, rich instrumentation, and lyrical depth. Here are a few recommendations:
- “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones – Also from Along Came Jones, this track became one of Jones’s most iconic hits. It combines a catchy rhythm with brass and strings, showcasing Jones’s energetic and powerful singing style.
- “Delilah” by Tom Jones – Released a few years after Along Came Jones, “Delilah” carries a similar dramatic and theatrical quality, with intense brass and emotional lyrics about betrayal and heartbreak.
- “Fever” by Peggy Lee – This classic blues-pop song has a similar sultry feel, using sparse instrumentation and a rhythmic beat to create a sense of tension and intrigue, much like the ambiance in “Strange Things.”
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by The Righteous Brothers – Known for its powerful vocals and rich instrumentation, this song captures the kind of emotive depth and intensity found in “Strange Things.”
- “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash – This country classic uses brass instrumentation to create a unique sound that is both haunting and catchy, pairing well with the atmosphere of “Strange Things.”
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of “Strange Things” and Tom Jones’s Unique Style
In “Strange Things,” Tom Jones demonstrates the qualities that would make him a lasting figure in popular music: a rich, powerful voice; a dramatic, engaging delivery; and an ability to blend genres to create a unique and compelling sound. The song captures the essence of 1960s pop and soul, combining the drama of Jones’s voice with an energetic brass section and a steady rhythm that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. While “Strange Things” may not be as widely known as some of Jones’s other hits, it remains a captivating example of his early style and the unique blend of sounds that characterized his debut album.
For fans of oldies music and those looking to explore the roots of contemporary pop, “Strange Things” offers a fascinating glimpse into the beginnings of Tom Jones’s career and the powerful elements that he brought to the music scene. The song encapsulates the timeless appeal of Jones’s music: the passion, the drama, and the sense of adventure that continue to resonate with listeners today.