When we think of Tom Jones, we often picture his legendary voice belting out classic hits like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah,” songs that have cemented his place as one of the most iconic voices in the history of pop and soul music. However, in his 1969 album Delilah, Jones also showcased his versatility as an artist with a deeper, more reflective piece of music that perfectly demonstrated his ability to interpret songs across different genres. One such song is “The Windmills of Your Mind,” a hauntingly beautiful and introspective track that has captivated listeners for decades.
This particular song, originally composed by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, first appeared in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair. However, Tom Jones’ rendition of the track on Delilah is a unique and compelling interpretation, marked by his powerful and emotive voice and an arrangement that perfectly blends elements of orchestral music and pop balladry. In this review, we will explore the nuances of the song, the album it’s part of, the instruments and sounds that bring it to life, and why it remains one of Tom Jones’ most celebrated performances.
An Introduction to the Album Delilah
Released in 1968, Delilah was a landmark album for Tom Jones, further solidifying his status as an international star. While Jones was already known for his energetic performances and chart-topping hits in the pop and soul genres, Delilah showed his ability to tackle more nuanced material. The album featured a mixture of both upbeat tracks and emotional ballads, demonstrating a shift toward a more sophisticated and complex musical direction.
The album’s title track, “Delilah,” became one of Jones’ signature songs, but it was “The Windmills of Your Mind” that set a different tone. Rather than the raucous energy of “Delilah,” this song is quieter, more meditative, and introspective. The choice of such a song on an album full of hits might have seemed surprising to some at the time, but it was a strategic move that allowed Jones to show a different side of his vocal capabilities. His delivery of “The Windmills of Your Mind” is less forceful and more emotional, which allows the lyrics and music to take center stage.
The Composition: A Haunting, Atmospheric Piece of Music
“The Windmills of Your Mind” is a striking piece of music that blends jazz, classical, and cinematic influences. The original version, composed by Michel Legrand, was designed to accompany the lush visual style of The Thomas Crown Affair. The song’s melody is both disorienting and beautiful, creating an atmosphere of confusion and longing—perfectly mirroring the protagonist’s inner turmoil in the film.
Tom Jones’ version of the song takes these elements and adapts them to his unique style. While he maintains much of the song’s original sophistication, his interpretation imbues it with a deeper emotional resonance. Jones’ voice, known for its deep baritone richness, explores the complexities of the lyrics with careful restraint. The lyrics, which describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions, flow perfectly with the winding melody that continuously circles back on itself, like the windmills referenced in the title.
The song’s key musical elements—both in terms of composition and arrangement—deserve special attention. From the very beginning, listeners are greeted with the lush sound of strings, which set the tone for the entire piece. The arrangement includes a full orchestra, giving the song a grand, cinematic quality, but it’s the subtlety of the instrumentation that makes the track so compelling.
The Instrumentation and Sounds Behind the Track
A standout feature of “The Windmills of Your Mind” is its rich orchestration. The strings, in particular, are prominent throughout the track. Their sweeping and sometimes dissonant melodies mirror the emotional turmoil expressed in the lyrics, and the lush arrangements create a sonic atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. In addition to the strings, the song features the smooth sounds of brass and woodwinds, which add layers of complexity and drama to the music.
The song also makes effective use of piano and guitar, with both instruments playing key roles in building the song’s emotional intensity. The piano, in particular, acts as the song’s grounding force, providing both melodic support and harmonic depth. In contrast, the guitar is used sparingly, but its inclusion is important for adding a subtle texture to the arrangement. It’s not immediately noticeable, but the guitar’s soft, plucked notes add an extra layer of richness to the overall sound.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the song’s arrangement is the use of the rhythm section, which includes a soft yet persistent drum beat that drives the song forward without overwhelming the other instruments. The gentle rhythm adds to the song’s meditative quality, providing a sense of forward motion while maintaining the emotional subtlety that is so important to the track’s overall impact.
Overall, the combination of strings, brass, woodwinds, piano, guitar, and subtle percussion creates a lush, atmospheric sound that perfectly complements the haunting nature of the song’s lyrics. The arrangement, while complex, is never overwhelming—each instrument is carefully placed to create a sense of space and resonance, allowing the vocals to remain the focal point.
Tom Jones’ Interpretation: A Masterclass in Emotional Delivery
What sets Tom Jones’ version of “The Windmills of Your Mind” apart from other renditions is his ability to convey deep emotional nuance. Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Jones here takes a more measured approach, allowing the emotional weight of the song to resonate with the listener. His interpretation is both tender and dramatic, making the song a standout track on the Delilah album.
Jones’ vocal delivery is perfectly matched to the song’s orchestration. He doesn’t overwhelm the music with unnecessary power or aggression but instead uses his voice to delicately express the underlying emotional conflict of the song. His phrasing is precise, and he allows the lyrics to unfold gradually, building to a powerful emotional crescendo toward the song’s conclusion. This nuanced approach to vocal delivery enhances the depth of the song, making it feel personal and introspective while also cinematic in its grandeur.
It’s important to note that Jones does not merely sing the song—he inhabits it. His voice is the conduit through which the song’s themes of confusion, longing, and internal struggle are expressed. In doing so, he elevates the song beyond a simple love ballad into a profound and moving piece of music that stays with the listener long after the song ends.
Similar Songs to Explore
For those who enjoy the reflective, sophisticated quality of “The Windmills of Your Mind,” here are a few similar songs that are worth exploring:
- “What’s New Pussycat?” by Tom Jones – While more upbeat and playful, this song demonstrates Tom Jones’ knack for engaging with both pop and cinematic themes.
- “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum – A haunting, piano-driven ballad with orchestral elements that captures a similar sense of melancholy and introspection.
- “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues – Another track with a deep emotional core, mixing orchestral and rock elements for a dreamy, cinematic atmosphere.
- “The Look of Love” by Dusty Springfield – A smooth, orchestral pop ballad that shares a similar elegant vibe and emotional depth with Jones’ rendition of “The Windmills of Your Mind.”
- “Moondance” by Van Morrison – A jazzy, laid-back piece of music that features a sophisticated blend of strings, piano, and light rhythm, akin to the mood and instrumentation of Jones’ song.
Conclusion
Tom Jones’ rendition of “The Windmills of Your Mind” is one of the most unique and emotionally compelling performances in his extensive catalog. Through a perfect balance of orchestral grandeur, subtle instrumentation, and deeply nuanced vocals, Jones delivers a performance that stands as a testament to his artistry and versatility. While Delilah is known for its iconic title track and other hits, “The Windmills of Your Mind” is a timeless piece of music that showcases a different side of Tom Jones—a more introspective, emotionally grounded artist.
For anyone looking to explore the depths of Jones’ work, or for those simply in search of a hauntingly beautiful, cinematic piece of music, this track is a must-listen. Whether you’re a fan of orchestral pop ballads or just a lover of good music, “The Windmills of Your Mind” is a song that will stay with you long after the last note fades away.