Few voices resonate with such timeless charisma as that of Tom Jones. Renowned for his powerful baritone and ability to breathe life into songs across genres, Tom Jones’ rendition of “Try to Remember” offers listeners a heartfelt journey through nostalgia and emotion. This song is a highlight of his 1965 album From the Heart, a collection that underscores his mastery of diverse musical styles and his ability to transform simple melodies into enduring classics.
“Try to Remember” is not just a song; it’s a masterful piece of music that evokes the soft glow of autumn and the wistful reflection of cherished memories. With its understated instrumentation and Jones’ evocative vocals, this track captures a universal sentiment that resonates across generations.
The Album: From the Heart
“Try to Remember” is part of Tom Jones’ album From the Heart, released during the height of his early career. The album showcases Jones’ versatility, blending pop, ballads, and classic standards, each infused with his unmistakable vocal passion. From the Heart serves as a bridge between Jones’ early pop hits, like It’s Not Unusual, and his later ventures into country and soul music.
The album reflects the cultural landscape of the mid-1960s, a time when ballads and emotive storytelling songs held a firm place in popular music. Try to Remember fits seamlessly into this context, standing out as a reflective, sentimental track that contrasts with the upbeat, swinging numbers that Jones was often known for at the time. Its inclusion in the album demonstrates the singer’s knack for balancing high-energy hits with more introspective offerings, ensuring something for every listener.
Instrumentation and Sounds in “Try to Remember”
The beauty of “Try to Remember” lies in its simplicity. The arrangement focuses on creating an intimate soundscape that allows the lyrics and Jones’ vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation is deliberately minimalistic, lending the song its warm, contemplative atmosphere.
The Guitar’s Gentle Presence
The song opens with the soothing strum of an acoustic guitar, establishing a tranquil mood. The guitar is not only the backbone of the melody but also an evocative element that conjures images of quiet evenings and personal reflection. Its soft, repetitive chords create a delicate foundation, allowing the listener to focus on the lyrics.
The Elegance of the Piano
Complementing the guitar is the tender touch of the piano, which adds depth to the arrangement. The piano’s subtle, melodic lines interweave with the guitar, emphasizing key emotional moments in the song. Together, these instruments form a harmonious duet that perfectly complements Jones’ heartfelt delivery.
Orchestral Flourishes
Adding a cinematic touch to the track are gentle string sections that rise and fall like waves. These orchestral flourishes imbue the song with a sense of grandeur, elevating it beyond a simple ballad into an enduring anthem of memory and longing. The strings are never overpowering, instead enhancing the reflective tone and underscoring the song’s emotional peaks.
Tom Jones’ Voice as an Instrument
Above all, the star of the piece of music is Tom Jones’ voice. His baritone carries both strength and vulnerability, perfectly suited to the song’s themes. He masterfully modulates his dynamics, transitioning seamlessly between soft, whisper-like verses and soaring crescendos. His interpretation breathes life into the lyrics, making them resonate deeply with listeners.
The Themes and Emotional Impact
“Try to Remember” is a quintessential song about nostalgia. Its lyrics, originally penned by Tom Jones’ contemporaries Tom Jones Schmidt and Harvey Schmidt for the musical The Fantasticks, invite listeners to recall the “kind of September when life was slow and oh so mellow.” The words, though simple, strike a chord with their universal appeal. Everyone, at some point, has longed for the simplicity and warmth of the past, and this song encapsulates that yearning.
Jones’ rendition elevates the track, adding layers of emotional complexity. His delivery suggests not only longing but also acceptance, as though he is gently urging the listener to cherish memories without becoming lost in them. The song’s universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke personal memories while remaining broadly relatable.
Why “Try to Remember” Endures
More than five decades after its release, “Try to Remember” remains a beloved classic. Its endurance can be attributed to several factors:
- Timeless Lyrics: The song’s lyrics are poetic yet accessible, ensuring they resonate with listeners of all ages.
- Simple, Elegant Arrangement: The balance between guitar, piano, and strings ensures the song remains fresh and uncluttered.
- Tom Jones’ Performance: Few artists can convey such profound emotion through their vocals, and Jones’ delivery is nothing short of iconic.
For fans of classic music, this song serves as a poignant reminder of the artistry that defined the 1960s, blending melody, lyricism, and vocal prowess.
Similar Songs for Further Listening
If “Try to Remember” strikes a chord with you, here are a few other tracks that capture a similar mood or theme:
1. “Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole
This jazz standard is another ode to memory and loss, featuring hauntingly beautiful piano melodies and Nat King Cole’s smooth, velvety voice.
2. “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand
Much like “Try to Remember”, this classic explores themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. Streisand’s emotive delivery makes it a perfect companion piece.
3. “Yesterday” by The Beatles
This iconic ballad by Paul McCartney shares the reflective tone of “Try to Remember” and features a similarly understated acoustic arrangement.
4. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Though more optimistic in tone, Armstrong’s timeless classic offers a similar sense of reflection and appreciation for the beauty of life.
5. “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel
The ethereal guitar work and haunting vocals of this folk classic evoke the same quiet, contemplative mood as Jones’ ballad.
Final Thoughts
Tom Jones’ “Try to Remember” is a testament to the enduring power of music to touch the soul. Its blend of tender instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics, and Jones’ evocative performance creates a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate. Whether you are revisiting it as a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, the song offers a profound emotional experience that lingers long after the final note.
From the Heart, the album that houses this gem, stands as a reminder of Tom Jones’ artistry and his ability to traverse genres with grace and authenticity. If you’re seeking music that combines the warmth of the guitar, the elegance of the piano, and vocals that speak directly to the heart, “Try to Remember” is a must-listen. It’s not merely a song; it’s a memory waiting to be shared.
Whether you’re reflecting on the past or simply seeking solace in beautiful music, “Try to Remember” and its companion tracks from From the Heart offer the perfect soundtrack for quiet moments of introspection.