From Pontypridd, to Buckingham Palace via Las Vegas, the life of Tom Jones OBE is envious to say the least. A career as laden with hits as his stages have been with undergarments the refreshing attributes that shine through from Wales’ finest is his openness to change and experimentation, and previous work with artists such as the Cardigans and Chicane as well as Tori Amos show change is often embraced rather than forced towards him. Mr Jones has been undoubtedly successful with whatever genre and style he has turned to.

Here with ‘24 Hours’, it is a blend of slower burning lounge stylistics and his usual show stopping numbers that take the brunt of the album to real success. Opener ‘I’m Alive’ is the latter of the two styles and has the horns ready to announce the return of a specialist, for all the commodities that have kept Tom Jones at the very top of his profession for what is coming up to half a century in the business. The greatest of which is the weapon Jones has in his arsenal that little can replicate to such gravitas, that voice, and throughout it is pure syrup to the ears. Unchanged for years from the very start, dulcet tones and prowess of every timbre is enough to ease the listener into, what can be at times, a challenging album but you are thankfully left with no doubt that throughout the journey Uncle Tom will be there with you for guidance and overall entertainment.

‘We Got Love’ takes an offbeat syncopation style and its laid back feel is different enough from the big numbers to please and is contemporary enough to guarantee Jones’ relevance is still as welcome now as it was in his ‘Pussycat’ days. He has cemented himself as a staple of British entertainment and a national treasure. Tom will have more days in the sun off the back of this record so expect nothing less than the best from Mr Jones.