The Greatest Oldies Music

Oldies Musics

It’s Not Unusual – Tom Jones

TOM JONES — Bent Rej Photography

About the Song

In the realm of popular music, there are songs that capture the zeitgeist of a generation, becoming anthems that transcend time and cultural boundaries. Tom Jones’s “It’s Not Unusual” stands as one such iconic masterpiece, a soulful ballad that has captivated audiences for over five decades. Released in 1965, the song marked Jones’s meteoric rise to stardom, propelling him into the international spotlight and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

“It’s Not Unusual” is a testament to the power of a well-crafted song, seamlessly blending elements of pop, soul, and orchestral arrangements to create a sound that is both timeless and captivating. The song’s opening notes, a dramatic flourish of strings and horns, immediately set the stage for a journey into emotional depths, while Jones’s powerful vocals, imbued with raw emotion and vulnerability, carry the listener through a whirlwind of love, loss, and self-discovery.

The song’s lyrics, penned by the songwriting duo of Les Reed and Gordon Mills, delve into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of heartbreak, longing, and the resilience of the human spirit. Jones delivers each line with a palpable intensity, his voice soaring and plunging through the octaves as he conveys the protagonist’s emotional turmoil. The lyrics, though simple in their construction, resonate deeply, capturing the universal truths of love and loss that have touched countless individuals across generations.

“It’s Not Unusual”‘s impact extends far beyond its musical brilliance. The song has become synonymous with Tom Jones’s larger-than-life persona, his charismatic stage presence, and his powerful vocal delivery. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring Jones’s signature dance moves and expressive facial gestures, further cemented its place in popular culture, becoming an indelible part of Jones’s enduring legacy.

The song’s influence on popular music is undeniable. “It’s Not Unusual” has been covered by countless artists, from Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra to Michael Bublé and Paloma Faith, each interpretation adding their own unique flair to the song’s enduring melody. The song’s presence in film and television is equally noteworthy, appearing in soundtracks ranging from “The Full Monty” to “Ocean’s Eleven,” further solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

“It’s Not Unusual” remains a timeless classic, a song that continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth, powerful vocals, and enduring message. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries, speak to the human spirit, and leave an indelible mark on popular culture.Tom Jones before The Voice - an ex bandmate reveals tales of tunes, girls and Krays - Irish Mirror Online

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Lyrics: It’s Not Unusual

It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone
It’s not unusual to have fun with anyone
But when I see you hanging about with anyone
It’s not unusual to see me cry,
I wanna dieIt’s not unusual to go out at any time
But when I see you out and about it’s such a crime
If you should ever wanna be loved by anyone,
It’s not unusual it happens every day
No matter what you say
You’ll find it happens all the time
Love will never do what you want it to
Why can’t this crazy love be mine?It’s not unusual to be mad with anyone
It’s not unusual to be sad with anyone
But if I ever find
That you’ve changed at anytime
It’s not unusual to find that I’m in love with you

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Technical mastery has always been common enough in popular music, but the rare gift belongs exclusively to those who can make the listener forget they are listening to a performance at all. That was the quiet magic of Elvis Presley. The moment his voice stepped into a track, a strange and powerful illusion took over: it didn’t sound like a recording being played back, but like an unfiltered pulse of human emotion happening right in front of you. Within the span of a single verse, he could drift from an almost terrifying swagger to a hollow loneliness, a fierce tenderness, or a sudden, trembling grace. You never merely heard Elvis sing; you were pulled straight into the interior weather of what he was feeling.

Beyond the wrought-iron gates of Graceland on August 16, 1977, thousands of strangers wept openly for the passing of a cultural titan. But inside the sprawling mansion, nine-year-old Lisa Marie was navigating a grief of an entirely different magnitude. To the planet, an immortal voice had been suddenly silenced; to her, the man who kissed her forehead at bedtime, showered her with affection, and chased away the shadows was simply gone. No amount of rolling news coverage, soaring album sales, or grieving crowds outside could ever measure the hollow space left behind when the doors closed and Daddy didn’t come home.

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