Why we care: The High Priest of Panties is 68 now. But if this album is as awesome as I think it is, he's about to have a major career comeback. Borrowing from the retro cool of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, TJ blends '60s horns, hip-hop beats and his indefatigable lounge-lizard holler to make the party record of the year. This is the Welsh Wonder's first U.S. release in 15 years.
Why we like it: Produced by the drum-and-bass team of Future Cut (Lily Allen, the Pussycat Dolls), the album ranges from the shimmering Piccadilly vibe of If He Should Ever Leave You to the overt grind of Sugar Daddy, written especially for Jones by none other than Bono and the Edge.
Reminds us of: The album's best cut is a soulful Stax take on Springsteen's boxing ode The Hitter.
Download these: I'm Alive, If He Should Ever Leave You, Sugar Daddy and The Hitter
Grade: A By Sean Daly Tom Jones Album: 24 Hours (S-Curve/EMI) In stores: Now