Introduction:
Tom Jones’ Soulful Take on a Rhythm and Blues Classic: “Treat Her Right”
When you think of the legendary Tom Jones, you likely picture a charismatic showman with a voice as big as his personality, famous for hits like “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah,” and “What’s New Pussycat?”. But to truly appreciate his artistry, you have to dig into his covers, where he often takes a familiar song and reinterprets it with his signature blend of swagger and soul. One fantastic example is his 1968 rendition of the R&B standard, “Treat Her Right.”
The original track, written and performed by Roy Head & the Traits in 1965, was a high-energy, horn-driven blast of rock and roll. It was a massive hit, climbing to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple of the era. The song’s message is simple yet timeless: a plea to a man to appreciate and care for his woman, or risk losing her to someone who will.
Tom Jones, however, wasn’t interested in simply replicating the original. He stripped back the raw, frantic energy and infused the song with his own smooth, sophisticated flair. His version, featured on his 1968 album Help Yourself, trades the frenetic pace for a more measured, groove-oriented arrangement. The driving bassline and crisp drum beat lay a solid foundation for Jones’s powerful vocals.
What makes his take so compelling is the vocal performance itself. He doesn’t just sing the words; he inhabits them. His voice, rich and resonant, delivers the message with a confident, almost conversational tone. There’s a playful sincerity to his delivery that makes you believe he’s giving this advice from personal experience. When he hits those powerful, soaring notes, you can feel the emotion behind every word.
By tackling “Treat Her Right,” Jones not only showcased his versatility but also paid homage to the blues and soul roots that influenced much of his work. His version is a testament to the idea that a great song can be reborn in a new style, proving that sometimes, less is more. It’s a perfect example of how a legendary artist can put their unique stamp on a classic, making it entirely their own. It stands as a sophisticated, soulful highlight in his impressive discography and a must-listen for any fan of Tom Jones or classic rhythm and blues.