Tom Jones has long claimed Mahalia Jackson as an early influence, and he proves it conclusively on 'Praise & Blame,' a collection of traditional and contemporary songs concerning the search for salvation. Jones, who turned 70 in June, can easily count this album as among his best work.  

If there was any justice, the panties thrown at Tom Jones these days would be the size of parachutes. The fact is that Jones, who turned 70 in June, has built an audience populated with the granddaughters of his original fans. His latest album, 'Praise & Blame,' is a collection of traditional and contemporary songs concerning the search for salvation.