The song "It's Not Unusual" was written by the songwriting team of Gordon Mills and Les Reed. Released in 1965, this upbeat pop record became one of the signature hits associated with Tom Jones and helped define an era of British pop music.
Below is a structured overview of key facts about the song, including writers, chart performance, and notable cover versions.
| Title | Writer(s) | Year | Peak UK Chart | Notable Cover Artists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It's Not Unusual | Gordon Mills, Les Reed | 1965 | No. 1 | Anne Murray, Engelbert Humperdinck |
Songwriting Collaboration Between Mills and Reed
Gordon Mills and Les Reed formed a highly successful songwriting partnership in the 1960s. Their complementary skills allowed Mills to focus on structure and commercial appeal while Reed contributed melodic sophistication and expressive lyrics.
Tom Jones and the Recording Process
Tom Jones's powerful voice and confident stage presence gave "It's Not Unusual" a bold personality. Producer Mickie Most played a key role in shaping the polished sound, emphasizing driving rhythm and bright orchestration that matched the song's playful attitude.
Chart Performance and International Impact
Across Europe and beyond, "It's Not Unusual" resonated with audiences, topping charts and receiving extensive radio play. Its success strengthened Tom Jones's international reputation and demonstrated the effectiveness of Mills and Reed's pop craftsmanship.
Musical Style and Lyrical Themes
The track combines a catchy pop melody with a brass section that adds energy and sophistication. Lyrically, it reassures a lover by turning what might be seen as odd behavior into a positive, lighthearted declaration of devotion.
Legacy and Modern Recognition
"It's Not Unusual" remains a benchmark in British pop history, frequently featured in retrospectives highlighting the work of Gordon Mills and Les Reed.
- Recognize the partnership of Mills and Reed as foundational to the song's success
- Note Tom Jones's vocal performance as central to the track's enduring appeal
- Understand the song's structure and lyrical theme as key to its broad international appeal
- Remember its chart dominance as evidence of mid-1960s pop craftsmanship
FAQ
Reader questions
Who actually wrote the lyrics and music for "It's Not Unusual"?
The song was written by Gordon Mills (lyrics and concept) and Les Reed (music), forming a classic British pop songwriting team.
Was Tom Jones involved in the writing of the song?
No, Tom Jones performed the song, but he did not participate in its writing. The composition credits belong solely to Mills and Reed.
Did the song face any copyright or publishing disputes?
There were no major publicized disputes; the song was properly published through standard industry channels managed by Mills and Reed's representatives.
Have Mills and Reed written other hits for Tom Jones?
Yes, the duo also wrote "Delilah" for Tom Jones, which became another major international success for him.