Introduction
Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews – The Hottest Christmas Song Ever
The most flirtatious holiday duet Tom Jones ever recorded. In December 1999, while every radio in Britain was playing soft Christmas carols, Tom Jones decided to turn up the heat. His duet of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Cerys Matthews wasn’t just another seasonal song — it was a playful conversation between two voices that refused to stay polite.
A Different Kind of Christmas
Originally written in 1949, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” had long been performed as a tender romantic exchange. But Tom Jones gave it a twist. He entered the studio with his signature mix of swagger, humor, and sensuality, embodying the charm that made him a household name since “It’s Not Unusual.” When Cerys Matthews — the raspy-voiced frontwoman of Catatonia — joined in, the duet turned into a fiery battle of charisma more than a Christmas tune.
Flirtation Without Excess
Critics called it “the steamiest Christmas duet ever recorded,” but its brilliance lies deeper. Tom and Cerys turned the song into a witty back-and-forth between two equals, neither submissive nor overpowering. It wasn’t seduction; it was mutual understanding, the kind that makes you smile on a cold night. When Jones sings, “Baby, it’s cold outside,” and Cerys teases back, you can feel that spark — a warmth born from music, not mistletoe.
Between Two Eras
The song came from Tom’s Reload album — his remarkable comeback project in which he collaborated with younger stars like Robbie Williams and The Cardigans. The chemistry with Cerys Matthews perfectly showcased how Tom Jones could adapt to new generations without losing his essence. As Cerys later said: “Tom doesn’t need to act sexy — his voice does it for him.”
A Song That Never Feels Cold
Over two decades later, their duet still plays every Christmas, not for nostalgia, but because it captures warmth, humor, and human connection. And maybe that’s the secret of Tom Jones: no matter how cold it gets outside, his voice always keeps the fire burning.