A multi-ply absorbent towel made from papermaking fiber comprising at least a first ply and a second ply bonded together, the towel having a basis weight of greater than 30 lbs per 3000 ft2 ream (48.8 gsm) and less than 50 lbs per 3000 ft2 ream (81.4 gsm), wherein the plies are selected and adhered together such that the towel typically exhibits (i) a GM TEA, mm-g / mm2 of greater than [0.00125 (GM Tensile, g / 3″)−0.75] and (ii) a GM Tensile Modulus, g / in / %, less than [0.0083 (GM Tensile Strength, g / 3″)+15.4] {(i) a GM TEA, mm g / mm2, of greater than [0.00952 (GM Tensile, g / cm)−0.75] and (ii) a GM Tensile Modulus, g / cm / %, less than [0.0249 (GM Tensile Strength, g / cm)+6.06}.