Multi-ply paper towel

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 ft<SUP>2</SUP> ream (48.8 gsm) and less than 50 lbs per 3000 ft<SUP>2</SUP> ream (81.4 gsm), wherein the plies are selected and adhered together such that the towel typically exhibits (i) a GM TEA, mm-g/mm<SUP>2</SUP> 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/mm<SUP>2</SUP>, 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}.