A differential density absorbent towel paper web comprising at least one ply. The differential density absorbent towel paper web has from about 45% to about 90% of a softwood pulp fiber mixture and from about 10% to about 55% of a hardwood pulp fiber mixture. The softwood pulp fiber mixture has from about 20% to about 89.9% of softwood pulp fibers; from about 0.05% to about 20% cellulose nanofilaments; and, from about 0.05% to about 5.0% of strengthening additive.