Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
2006
Album Summary
Back to Black is the second and final studio album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 27 October 2006 by Island Records. Winehouse predominantly based the album on her tumultuous relationship with then-ex-boyfriend and future husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who temporarily left her to pursue his previous ex-girlfriend. Their short-lived separation spurred her to create an album that explores themes of guilt, grief, infidelity, heartbreak and trauma in a relationship. Influenced by the pop and soul music of 1960s girl groups, Winehouse collaborated with producers Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, along with Sharon Jones' band The Dap-Kings, to assist her on capturing the sounds from that time period while blending them with contemporary R&B and neo-soul music. Between 2005 and 2006, she recorded the album's songs with Remi at Instrumental Zoo Studios in Miami and then with Ronson and the Dap-Kings at Chung King Studios and Daptone Records in New York. Tom Elmhirst mixed the album at Metropolis Studios in London. Back to Black was acclaimed by music critics, who praised Winehouse's songwriting and emotive singing style as well as Remi and Ronson's production. The album spawned five singles: "Rehab", "You Know I'm No Good", "Back to Black", "Tears Dry on Their Own" and "Love Is a Losing Game". It has also been cited as being a key influence to the widespread popularity of British soul throughout the late 2000s, paving the musical landscape for artists such as Adele, Duffy, and Estelle. At the 2008 Grammy Awards, Back to Black won Best Pop Vocal Album and was also nominated for Album of the Year. At the same ceremony, Winehouse won four additional awards, tying her with five other artists as the second-most awarded female in a single ceremony. The album was also nominated at the 2007 Brit Awards for MasterCard British Album and was shortlisted for the 2007 Mercury Prize. Back to Black sold 3.58 million copies in the UK alone, becoming the UK's second best-selling album of the 21st century so far. The album has sold over 16 million copies worldwide. A deluxe edition of Back to Black was released in November 2007, containing a bonus disc of B-sides and live tracks. Winehouse's debut DVD I Told You I Was Trouble: Live in London, released that same month, includes a live set recorded at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London and a 50-minute documentary detailing the singer's career over the previous four years. In 2020, Back to Black was ranked at number 33 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".
WikipediaI can't help but like this. Especially the Mark Ronson produced tracks - they capture that Phil Spector & Motown vibe so well with just the right amount of modern punch, dynamics, and flair. She has an incredibly soulful voice and her more modern/almost conversational lyrics make the experience more thrilling and not just a revival record. I feel like this is done with absolute reverence for the past while not simply being a reenactment act - similar to the way say the White Stripes' influences are obvious yet they coalesce into something fresh and unique. You can tell this comes from a real place and it is of course a tragedy that she was consumed by her addictions.
Ok straight up for me one of the best albums of its generation.. artistry at its best.. Ronson and Salam killed it in the production as well, knew exactly when to get out of the way of amy and when to support her vocals..
Cela faisait des semaines que je marchais dans un désert d'immondices musicales. Mes jambes étaient lourdes et mes semelles enduites de Minutemen. Alors que des remontées gastriques ne cessaient de rappeler à ma salive l'épouvantable goût des New York Dolls, j'aperçus soudain une oasis : il s'agissait de Back To Black. Je m'y précipitai. Son courant eut à mon contact un effet immédiat ; mes tâches de Sepultura disparaissaient à mesure que je les frottais sous une cascade de Rehab tandis que mes plaies goldfrappiennes cicatrisaient bientôt dans un bain de You Know I'm No Good. J'appliquai enfin quelques gouttes de Love Is A Losing Game sur mon kyste elvis-costellien qui se vida instantanément de son contenu. Une étape inoubliable au cours de cette éprouvante traversée.
“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse (2006) Always wondered what all the fuss was about. Winehouse’s vocals are interesting enough, a kind of metallic contralto, with little pitch and dynamic range, but adequate control. In terms of composition, there are many familiar jazz, R&B, (early) rock, and even swing structures here, but nothing truly innovative. Some tracks bring to the ear immediate associations with earlier music, especially “You Know I’m No Good”, evocative of the retro swing Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Katherine Whalen on “It Ain’t You” and “Blue Angel” (on the album “Hot” [1996]). Not entirely derivative, but clearly from the same mold. Winehouse’s vocal performance is a distant second to Whalen’s, however. Lyrics aren’t bad—sassiness on display. Not exactly virtue-forming, and attempting to evoke little sympathy, but entertaining enough, if the listener is willing to suspend charitable feelings. A good album and artist, but not great. 3/5
Love this album; it really is one in a million. Full of soul, full of energy, full of life.
She came on the scene with an explosive presence. She is indicative of Phil Spector's sound and Ronnie Spector's voice. There's definitely a bewitching quality to her vocals. This is especially present in "You Know I'm No Good." She's one of those artists that could sing the phone book and make it work. "What kind of fuckery is this?" is a question for the ages, and it sounds delightful coming from Winehouse. She sings from the heart as well. No song is a throw-away. Even the minor songs like Just Friends hit that mark of emotion she's going for. The beats are also so catchy on this album. Back to Black is practically iconic now. If Winehouse, Gaga, and Adele could have gotten together...Anyway, this album is a modern masterpiece.
"We only said goodbye with words I died a hundred times" (Back to Black) "All I can ever be to you is a darkness that we knew And this regret I got accustomed to" (Tears dry on their own) Tenía muchas ganas de que me saliese este disco porque SABÍA que tenía que estar en la lista y me gusta un montón.
This album feels so classy. Every song fits into an overarching style and theme, yet stand out individually so as to never feel the same as the one before or after. A really neat album that could be at home on vinyl or the crappy headphones provided with your handset (I'm so sorry Amy).
A soulful, beautifully written, beautifully produced record. Definitely bittersweet in retrospect but Amy Winehouse has a beautiful voice and the songs to back it up. Rehab was the big single but Back to Black is absolutely the show-stopper here. All great writing and music, every track.
Great album, great voice. Terrible loss at such a young age. She even recognised her own problems in the track 'Rehab', but she obviously had too many demons. Well worth listening to.
hands down one of the best albums ever made (also listened to the deluxe version, disc 2 contains a lot of good covers <3)
One of the artists I am still, even today, sad is gone. This is a great album, and a style that wasn't being done in those days. A great loss. The title track is so good, and Rehab, of course. Classic album, all-timer for me.
I've never listened to Amy Winehouse before. Sadly. Her voice is amazing. The song writing was great. This was just a great album.
I think rehab is one of the best songs of the 21st century so far and the rest of album is great as well
Powerful lyrics portrayed by an even more powerful voice. Amy's best piece. Loved it...
Anything I heard between ages 16-24 probably has an advantage over the others due to subconscious bias - this album included. With that caveat, I think this album is a stunner. It also is immortalized by her untimely death, and makes the songs that much more potent. And what a voice! Really love the instrumentation on the album too.
I remember hearing about Amy Winehouse, but I never really listened to any of her music. I like 60s music, and this is inspired by that era, so I liked it pretty well. It was smooth to listen to.
An amazing album from start to finish. Great production and a generational talent. I'd say this is my first 5/5 that would also be a 10/10.
A 5 star album, as simple as that. Takes me back to nights out in Camden and my time at MTV. One of my faves albums of all time.
A classic. Must admit, I didn’t enjoy revisiting as much as I thought I would but still feel it deserves top marks
Por ahí leí el otro día que este disco es el más vendido en vinil, digamos del 2010 para acá, desde el renacimiento del formato. Lo escucho ahora y suena a un clásico. Cuando salió resaltaba mucho del resto, un throwback, un ejercicio de nostalgia, no tan diferente si lo piensan, de The White Stripes o cosas por el estilo. Esto último no es ninguna crítica negativa. Pero la diferencia con otros ejercicios revivaleros de soul aquí el talento y la tragedia personal resltan. Pero me quedo con el talento y la voz, ¿gran voz, no? Parte de la educación sentimental de muchos, supongo. Fue parte de la mía. Back to black, la canción, is some heavy shit. Se siente real. Lloré mucho con esa rola, no por lo que trata, sino por la forma en que canta Back to black, verga. Me mata eso. Qué ganas de irse a la mierda dan a veces. ¿Solo yo? Amy me comprende.
Asså tror typ det blir en femma på denna! Älskar det❤️❤️❤️ Har dock lyssnat sönder det... 5/5
Amy Winehouse was a very talented person. Sad she left the world too soon. Great Album. One of a kind voice.
Killer album, should listen more often. Even the songs that aren’t hits are really pleasant. I’m not sure I ever gave enough credit to her band and co.
One of my absolute favourite albums. Regularly listen to this and it never gets old. Every track is excellent.
Such an incredible talent. It’s a shame she died so young but at least we have this masterpiece to remember her by. 5 stars.
This has been one of my favorites for quite some time now. And that's saying a lot since I was about 11 when it came out. Giving it another listen, I don't really feel that different. It's fresh, full of emotion, raw, and honest. And I couldn't ask for more.
Classic alert! My dad used to play this one when I was a kid, but would skip the bits with the swear words if I was there
I’ve owned BACK TO BLACK and listened to it regularly since shortly after its release. The album is a masterpiece that propelled the sound of the 60s into the 21st Century. It still feels fresh and modern 15 years after its release. Amy Winehouse’s delivery is spectacular on every song. I could list any song on it as a favorite. "Addicted" may be the best weed song ever. "Rehab" is a revelation. "Tears Dry On Their Own" is a showcase of brilliant phrasing. BACK TO BLACK is perfection.
I freely admit that I've been living under a rock since about 1995. I was of course aware of Amy Winehouse and felt the grief of her fans when she died but I'd never listened to her music. (OK, maybe I saw them do Rehab on Glee...) I didn't know what to expect but it sure wasn't this. Musically, it's a joy to hear such a clear echo of the girl groups and soul singers of the 1960s --- I especially like the sample of Ain't No Mountain High Enough in Tears Dry on Their Own. The music sounds completely modern and nicely retro. Lyrically, it's sometimes hilarious (what kind of fuckery is this?) but mostly it's depressing as hell. I hear a woman trying desperately to numb her pain while trying to sound devil-may-care. And it is obviously so much worse considering how her short life ended. I can't imagine a bleaker sentiment than Love is a Losing Game. One or two songs are misses for me but overall I really like this album. I'm angry that we lost such a talent so early and I hope that she is resting in peace.
This was yet another time when I had known and (really) loved a few songs, but wishing so much I'd gotten the album back in the day!! Upon listening, I was so happy to hear the familiar first two songs: the always incredible "Rehab" and the glorious, sultry "You Know I'm No Good" (I forgot how much I love that song). THEN! THEN! THEN! A glorious, soulful, retro intro leads to "What kind of fuckery is this?" and I think I laughed and yelled and I immediately listened to that intro about 7 times over again and this is when I knew I should have bought the damn album a long time ago. I listened to the song "Back to Black" about 12 times today, because I forgot it was one of my favorites ever and I missed it lots. (I also had missed some of those lyrics! Whoa!) "Tears Dry on Their Own" with the homage to "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" was so cool and good (ran out of adjectives, sorry). I was going to say that "Addicted" wasn't my favorite until I heard what she rhymed that word with. I was so glad to have listened to Solomon Burke the day before, because Winehouse's connection to 60s soul music is so loving and spot on. I read that she wouldn't listen to anything from after 1967. I absolutely love her voice and her songs. I love the instrumentation and the retro feel that still seems fresh and new. I loved getting a top of the tops album at this point in this project. How I wish she were still with us.
CLASSIC. Amy winehouse is a modern pop icon that establishes its influece well in a new light
One of my constants when I'm working. Great album from a phenomenal artist who's gone too soon.
I mean, it's not Frank, which I believe is the better album lyrically (there is a rawness to it that I feel was polished off in this album), but it's still a superb piece of music. Hearing this the year of its 15 anniversary, when I'm personally 6 years older than Amy ever will be, just underscores how much of a musical talent she was. I know this will be stuck in my head for days now.
Love the soulful vocals on this, really elevated the lyrical content a lot more. Production also kicked ass with its shmancy asthetic for the whole duration of the album. Favorites: You Know I'm No Good, Back To Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, Valerie (from deluxe)
Damn this is a good one. I knew so many of these songs individually but have never listened to the whole thing through. It's really good. The Jazz and soul vibes are great, but there's even some Reggae mixed in on the deluxe version that really is fantastic
Full of amazing tracks, realized to their full potential by an excellent production team. Original and innovative, propelled by Amy's desire to take from the best of 60s soul and R&B, which matches insanely closely in each of the songs. At first, "Tears Dry On Their Own" kept messing with me due to the Gaye interpolation, but eventually, it established its own identity and became a groovy highlight of the album for me. The main highlight is Amy's ability to combine her powerful vocals with equal emotions that cover autobiographical themes of depression, alcoholism, and loneliness. There's a lot of diversity in these tracks, but most are able to grab your attention. There's ska in "Just Friends," swing in "Addicted," and jazz overlaying Motown-inspired R&B in many of the rest. This is the first album I really loved hearing the deluxe edition, just because I love the unique combination of soul and ska... and also because several of those ska covers are from a favorite of mine: The Specials. Shame "Valerie" isn't included in the normal album, it's just as perfect. Favorite tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, He Can Only Hold Her
i worked in hmv as a christmas temp while this was a new album. it was played every hour. despite suffering the type of forced overplaying that would usually make me pierce my eardrums with knitting needles this album is just really fucking good. one of the other albums forced upon me was a buble christmas one and some killers album that hmv had a million copies of that no one wanted to buy so it 100% isn't stockholm syndrome. mark ronson is a nuclear grade cunt though.
3 - Back to Black (2006) - 9/10 Amy Winehouse Wednesday 1st December 1. Rehab - 9/10 ⭐️ 2. You Know I’m No Good - 9/10 ⭐️ 3. Me & Mr Jones - 8.5/10 4. Just Friends - 8.5/10 5. Back to Black - 9.5/10 ⭐️ 6. Love Is a Losing Game - 8.5/10 7. Tears Dry on their Own - 9.5/10 ⭐️ 8. Wake Up Alone - 8/10 9. Some Unholy War - 8/10 10. He Can Only Hold Her - 8/10 11. Addicted - 7.5/10
Great performer and album. Tragic we'll never get to see what she would have done with a whole life's worth of music. This album is and will continue to be a classic. When she hit the scene, it was the right vibe at the right time to be so huge. An updated take on a classic style. I don't listen to Amy Winehouse too often but it's nice knowing this music is there whenever I do want to listen.
Really good. I had only ever heard the first two songs before. The album was great. Her voice is unique.
Soulful and somber, while still remaining quite fun and explosive at times. The record is a 5, but Rehab is like a 2 at best though.
Such a great album, don’t know what else to say. Great artist, great album. Favourite songs: - You know I’m no good - Love is a losing game - Tears dry on their own
Just a great album mix of jazz, neo-soul and pop melodies. The lyrics showed that there were bigger issues behind these songs. You can only imagine what she could've achieved. Best Tracks: Rehab; You Know I'm Know Good; Tears Dry On Their Own
Wow, what talent as a songwriter, singer, recording artist, and performer. I happen to enjoy this style of music, and she absolutely commands it. Fantastic.
Pedro scooby: Eu queria ter encontrado a amy winehouse assim, em um lugar privado, pra falar pra ela “pô, a vida é irada, vamo curtir!”
Depois de um termino conturbado, regado à drogas e a morte de sua avó, Amy quebrou o bloqueio de escritora que teve desde Frank e lançou essa obra prima! Aconselho o documentario Amy (tem no appletv), para entender mais sobre essa força da natureza. Músicas prediletas: -Rehab -You Know I`m no Good -Me & Mr. Jones -Back to Black -Tears Dry on Their Own -Love Is a Losing Game
Album iconique sortie en 2006, Amy Whinehouse, prêtresse anglaise de la soul au destin tragique, livre un album puissant sur sa rupture amoureuse. Mélange de styles, une voix puissante, l’artiste nous livre un album très personnel.
14th February 2022 Listened while working from home, we went to see Death on the Nile in the evening. Couldn’t think of anyone better to spend Valentine’s Day with than Amy. Could have chosen any one of these from this perfect album.
Simply beautiful. I loved every track. Amy was a talented artist that we lost way too soon.
Addicted Back to the beginnings, as black and white as music can be, vintage. There’s such as periods of time in history, that all went at once in some band or artist itself, Amy is the voice of 2000s, perhaps the last one such as iconic as it was, plus the genre that influenced so many others after her. In your "I Told You I Was Trouble: Live In London" she can bring all the aesthetics from the 50s and 60s, (beside the fact that all of her drinks during the concert) which proves that she is a better artist live even than at studio. And if all of it wasn't enough, she did in less than 5 years, with your 2 albums, showing that both went in so many albums lists, hope that her legacy deserve more and more while time passes. A
There is not one bad song on this album. Amy Jade Winehouse is on a different level vocally and lyrically and I loved the reggae, soul, doo wop and jazz especially hearing the traces of older black music whether it was interpolated or sampled. Best songs: Rehab, Addicted, Back to Black, Love is a Losing Game Fave songs: He Can Only Hold Her, Just Friends, Me and Mr. Jones She deserved album of the year and it was just 35 minutes of pure bliss. RIP Amy
Good god I loved this album. I don’t think the Dap-Kings get enough credit for the pristine sound-gasm. This would be one of my 10 desert island albums.
Great album and superb vocals, honestly. "You Know I'm No Good" and "Back to Black" were by far my favorites. 9/10
What a talent, what production, what songs, what heartfelt delivery - flawlessly done.
Great but maybe not as fantastic as I’ve been lead to believe. I had this one over the weekend, must have listened 5 times and grew to appreciate it more and more each time. There are some stand out tracks but it’s seems to finish just as it’s getting going. They really nail the genre, the production is spot on and she writes some very poetic lyrics. I think the over hype might come from her wild personality, which the British press couldn’t get enough of. They love to put people on a pedestal but love it even more when they inevitably fall off. But still, a brilliant album and I’m glad I finally got round to listening to it properly.
I'm getting both Amy Winehouse albums on two consecutive days ... What are the chances? Anway ... I'm not the biggest Soul fan on the planet, but I can recognize quality when I hear it. This album is a huge step up from Amy's first collection. The style here is more soul than the preceding album's jazz/swing; in the style of 60's girl groups like the Ronettes and producers like Phil Spector. Every song is different here, and every one is a gem. The obvious monster hit is the title track, Rehab is also well known. But the album also shines in the more unknown numbers like Love Is A Losing game, which displays Amy's more vulnerable side. Iconic. 5/5
Yeah this isn't my usual sort of music and reminds me of a strange time in my life. However her voice and tunes just work so well, not a perfect album but damn good.
Oh… what could have been. If I could master the skill of turning my life's aches, pains, joy and dependance into verse as easily as Amy does on Back To Black, I would also be able to describe how monumental and touching her music is. Instead…
The has got everything; Drama, soul, anguish, hope and despair. The production is crystalline, the song writing inspired and the uplifting music nicely compliments her fabulous vocal. Her vocal style inspired and influenced a whole generation (so many have tried to emulate her). In short, this is timeless classic. It’s a crying shame there was no follow up album……
You can feel the heart ache in her songs as she writes about love, her abusive relationships and her addictions. The Dap-Kings and Mark Ronson’s production give it a very crisp modern Motown sound, but with a top-tier jazz vocalist at the micro phone. There are a handful of terrific, catchy songs that are destined to be played for a long time. Delving into reggae was not the greatest idea, but that small digression can be forgiven.
She had a wonderful voice, and poured her soul into writing and recording her songs. Too bad the demons got her. Assholes.
Try as I may, I couldn’t think of a reason to not give this one 5 stars. Great production, hypnotic vocals, and superb songwriting. She’s no Ronnie Spector, but she’ll do.
Quelle voix, j'adore. La production de Mark Ronson est également superbe. Un excellent album.
Brilliant album, not the least because her backing band is the Dap-Tones, they combine to make a magical album.
This is my favourite album by my favourite artist and I do not think that there is a single album that could possible compete apart from maybe Frank.
Amazing album. Her voice was one of a kind. Such a talent waisted. Can't help to think what could've been. Absolute banger!
This is Amy Winehouse's magnum opus. It's also clear how much she was struggling with her addictions and relationships on this album. While most songs seem upbeat, they all have such dark undertones, especially knowing how Amy ended up. This, however, is a timeless album. Amy Winehouse is one of the biggest "What if's" in music history. Best Songs: Rehab, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, Some Unholy War Worst Songs: NA
Rating: 9/10 Best songs: You know I’m no good, Back to black, Rehab, Tears dry on their own, He can only hold her
There's a certain morbid curiosity here that reminds me of reading David Foster Wallace's thoughts on suicide. Maybe if Amy would have said yes to rehab, she'd still be around, but would we even know who she was? Best track: Rehab
I really enjoyed this album, did not expect to. Not a huge fan of the Rehab song, which I think was the only one I had heard previously.
Vaikea arvosteltava, koska tiedän tykänneeni tästä levystä aiemmin todella kovasti. Jotenkin eiliseen mielentilaan tämä ei vaan toiminut yhtään. Muutamaan kertaan kuuntelin läpi, ja varsinkin hittibiisit alkoi ärsyttää nopeasti. Eilisen angstailuita huolimatta onhan levyllä todella upeita sävellyksiä ja Winehousen ääni on erilaisuudessaan varsin toimiva. 4* vanhoilla meriiteillä, 3* eilisen perusteella. Keskiarvo 3,5 pyöristyy ylös.
Great album, amazing voice! Fave track - I was expecting it to be "Rehab", but I think I'm actually gonna go for "Back to Black"!
I did not know that Amy Winbousouse sounded like that, she is super soul..ly? Talk about having biases and asumptions.
Me gusta mucho la voz e instrumentación de las canciones de Amy Winehouse, pero nunca había escuchado completo su disco y no me ha decepcionado, supongo que aunque sea copy paste de whatever música que suene retro jaja, el hecho de que tenga un twist dosmilero y de reggae por ratos me resultó refrescante escucharlo en 2021 de cierta manera. 8 de 10