Reviews (page 11 of 15)
Not really my taste in music but very good vocals and an overall pleasant listen. Favourites: rehab, back to black, tears dry on their own, he can only hold her. 3/5
WE R SO BACK #7monthhiatus sorry guys anyway. I didn't really fw Rehab that much (but I already knew that), but I loved the album overall. I like the instrumentals and LOVE her voice. I can definitely hear the influences it had on artists like Adele lol. I liked the pop sound and appreciated the soul aspects, the latter didn't really work too well for me though. Sorry black people. Very fun (to listen; not lyrically) album. High 4/5! 1 point off for influence from black people! Favourites: Back to Black (lol), Tears Dry On Their Own
She ate this up, so many recognizable songs. Favourite tracks are Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Me & Mr. Jones, Back To Black (!!! the BEST), Love Is A Losing Game, Tears Dry On Their Own, Wake Up Alone, Some Unholy War, and He Can Only Hold Her, though I still love the rest of the songs on the album and there are no skips or complaints as far as I am concerned. Super great, definitely a 5
What a voice.. what a range... wow
This album gave me exactly what I was looking for when I started this journey. I, of course knew about Amy Winehouse and also couldn't escape her songs (singles which I liked). But I never listened to the albums in their entirety. This album is very good! The lesser songs are at a minimum good. And the better songs are great! Rounded up for stars
own
Back to Black Rehab and Back to Black are absolute bangers, modern classics. You Know I’m No Good, Love is a Losing game and Tears Dry on their Own are also superb tracks. Great lyrics, great songs. Tears Dry on their Own & Love is a Losing Game are also great. Me & Mr Jones and Just Friends aren’t as strong for me, the melodies never quite lift off and they do stand out as a little weaker than the rest of the songs on the album. Wake Up Alone is a real grower, it has all those 50s elements, the doo wop chord sequence, guitar accents and backing vocals. Some Unholy War. Love the guitar triplets (?), the drum sound and bass driving the song. Very good. He Can Only Hold Her. Also brilliant, love the horn arrangements and intertwined backing vocals. Addicted. Brilliant 50s sound, again the brass and backing vocals are superb. Would think this is Ronson, but it’s Remi. Excellent. It holds together as one thing very well considering it’s half produced by Ronson and half by Salaam Remi. Ronson really is very skilled at recreating certain sounds and eras. It doesn’t always work, occasionally falling into pastiche, but on here he is great. He manages to evoke songs and time periods without nicking wholesale, often landing in that satisfying uncanny valley of familiar and new. It’s hard to avoid comparisons with Jagged Little Pill as it only came up yesterday (and it is a bit reductive to do so, and I don’t want to be dismissive of Alanis as an angry woman), but Amy’s confessional and honest lyrics are so good, very funny but very real and authentic, with loads of everyday details and observations that really pull you in. There’s anger and sadness but humour and resignation. They are colourful and vivid whereas Alanis’ are a bit flat and one note. Again I don’t want to diminish Alanis’ honesty and directness but Amy is in a different class. The production, the voice, the 50s/60s aesthetic, the right amount of jazziness, pop, doo wop and early rock ’n’ roll, five truly great songs with only a couple of weaker moments and a short but very sweet 35 mins make this a superb listen. Think I did 5 listens on the bounce the morning and a couple more this afternoon. It’s probably exactly a 4.5 but surely I must round up to 5, so I will. It’s a modern classic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not a big fan of her vocal style
Not bad. Good voice.
De los mejores de Siglo XXI
Amy is certainly talented, her voice is great and her music has a surprisingly good to great band. It's hard for me to relate to her work since it is largely immoral with several songs talking about cheating or drug use. Doesn't bother me too much as she is hardly the first muscian to sing of those things, but it does put up a wall that keeps me from loving it. There is a great stretch in the middle that I really, really enjoyed between Love is a Losing Game, Tears Dry On Their Own, and Wake Up Alone.
Really fun album! Tears Dry on their Own and Love is a Losing Game were my favourites. I actually don’t like the Rehab, which is the opening song and the only one I knew coming into the album listen.
Ok
I've always just thought this album was okay
Very edgy and different. I liked this album a lot!
Loves: Rehab You Know I’m No Good - love the tropical feel Back to Black Notes: Her voice was so good. I’m going into this with a little familiarity, but I’ve never heard the entire album. I get mafioso noir jazzy vibes, and that’s sexy and beautiful.
Let's lead with the most obvious observation here. It's clear this album made way for mega-artists like Adele, and despite how sadly short-lived Amy's life was we're lucky to have had her deliver this soulful, classic album. The title song "Back To Black" is undeniably catchy and well-written, as are the other four singles that this monster of a record delivered ("Rehab", "You Know I'm No Good", "Tears Dry on Their Own", and "Love Is a Losing Game"). While the last several songs on Back To Black didn't grab me the way the singles scattered on the first half do, this is a solid front-to-back listen. While it was likely intentional, in retrospect it's sadly prophetic that the album opens with "Rehab" and closes with "Addicted" (yes it's a light-hearted bop about enjoying weed, but still) given the tragic life arc that ultimately befell Amy. Listening to Black To Black allowed me ample time for reflection of just how sad it is, selfishly, for us music lovers to have lost a voice like Amy Winehouse's. 4 stars: I am struck by this album. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *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 period while blending them with contemporary R&B and neo-soul music. *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. *Most of the songs on Back to Black were solely written by Winehouse, as her primary focus of the album's sound shifted more towards the style of the girl groups from the 1950s and 1960s. Winehouse worked with New York singer Sharon Jones's longtime band, the Dap-Kings, to back her up in the studio and on tour. *The song "Tears Dry on Their Own" samples the main chord progression from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Remi stated that he thought the album needed something "up-tempo" and suggested to Winehouse that she procure a "slower, sadder conception" of the song. *Following Winehouse's death on 23 July 2011, sales of Back to Black drastically increased across the world. The album rose to number one on several iTunes charts worldwide. *After the release of Back to Black, record companies sought out more experimental female artists. Other female artists signed to major labels included Adele, Duffy, V V Brown, Florence and the Machine, La Roux, and Little Boots. In the years after Back to Black was released, Dan Cairns of The Sunday Times noted that there was a "notion [by A&R executives, radio playlisters and the public] that women are the driving commercial force in pop". Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *[On "Rehab"]: The lines, "I'd rather be at home with Ray" and "There's nothing you can teach me that I can't learn from Mr. Hathaway" are references to two of Winehouse's soul music inspirations: Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway. Hathaway is best known for his duets with Roberta Flack: "Where Is The Love?" and "The Closer I Get To You." *[On "You Know I'm No Good]: This song borrows the bass line from House of Pain's 1992 Transatlantic Top 10 single "Jump Around." *[On "Back To Black"]: Amy Winehouse explained to the Sun newspaper on October 27, 2006 before (she and then ex-boyfriend Blake Fielder-Civil) re-established their relationship: "'Back to Black' is when you've finished a relationship and you go back to what's comfortable for you. My ex went back to his girlfriend and I went back to drinking and dark times." Standout Tracks: Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Back To Black, Love Is A Losing Game, Tears Dry On Their Own, He Can Only Hold Her
Amy Winehouse is clearly influenced by 60s soul and reggae, but still has her own style, singing and lyrics, immensely complemented by the production of Mark Ronson, who was able to put the 60's sound in a modern jacket. Amy Winehouse is perfectly capable of singing over the wonderfully full sound that Ronson is able to produce and with her - here still relatively unintoxicated - enthusiasm and great voice, she knows how to lift songs to a higher level. I think that's incredible, especially when you realize that she has put this old style back on the map with her music. It has taken me a couple of years to realise what a classic this album has become. But almost 20 years old now and a song like Back To Black, the highlight of the album, still brings shivers down my spine.
It seems to be one of those albums, where the songs work better individually than as a whole. When every number is a standout, none of them stand out, and the atmosphere turns cannibalistic pretty quick. Roll the dice, pick a random track, and it will probably change your life forever.
It's pretty badass to only make two albums in your life and have them both show up in "1001 albums you must hear before you die". And it's completely justified too. I ended up liking 5 songs, but really the entire album is fantastic.
While I was a little underwhelmed with her other album, this is the fully-realized one and pretty great all the way through.
It's crazy to listen to this album now, remembering how cheeky and surprising it was to hear someone sing about rehab to the tune of Motown-sounding horns -- or kick off a torchy love song with 'What kind of fuckery is this' as if those lyrics are utterly unremarkable. . . before it became clear that was really her - her life, her pain and heartache channeled in this self-effacing way into these amazing songs.
First half kinda bangs second half good but doesnt bang
A great. Got the cd in bimma . rehab is a bit annoying now.
She sounded so good..tragic ending but I think she wanted that ending
She’s got an amazing voice. I can’t lie though, it’s a little unnerving how catchy the song Rehab is, considering how her life ended.
Bluest sorrowful
Amy Winehouse is a polarizing character. There's both a charming 'frankness' you don't normally hear in jazz and a clear sense of humor - sometimes self-deprecating, sometimes simply as a commentary on women's relationship to men and love generally, sometimes on men themselves. Back to Black shows a clear evolution from her previous album, without losing what makes her music pop. It's a perfect combination of jazz and pop serving as the background for Amy's incredible range of voice. Her struggles with addiction are truly tragic, and of course add a lot of weight to her lyrics where it's clear she is struggling with her lifestyle and substance abuse. Then again, Addicted is simply fantastic and a super funny song to end on to boot.
Everything that needs to be said about "back to black" has been said. Every song is a classic and the album flows very nicely. Definitly sth i would go back to a lot. 1. "They tried to make me go to rehab I said no, no, no Yes i've been black, but when i comeback You'll know, know, know " 5/5 2. The storytelling in this one is insain. 5/5 3. I really felt That "what kinda fuckry is this"... . 5/5 5. Classic 5/5 6. It feels like surrender and heartbreak and that last stage of grief where everything has became numb but it still hurts so much. "Over futile odds And laughed at by the gods And now, the final frame Love is a losing game" 5/5 7 and 8 are like watching a watching something beautiful die. 5/5 11. She's complaining about her friend's boyfriend smoking her weed. Peak poetry 4/5
Amy winehouse has a sound that calls back to original soul and R&B while still managing to sound contemporary. This is an album that covers tough relationships - both boyfriends and alcohol. It’s a well made album with evocative lyrics, a strong vocal performance, and solid instrumentals to back it. The title track is a hard hitter, with a lot of guilt, pain, and regret throughout the album, but also some independence and power. Overall a solid album that I generally enjoyed, but unsure how much I’ll come back.
Nice little album here. Classic Amy sound, like the saxophones a lot.
Iconic. Such a cohesive, classy record and every song feels timeless. And captures heartbreak and pain so beautifully. Still would say that Frank wins though….
Not sure if I’ve ever sat down and appreciated this as an album. Can’t believe so many good tracks are on one record. A masterpiece, really. Imagine what she’d have done next.
God, what a talent. What a voice. I'd always meant to listen to this album and never got around to it. It all just works so well together. It's hard to listen knowing how her life turned out but I'm grateful we have a time capsule like this.
i'll probably be on the wrong side of history with this one but i just don't care for this. this album has all the trappings of a 60s motown/soul record but none of the legitimacy. i can't put my finger on it but it just all feels a bit fake and self-indulgent, like i'm at a theme park that's well maintained but doesn't do justice to the authentic world it's based on. does this make any sense amy winehouse was definitely a troubled soul, but as i sit here listening to rehab (a song i feel like i've heard a thousand times on the radio and never really care to hear again), it's all just a little uncomfortable and unnerving, given what would become of her soon after. the inauspicious lines of "i said no, no, no" and "my daddy thinks i'm fine" are both haunting and yet blindingly obvious. if she's fine with her alcoholism, even celebrating it here and denying reasonable attempts to help, it really comes as no surprise that it would be the thing that ultimately does her in. i don't want to sound callous but like, yeah... of course, amy. anyway the rest of this album has that kind of "i'm playing in the genre" vibe to me with songwriting that's hit or miss. back to black was an actually somewhat interesting song, and i liked tears dry on their own. but the rest of it is decidedly not for me. don't mean to yuck anyone's yum but i just don't get it i guess. favorites: back to black, tears dry on their own
Brilliant vocal performances all throughout. Backing music is very pleasing, especially love the brass and woodwinds.
Never took the time to listen to this cover to cover, but glad I finally did. Great production and the backing of the Dap Tones gives this an authentic feel. Her voice is fantastic.
Amy!!! This album as well as "Frank", both of which I just heard for the first time, showed me that sometimes artists that are overplayed... are actually really good and hyped for a reason. I'm guilty of avoiding you, Amy, but not any longer! Now I'm gonna get a glass of wine (sorry, Amy)
Amy was an incredibly talented gothic noir chanteuse. This album feels more truly her than Frank. The one problem I have is that she she often favors playing with lines in a way that robs them of emotion. I end up hearing a show of dexterity rather than shaping the feel of the song. Supremely talented yet not mature enough to hold back. Great album.
It would have been nice to see her career arch...
"Back to Black," the second studio album by the late Amy Winehouse, released in 2006, stands as a timeless testament to her unparalleled talent, raw emotion, and troubled soul. In this review, I will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement. **Lyrics:** Winehouse's lyrics in "Back to Black" are brutally honest, poignant, and deeply personal. She bares her soul, addressing themes of heartbreak, addiction, and self-destruction with a remarkable level of vulnerability. Each track feels like a glimpse into her tumultuous life, offering listeners an intimate portrait of her struggles and triumphs. From the haunting confessions of "Rehab" to the despairing longing of "Love Is a Losing Game," Winehouse's lyrical prowess shines through, capturing the complexities of human emotion with astonishing clarity. **Music:** The music on "Back to Black" is a mesmerizing blend of retro soul, jazz, and R&B, infused with Winehouse's distinctive voice and soulful delivery. The album's sonic palette is rich and diverse, featuring lush arrangements, infectious grooves, and memorable melodies. Winehouse's soulful vocals are complemented by the impeccable instrumentation, courtesy of her talented backing band, The Dap-Kings. Tracks like "Tears Dry on Their Own" and "Back to Black" showcase the album's irresistible fusion of vintage soul and contemporary pop, while songs like "Me & Mr. Jones" and "Just Friends" highlight Winehouse's exceptional vocal dexterity and emotional depth. **Production:** The production on "Back to Black" is top-notch, thanks to the efforts of producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. They expertly capture the raw energy and intimacy of Winehouse's performances while infusing the album with a modern sensibility. The arrangements are lush and dynamic, featuring a mix of live instrumentation and electronic elements that enhance the album's retro aesthetic. From the horn-laden grooves of "You Know I'm No Good" to the haunting strings of "Wake Up Alone," the production on "Back to Black" elevates each track to new heights, creating a sonic landscape that is both timeless and contemporary. **Themes:** Thematically, "Back to Black" explores the dark underbelly of love, loss, and addiction. Winehouse lays bare her innermost thoughts and emotions, grappling with the pain of heartbreak and the lure of self-destructive behavior. The album's lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and evocative storytelling, painting a vivid portrait of a troubled soul searching for redemption. Themes of betrayal, longing, and regret permeate the album, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. Winehouse's unflinching honesty and emotional vulnerability make "Back to Black" a powerful and poignant exploration of the human condition. **Influence:** "Back to Black" has had a profound influence on contemporary music, inspiring a new generation of artists with its bold sound and fearless storytelling. Winehouse's soulful vocals, retro aesthetic, and confessional songwriting have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing artists across genres ranging from pop and R&B to indie and alternative. The album's critical and commercial success helped to revive interest in classic soul music while paving the way for a resurgence of retro-inspired sounds in the 2000s and beyond. Winehouse's legacy as a trailblazing artist and cultural icon is evident in the lasting impact of "Back to Black" on music and popular culture. **Pros:** 1. Raw and honest lyricism that resonates with listeners. 2. Captivating blend of retro soul, jazz, and R&B music. 3. Impeccable production that enhances the album's sonic depth. 4. Powerful themes of love, loss, and addiction explored with emotional depth. 5. Lasting influence on contemporary music and popular culture. **Cons:** 1. Limited thematic range, focusing primarily on personal struggles and relationships. 2. Some tracks may feel repetitive or overly derivative of classic soul music. 3. Occasional moments of melodrama or over-singing detract from the album's authenticity. 4. Relatively short runtime leaves listeners craving more material from Winehouse. In conclusion, "Back to Black" is a masterpiece of modern soul music, showcasing Amy Winehouse's unparalleled talent and artistry. From its honest lyricism and captivating melodies to its lush production and powerful themes, the album stands as a timeless testament to Winehouse's enduring legacy. While it may have its flaws, "Back to Black" remains a landmark achievement in contemporary music, earning its rightful place as one of the defining albums of the 21st century.
Wonderful album from an amazing talent whose star burned out too soon.
Also 2 stars.
Obviously a terrific voice, but I didn't think these songs were nearly as deep as others with her sort of range (Adele or even Lady Gaga). And I'm not a fan of the songs she released here, especially "Rehab," which just makes me sad given her tragic life.
I like the jazzy, big band sounding songs. I can hear her influence on others I like.
Pleasantly surprised by this one. Only knew the Rehab song. Music was great. Voice got a little annoying by the end of the album.
Like, Frank is better
It was alright, she has a soulful voice.
65/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Sounds great, now I get why peeps love Amy. I have listened to some of the songs, and only realized they are Amy's after listening to this album.
What kind of fuckery would it be if I didn’t give this album a perfect score? I once did a quiz where I took lines from poems and lyrics from pop songs and got people to guess which was which. The one that nobody got right was the second verse of He Can Only Hold Her, which I feel is worth quoting in full: ‘Even if she’s content in his warmth She is plagued with urgency. Searching kisses The man she misses The man that he longs to be.’ I mentioned that Amy was undoubtedly a confessional artist in my review of Frank, I mean it’s right there in the fucking title, but she reached a peak of Confessional songwriting with Back To Black that British Popular music has been trying and failing to reach ever since. The above quote is only one example of the brilliance, the clarity, subtlety, and understated emotion that Amy treated all of her lyrics. It’s perfect literary fodder; if you took the lyrics to both of her albums and released them as slim volume of Confessional verse, it’d’ve been acclaimed as a groundbreaking exploration of the psyche of a broken woman, unique in it’s use of dialect, and heartbreaking in it’s sincerity. I have this theory about two albums in particular: Lady In Satin by Billie Holiday and Back To Black. They are Rorschach tests of a sort, perfect at diagnosing the specific emotional malaise that’s affecting the listener at the time. In the spirit of confession, I’ll go first. My favourite song from Back To Black is Just Friends, because I have the unfortunate habit of somehow ending up as the other man in affairs between couples. I have been in the narrator’s position in Just Friends more times than I’d like to admit. I know just how it feels to want to be intimate with someone without being able to, because their SO and his friends are in the next room over. It always starts with just being friends, moves onto something else, and ends with the plea to be just friends all over again. You long for the respite, where you’re able to enjoy each others company without the need for sex, just be together as a couple, without the emotional guilt that being alone as paramours gives. But it never comes. Amy presents the story beautifully. There is no narratorial moralising, the relationship is presented in it’s unglamorous realism. It’s real in the way that only someone with lived experience can present something. And she’s able to do it with all of the different relationship dilemmas throughout the album. It’s a tremendous narrative feat. I have another unfortunate habit. I fall in love with broken women, almost exclusively. And through my own brokenness, I help them to reach a point where they’re able to move on to better options. If I’d met Amy Winehouse, I would have fallen hopelessly in love with her. I’m hopelessly in love with her as it is. But this means I can see myself in both sides of the relationships she presents. I’m more similar to Amy than I’d like to admit. I’m more like the men she’d have fucked than I’d like to admit. And that really is the beauty of Confessional art, the confrontation of uncomfortable truths, and subsequent realisation of how fucked up we all are under the skin of respectability we present. I’d have been perfect for Amy. And we’d have destroyed each other. And I understand that better every time I listen to this album. But I still can’t help but wonder. And that is the nature of philosophy as presented by professor Winehouse
Damn it, Amy. What could have been. RIP
Iconic
What a wonderful and sad album. Heart and tats on a sleeve, life in a broken shot glass, laid bare for a world to celebrate and mourn over.
I was never a real fan of Amy, but this collection of songs are certainly very soulful, and her voice absolutely rocks.
This was an amazing album. It's a throwback to the soul and R&B of the '60s but coming from a genuine place of passion. All of this is possible from Amy's charismatic voice, her lyrics delving into the conflicts and drama that can spur from a relationship, and the tight production chops of Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. I've heard "Rehab" and the title track before, but the rest of the album is just as good as those two. Highly recommended if you haven't listened yet.
a perfect but sad album... even more sadder if you take in mind how it ended some 5 years later... a great dissection of her life upto then...put to song in a 60's fashion... just great!
There's not many singers or albums I rate highly over the last 20 years but Amy was special. Maybe if she was still around it wouldn't feel the same but this is all we really have left from her. Great production and polish but behind that is a true talent. So fragile.
Anyone who doesn't like Amy Winehouse's voice is simply wrong, and we are not the same. She really has such a gorgeous, unique voice and her songs are so filled with emotion. The one weakness of this album is that all the songs start sounding pretty similar after a bit but they're all so good that it's not necessarily the worst thing.
Gone before her time but she definitely left behind some amazing music. Wine house had a style all her own that many have attempted to replicate but no one could perfect. This is a great album. Great songs m, great production, great singing. It just works from start to finish. A modern piece of musical art that will always be a good listen. 7.9/10
Little bit of filler but 'Love Is A Losing Game' is pretty good init.
#176. Her album Frank was so shockingly terrible that I wondered how did she ever become popular in the first place. This album is significantly better, and more like what I had expected from her music. I mean, it's not great or anything, but it's at least good. 3/5: maybe you should have gone to rehab? Song added to playlist: Rehab I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
I think this has a fairly solid claim to being the best album of the millennium so far.
I was familiar with her radio hits but not the whole album. Her vocal style launched a trend in female voices that lingers today in voices like Billy Eilish. Hearing the whole album, it's clear she had a genuine affinity for 60's soul - it wasn't just a gimmick. It's a good album, but if I want to hear that genre, I'm more likely to turn to the classics. 3.8
It’s a good album, Amy was awesome, easy to listen to. not a 5 for me but a 4.5
great if you love Soul
very sad to hear that first song and know people were trying to help
Incredible and tragic
Bekannt gut.
1st time listening. Rather good will give it 4 stars but could go to 5 on subsequent listenings
Really like Amy Winehouse. Sad life for the artist.
The album starts out in an excellent manner, but unfortunately takes a nosedive after Love is A Losing Game, which prevents it from teaching the top.
Some bangers, not really my style
What a 2000s banger
Una de las voces más polémicas de su generación, pero sin dejar de ser un ícono y una leyenda musical. 0 skips, ninguna canción floja. 10/10.
Good
This is the album that broke her smh
This album's pretty cool – it's got some good vocals and a couple of songs that stand out. It's not mind-blowing or anything, but definitely better than some stuff on this list
La voix d'Amy Winehouse est tout aussi fabuleuse qu'on le dit, et cet album n'est pas devenu mythique pour rien.
Unique voice. Unique individual. Sorry she was so troubled. May have been a big star.
Just a pitch perfect modernization of the old Phil Spector style. Amy's tragic tale only makes this album resonate more. 4.5/5
A produção é boa e a voz dela também, mas as melodias variam bastante entre irritantes e viciantes. No geral, meio esquecivel mas tem meu respeito Fav tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own Least fav track: Rehab
Rehab is overplayed but You Know I'm No Good and Back to Black work for me. The title track hits that James Bond soundtrack vibe I like, with the strings and Winehouse's plaintive vocals. There's a timeless quality to this, it doesn't sound like it's trying to be retro but it clearly draws from the soul catalogue of the past.
I love this album. Love the arrangements. Love her voice. Favorite Track: Me and Mr. Jones
Great songs, great production, great voice. No notes
Amazing, jazzy singing and music but I'm honestly not sure how many of these songs are original and how many are covers...that's how they sound - not in a bad way - they really sound like a blast from the past. I like a lot of the songs on their own, but as an album it's a jazz overload for me. Least Fave: Love is a Losing Game, Just Friends Fave: Back to Black, You Know I'm No Good
Great production and a fantastic voice, without a doubt. Favourite tracks: Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Back to Black, Love Is A Losing Game, Tears Dry On Their Own. Basically the singles, yes.
Gar nicht so schlecht. Hatte ich mir vorher nie angehört außer den Hits wenn sie im Radio liefen. Das es damals Chart-Alben mit echten Instrumenten gab...
En su segundo disco Amy Winehouse deja atrás cualquier trazo de jazz para dedicarse en cuerpo y alma al R&B. Es evidente la inspiración en los grupos de chicas de los 60 en canciones como "Tears Dry on Their Own". Pero las letras, como en su primer disco, hablan de las experiencias vitales de la propia Amy. Es difícil destacar canciones de un disco redondo como este, pero sin duda "Rehab" es todo un pelotazo, y también son muy buenas "Love Is a Losing Game" y "Back to Black".
I can appreciate that this album was groundbreaking, in a way. And, that Amy Winehouse had a really great voice. I still didn't like this though. It just feels, narcissistic? Manufactured? I cant quite place it, but off, somehow.
É impressionante como as letras dela mudam de tom do álbum anterior para este. É notório como ela não estava bem. As letras continuam boas e a voz também.
If you’re going to cement your legacy, then make this album. Make it with a retro feel and a soulful, once-in-a-generation vocal talent. Make your mark so clearly that everyone else after you who attempts this sound or this feel will be compared to you, and rightfully so. If Amy could have kept the demons at bay, we’d have more, and we’d be better for it. As it is, we’re happy we got the best out of her on this one. It’s a heartbreaker at every turn, so she doesn’t keep us guessing about what she was dealing with. “Rehab” tells us she was equally defiant, to her credit and her doom. It’s still a career-defining track any artist would be lucky to produce. Amy is so distinctive and so good at what she does, she makes this one of the most exciting and lasting records of the last 20 years. Time has been extremely kind to this record—it holds up and rewards repeated listens. Time should’ve been kinder to Amy Winehouse the person. But the artist and that voice? They’re immortal.
relisten. very solid album, many great songs but at the end of the day not really my cup of tea.
Powerhouse of a voice and a tragic loss.
The tip of the spear for the British new soul singer revolution, Adele and Duffy would soon follow, but while the vibe feels right, the whole package just comes off as somewhat unauthentic. Sure Amy has the look down with the beehive so and smokey eyes, but it's hard to look past the near constant tabloid sensationalism about her much storied drug abuse and fractious relationships. They tried to make her go to rehab... It's genuinely a good to great album, but in a post Amy world is hard to listen to and not wonder what might have been if she had gone to rehab.
Pleasantly surprised
I've heard some of these songs obviously, but never the whole album. It's pretty amazing! Amy has such an iconic, powerful voice, and her lyrics are so evocative of classic jazz vocalists while being rooted in the present. It's tragic she was lost at such a young age, she was incredibly talented. RIP Amy Winehouse.
Such a beautiful voice
Another talented narcissist.
What a set of pipes! Also, a study in a career cut too short by tragedy.
No va
Pretty dang good
amy winehouse's back to black is iconic. for only being seventeen years old, this album should be considered a classic. in some sense, this album doesn't sound like it was released in 2006 because of how amy effortlessly uses r&b and soul in her music. but she infuses those genres with pop to make a more contemporary sounding album. her voice has a haunted feel, perfect for the kinds of topics she covers, and that definitely helps the modernity. the album starts off with amy's most well known song, "rehab", specifically the catchy chorus is the first thing the listener hears. the album is peppered with various singles, but remarkably, the non-single songs are just as wonderful. they're smooth but the lyrics will break your heart. these are emotional songs, make no mistake, but she's gonna make you bop along with her.
Before Adele was the mainstream powerhouse that she is, Amy Winehouse was bringing amazingly soulful vocals to listeners in a style reminiscent of times and years gone by. And Back to Black is the album where she broke through to mainstream listeners and got so much recognition for her talent. Adele and other contemporary soul artists like her in the current mainstream had the road paved for them by Amy Winehouse, who chose to do this kind of music unapologetically, even when it was far out of fashion. Amy is so good at what she does, and this album was her peak. She demonstrates such control over her vocals, seemingly achieving those soulful and jazzy affectations with no effort. She conveys the pure energy and liveliness that this type of music was known for in the 50s and 60s. I've always thought "Back to Black" was such a perfect title for this album. While Amy is definitely modeling her work after and singing in that 50s/60s soul style, the soul found here isn't your mama's soul music. She covers a lot of darker topics here including drugs, alcohol, infidelity, and trauma, much of which is spurred on by her relationship turmoil that she was facing at the time. It's still got that "classy" sound associated with soul and jazz, but the lyrical content is just a little bit grittier and darker; it's stuff you don't hear from similar sounding artists of past decades. This album is definitely an important one in the progression of music and the reintroduction of this particular type of soul music into the mainstream, and deserves its spot on this project!
#16 Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (2006) Pop Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Soul Neo-Soul, Jazz Pop, Brill Building This album sounds like a fancy expensive wine. What a goddamn voice Amy had, gone far too soon. Favourite Tracks: Back to Black, Rehab Least Favourite Track: Me & Mr Jones
Я никогда ее не любил, и к сожалению в этот раз тоже не совсем понял. Это не моя музыка, а ее манера, хоть и яркая, мощная, меня порой отталкивает (скорее всего из-за того, как много поп-исполнителей решили копировать эти ее фишки). За что этот альбом никак не получается критиковать, - так это за грув. You Know I'm No Good гоуз анризонабли хард. Популяризация сола - это очень круто. Но я не вижу себя, слушающим этот альбом полностью по крайней мере в ближайшее время. Когда мне будет 55, возможно я буду рассказывать детям друзей, как в мое-е-ей молодости была такая легенда, которая стала известной в нашей части света только после инцидента, но вообще-то ее музыка заслуживала больше, и всё такое прочее. А сейчас... несомненно уважаю артиста, но музыку полюбить не могу. Лучшая песня - You Know I'm No Good.
2006? Time flies. This album however is timeless. Amy's voice is captivating, drawing us into her hazy reality. Truly belongs on the list 9/10
sad story but beautiful and timeless music
Her songs, her voice - perfect combo
Surprised that I liked this album, such a beautiful voice
4.75 stars. A really great album. Amy's voice is so rich and is so evocative. Mark Ronson's production makes every instrument sound clear and full, and you can appreciate the sound of the full band on certain songs. It's a great, modern jazz album that still sounds like one of the classics. Some lyrics I don't quite understand, or the vulgar nature seems a bit awkward to me, but that's just my preference. Not a bad song on here and a really great listen overall
Wow! What a funky mash-up of jazz, blues and a little rock, sung by a superior vocalist with a great set of pipes. This is an unusual work, a unique sound and style. When Ms. Winehouse passed, I had no idea what had been lost.
Good tunes with good lyrics. The album isn't engineered well.
Maybe she should have gone to rehab? A great opener and she shouldn't have fought it so much. I think Amy has a tremendous voice and in the song Tears Dry on their Own, I thought she sounded a little like Carole King. You can't help but be impressed with her vocals. Can't say this album is much my style, but I did appreciate a number of songs and quite a few lyrics. Much like the song Addicted, I too am a fan a the green! Rehab and Me and Mr. Jones were good tunes. Back to Black definitely my favorite off the album. I certainly wouldn't turn this off, but can't say it's something I would seek out either. A good album and I can see how folks really enjoy her music. I'm going with a 3.5, but scoreboard will show a 3. 3.5
4 They say good artists borrow, great artists steal, and Amy does that with her influences clearly on her sleeve here. Despite being a white British woman doing so some 40 years after the artists she was inspired by, she’s somehow able to pull off a modern rendition of the Motown sound so well that it makes you wonder why a revival of the genre hadn’t been attempted already. I do think that speaks largely to Amy’s talent though, because to my knowledge, it hasn’t been done successfully again since. Maybe it was just the right time and place, but for an album that’s nearing 20 years old itself, not a single one of these songs feel out of place today. In fact, they feel just as timeless as the tracks she was attempting to emulate. Though, what sets Amy’s music apart are lyrics like: “What kind of fuckery are we?/Nowadays, you don't mean dick to me (dick to me)” Honestly, it’s a large part of what made this album for me - there’s something really funny and enjoyable about the contrast between the music and lyrics. That to say, the album does a good job of tying everything together topically under a theme of broken and failed relationships - I’m not sure quite how autobiographical each and every song is, but given Amy’s known turbulent love life, it’s a bit of interesting insight into her state of mind. I enjoyed just about every song here, though Rehab, You Know I’m No Good, and Back to Black were clear highlights. As it just so happens, those three were all produced by Mark Ronson. Being that the dude only produced half of the songs here (all of which are probably the best ones), I can’t help but wonder how much better this could be if he produced the full thing (no offense, Salaam Remi). I’ve never considered myself much of an Amy Winehouse fan, but I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would, and I think I developed quite a bit more respect for her in the process. This sent me down a bit of a wormhole into her life story, and while I don’t think the major beats are a mystery to anyone, I still can’t help but emphasize how tragic and troubled she was as an artist (as so many of the best are). As much as I’m sure we all wish she could still be here with us today, I don’t think her lifestyle was leading her in any other direction. RIP Amy - Hope you’re jamming with Kurt, Jimi, Janis, and Jim somewhere now.
nice, but besides the hits not super interesting for me
Pretty good album, amazing voice, tragic circumstances. Hard to believe she bas been gone thirteen years.
Ahhh the modern Ella Fitzgerald lol. Man, you never think too much about the song "Rehab" but what a cry for help if there ever was one. Amy was the female equivalent of Kurt Kobain... Well sort of. Maybe not. She was something. I remember my mom hating her music. I never gave her much listen as she seemed pretty poppy, but listening to her later in life has made her more enjoyable. She's like a fine house wine - she appreciates with time. Her story is intriguing. I need to watch the biopic. Oh man. As I listen it doesn't get better for me. It's starting to sound like Ella Fitzgerald more and more and it even sounds like big band music. Nevermind. Not a fan of this album. It's fine. Just not my type of music.
Ég er algjör aðdáandi Amy Winehouse og set hana mjög oft í gang til að komast í stuð. Hún er með magnaða rödd og mögnuð lög. Þannig að ég þurfti varla að hlusta á plötuna áður en ég ákvað hvað ég myndi setja á hana. Þetta er eitthvað sem ég mun oft setja aftur á fóninn.
Amazing! What an incredibly talented singer. Rest in peace
talented vocalist, a bit over produced to make it sound vintage IMO. Probably a 3.5 for vocal performance
Not interested
Exceptional throwback, true to roots, fabulous production
4/5
Another awesome album, full of doo wop, soul, and Motown influences
There's some really accomplished songs on here. Lots of character and depth of feeling. The production is superb. It's not the kind of thing I'd put on usually, but I can't deny it's a really good album. That's why I'm going 3.5 rounded up.
Great vibe
Amy's voice is just.. where does all of that come from? Anyway, great album, amazing voice, songs were bops. Would recommend.
Fantastic album! Amy was such a unique talent in the Pop landscape at the time and this album does a great job showcasing what made her so special. Her vocals are so sincere and the vibe feels like it’s been soaked in bourbon, it’s so cool to hear a classic sound presented in a modern fashion without being too kitschy. I feel it starts to drag a bit in the back half and get a bit inconsistent (particularly the Remi-produced tracks) but still overall a strong outing that holds up over 15 years later. Top tracks: Rehab, You Know I’m No Good, Me and Mr Jones, Back To Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, He Can Only Hold Her
I’m back with a strong 3.5 bb So this is just kind of a sad album knowing about Amy. If you aren’t familiar with the lack of support she had in her addictions to both drugs and alcohol AND her eating disorder, it’s like it didn’t matter as long as she could get on stage and make that money. And what makes it all worse is that it has Mark Ronson stamped all over it. With that said, I still have a soft spot for this album. I will always love Tears Dry On Their Own. It’s just so good. Love is a Losing Game is so much better in its original state with the acoustic guitar, but it’s way overproduced on this album. Everything is overproduced for a lady who just didn’t need it. Ugh.
It’s good, but flawed. I can’t put my finger on why but I’m not crazy about the production. It’s clear it’s trying to feel old, but it feels a little to clean in a way that I can only say feels 2008. Amy is great on this album and given the history the songs hit a little harder today than they might’ve then
This was amazing I already knew and loved several songs from this album and found a few more.
Amy winehouse is an undeniable talent, and an undeniable tragedy. You can feel the raw power behind her voice and intention behind it. Unfortunately so often is the case that the power that drives a talent like this can quickly turn. Like Amy's vocal runs, we try to keep up with the beauty and pain as it ebs and flows.
The first band to wear black and red, can you believe it?
C’est vraiment du bon Soul de qualité. Les bangers comme Addicted, Rehab et Back to Black se démarque énormément du lot, le reste est bien mais j’en aurais voulu un peu plus pour un 5.
I'm gonna enjoy this one! Amy Winehouse is a legend in the ska scene and this is her biggest hit before her tragic death in 2011. This is one of the albums I've always told myself I should listen to but never truly brought myself to it. Also interesting to see songs I haven't heard of despite them being her biggest hits. Rehab: Absolute certified banger, you'd be hard pressed not tap your foot along to this jam. You Know I'm No Good: Sounds a lot like a lot of ladies anthem. Amy Winhouse's voice and accompaniment is excellent. Even the break is amazing. Me & Mr Jones: LOVED this one Amy Winhouse belts it and still feels good on every line. Just Friends: A true ska track, two step, steel drums, and the ever present Amy to tie it together better than anyone else could. Back to Back: Never heard this one before despite it being her biggest hit. The Chorus is incredible but the lyrics are a lot darker than I expected. The Eternal struggle of being a mans side piece but not able to pull yourself from that entanglement. I doubt theirs anything deeper there but you could lay this across addiction and it would map easily. Love Is A Losing Game: This song is a lot more understated but holding to the themes of the previous tracks. I really love the full string accompaniment. Tears Dry On Their Own: I start to get the feeling that Amy's song are all in relation to how she feels with a man. Once again a very dark ballad which an incredible chorus.
I Knew of, but never really listened. What a homage to Phil Spector's thang. A life cut short way too soon, but thank you Amy for giving us what you could.
So good Amy!
So good but sad
Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Mix: nahe an der Perfektion Musik: 🪦 Wertung: 🎤🎤🎤🎤(🎤)/5
wake up alone is crazy.
its just soo good. ngl all highs. LETS TALK ABOUT MY TEARS DRY ON THEIR OWN TOP 10 GOATED SONGS OF ALL TIME IMO
8.8
01) Rehab - 10,0 02) You Know I'm No Good - 10,0 03) Me & Mr Jones - 10,0 04) Just Friends - 9,5 05) Back To Black - 10,0 06) Love Is A Losing Game - 10,0 07) Tears Dry On Their Own - 10,0 08) Wake Up Alone - 9,0 09) Some Unholy War - 9,0 10) He Can Only Hold Her - 9,5 11) Addicted - 9,5 TOTAL: 9,68 (97/100) Gone too young :-( If she was still alive, I'm sure she would be a global superstar right now. But, on the other hand, if she didn't lead the life she did, would we have this masterpiece? I think "No, no no!" Rest in peace, Amy!
I really don’t care for Rehab but the album itself is fine, just not really my taste. Winehouse had the voice and humour and that makes this album listenable. 3 stars
Grand
Love the album but makes me sad to listen What a talent and spirit lost
Amy Winehouse brings back an old classic soul sound with a new biting edge to it. Sadly in the 27 club. Such a weird phenomenon about that. I respect her music, but personally don’t prefer to listen to her.
Amy is pretty cool! I like some of the songs on this album but I’m not a huge fan of her sound.
Really nice album!
This one is way better then her other album on this list.
Rehab is such a great opener. Just Friends isn't my favorite, but still fits in cohesively OMFG, Back to Black always punches me in the stomach in the best way. Ahhh, that transition to Tears Dry on Their Own 😍😍
Good album start to finish.
I felt it, very good
Amy’s voice already sounded like it belonged in a smoke filled, old school jazz club where everyone in attendance was the type of person to have 24/7 alcohol sweats. Adding a retro doo-wop influence into the music along with lyrics that would suit the aforementioned type of imagined audience was just the perfect confluence of apropos.
Una excelente voz, con variedad de Blues y pop. Muy buena!
Music that I hope the future generation continues to listen to. I wished she was here longer to make more music.
A brilliant album by an amazing talent. She probably should have went to rehab when they tried to make her go
She is so slay. Her voice. Her emotions. Fav is probs valerie
4.5 rounded up. Iconic album with a ton of hits- love that the deluxe version includes Valerie
imagine making an album this good…just imagine
first time listening, enjoyed it quite a lot. listened to deluxe edition 2x (2 cd) + 1 more regular. 4.0/5
4.5 stars. Amy Winehouse is pop music that I really dig. She is now more soul than jazz, but the backing instrumentals are still really nice and don't get in the way. Voice is just so listenable. Depth and emotion in the lyrics. Kicks off with the ultra-catchy "Rehab" but there's not a skip on the album.
Outstanding, an old favorite. Thanks for starting my day with this.
Obviously great vocals, and a nice sound that is reminiscent at times of some of the best Motown tracks.
Amy was my first album on this 1001 thing, and almost ended it immediately. Now we are back for round two. I'm still not a fan, but I've improved my opinion of her after hearing these albums. I think I prefer the first one, but not by much. "Me & Mr. Jones" may be the first song I can recall hearing the word 'f*ckery' and that is amusing. The short runtime of these tracks is appreciated as they keep the album moving along. A few songs had some music elements that kept me expecting to hear different lyrics such as the "ain't no mountain" in "Tears dry on their own " which likely would have been my favorite track without the sampling. Overall, a decent album with some unique talent. Glad to have heard it by the end of it. Favorite track "Back to black" 2/5
Back to Black. What can I say? We all know Amy’s story and this is just part of it. Sheer creativity and heartfelt singing. She wrote a good part of the album. Production is spot on; harkens back to Phil Spector in sound. Checks all the boxes for me: melodies, lyrics, vocals, instrumentation; it’s all top notch. We can only imagine what a follow up would have been like. Unfortunately, the “demons” that sparked her pure creativity and talent also did her in. A story we’ve heard about before over the centuries and across the arts.
I've had this album since the week it came out
What a voice. What a life. Throwback to Motown sound with very modern lyrics.
I like You Know I’m No Good and I kind of like Rehab
An album full of bangers
Heard of Amy Winehouse and quite like her music, but never actually listened to a full album or actively listened. Probably a high 3 as it’s not my usual music.
Nice to have
Rehab You Know I'm No Good Back To Black Tears Dry On Their Own
Top album
Definitely embedded in my brain as formative music memories.
Absolutely incredible. Somehow never heard any of her songs before. Every song was fun, engaging, and enjoyable
Pretty great. Definitely worth the hype.
This was on my "give a proper listen to" list, sobthanks for the nudge.
An excellent homage to the jazz and soul legends of the 40s, 50s and 60s with a little Caribbean twist from time to time. Amy's reverence and knowledge of the music of the past is all over the lyrics and music. A great album, but painful to think what else she could have given us.
Really like her. Tragic loss.
10/10 I’ve been a big fan of this album for a long time it always makes me very sad to hear it even if the songs slap, there is a horribly dark irony in the subject matter of the songs, and what followed for Winehouse in real life the short discography, and life of Amy Winehouse are both indescribably beautiful and tragic
Beautiful somewhat smoky voice and band is great. Nightclub Smoke filled room vibe
Having never listened to anything but Rehab, I feel like I've robbed myself of this. Such a talent lost too soon. Incredible voice over some great jazz-esque tracks. Considering the subject matter, it keeps everything feeling rather upbeat. Loved it. Might not wait to listen to her other album before it's (assumptively) on this list.
great obvi
Amy was so incredibly talented.
A solid bluesy album. Rather depressing considering her too early death.
Heartbreaking, beautiful, upbeat but slow in the right spots. Gut wrenching grief and drowning it with sex and booze. Unmatched. This album carried me through some of the worst heartbreak of my life. Love her and this album through and through
I love this album. Back to Black felt completely different when it came out. In the middle of mid 2000s pop, this raw, retro soul sound stood out immediately. It was bold, honest and full of character. The songs are sharp and memorable. Rehab is iconic, Back to Black is heartbreaking and powerful, and Tears Dry on Their Own has that Motown energy that makes it impossible not to move. Amy’s voice carries the whole record. It is smoky, vulnerable and full of attitude. What makes the album so strong is that beneath the retro production there is real emotional weight. It feels personal and unfiltered, which is why it still sounds fresh years later. Favourite song: Back to Black Least favourite: None. It is strong from start to finish Album artwork: Simple and striking. A timeless cover that perfectly matches the tone of the music
Nice!
Her voice is classic, but it wears on you and gets old quickly because she uses it to sing about sad depressing shit. Her music is a perfect representation of her generation.
A singular talent. Man, what a loss. 5. Super catchy songs from top to bottom. Soulful, well produced.
Really enjoyed this album. She was so talented and I wish there was more.
Love, love. Only complaint is there isn't enough of it. Whopper album.
so jane just got her shop i cant believe it im so glad except thats just the thing, im not surprised all. in fact, i never really had a doubt in my mind. shes cut from a different cloth, shes knows something no-one else knows, and shes going to nail it we really needed albums like this in 2006 oh yeah the shop used to be called back to blank lololol
2/5 nope, she's burnt in my head
Forgot about it. Classy stuff man. Love it
Reminds me of Adele
5 cant go wrong
An absolute surprise for someone who never listened to Amy Winehouse outside of “Rehab”. Her voice is amazing and haunting. The music behind her vocals is so good too
Great voice, some great songs but otherwise meh
First time actually listening to Amy Winehouse. She can sing. It was alright, not really easy for me to get into.
She should have gone to rehab 🤷🏻♂️
Killer vocals on top of well-done instrumentals that provide a great flow while not hogging the spotlight. Still a bit burnt out on 'Rehab' from radio overplay back in the day, and I'm not sure more than a few tracks will stick with me, but there's no denying this is a well-done LP that showcases Winehouse's amazing talent.
in my collection. Listen all the time. Truest example of a human blessed with unreal talent. I wish she was also blessed with some peace in her heart.
Hoo boy. What a voice.
So full and sweet a pleasure to listen to. Enjoyed sitting down and actually playing this on the turntable. Next time it will be headphones moment I think, for closer appreciation (it all sounds very tight. id use the word phrasing but I am not qualified to use that). This kind of perfection inspires awe is all I can say. to me, its a wonderful cabaret and torch song , but more than usual she is a revelatory story telling musician. Its all laid bare. Her voice. others will describe it better but its both beautiful delicate and pained - there is an edge which does come out. Isa it damage? Is it cigarettes and drugs like Billie and Piaf? But made unfortunately more poignant by her tragically early loss to drugs and a troubled life. Enough analysis. Its lovely sitting in warm stereo with her in the room for a moment.
It was February 2007. My first day back at work after annual leave. I arrived at my desk to find a burned cd, courtesy of a good comrade of mine, Rebecca Garden. It came with a note exclaiming the quality of the artists on the disc - snippets of the latest release from French band, Nouvelle Vague & the latest album by someone called Amy Winehouse. I’d never heard of either artists before. I was stunned by the quality of the Amy Winehouse album. And still regard it as the best album I’ve heard this century. It was also my gateway to both Mark Ronson & The Daptones - artists who brightened the musical landscape of the time. At the time I was a participant in an annual competition (Mortal Coil) to predict what famous people would die in the coming 12 months. Pretty soon Amy’s name started to appear on people’s lists. Never on mine I just couldn’t predict that seeming inevitability. The week she died a friend & I went to the Beach Road Hotel at Bondi to see Paris Wells, a favourite of mine who was up from Melbourne. She did a beautiful version of Back To Black & there was not a dry eye in the joint. A few years later I saw a travelling exhibition about Amy at the Jewish Museum in St Kilda - her clothes, notebooks & her record collection. This album speaks for itself. Side 1 is particularly outstanding. Ten outta five for me.
I am a big fan of 60s soul and girl groups, so this album really clicked with me as soon as I heard it. Bought it, loved it all the way through. It has a real throwback sound to it, that really appeals to me. Her songwriting is totally within the tradition, and yet has a contemporary directness that makes this far more than a pastiche or homage. It is new, fresh art within the genre. Much has been written about her voice. Her phrasing is exquisite, and there is a lived-in authenticity that you can't fake; you can feel the credibility to every word on this album. It can get pretty dark, and there is a lot of pain there, but the album is also quite fun. It is tragic that the authenticity of this album shows us a person in quite a lot of pain with some really problematic addiction issues, and we know where that eventually led Amy. I was massively upset by the Amy documentary; that poor girl was doomed. Her family was clearly problematic, and her talent attracted people who were supportive but unable to help, or others who were much more exploitative. And that arsehole husband was the nail in the coffin. She turned her life into art, but the success just made things worse, and ultimately was a road she could not turn back. I mourn for Amy Winehouse the human being, and also for all the records she could have produced if she had lived. This one perfect record from Amy Winehouse is a dead-set classic. All killer, no filler. It is a regular in my DJ sets. When friends start collecting vinyl, this is the album I buy for them. Every home should have a copy. Eleventy-million out of five.
Lots of wallowing, I'm wallowing with her.
This is a classic and I like Amy Winehouse. So easy to listen to and her voice is amazing. That said, in the pantheon of great R&B/neosoul albums, it doesn't feel like this is breaking any new ground.
Great album, it had been a while since I listened to all of it! IT was nice paying attention to all the instruments (and empty spaces between them)
Well, I’d never listened to this album, but heard some of the songs. I love a lot of old 60s R&B and Soul, so really dug some of the sounds here. The two main producers did a great job of giving most of these tunes the 60s treatment. It really is amazing what a fully-developed musician Winehouse was at such a young age. She has absolutely total command of that voice and uses it so stylistically it’s really like an instrument. Even though she has entertaining lyrics, it doesn’t really matter all that much. My mind just followed her voice sliding from note to note. Have so much more respect for her talent after listening to this album! Will I ever listen to this album? I would probably just listen to original 60s tracks, however, if I heard a some of these songs playing, I would listen now and enjoy it. I think I would give it a 3.5/5 but that’s not a choice.
Hab ich mir auf Platte gekauft, weil ich es so gerne höre.
Tortured soul music
Excellent, short and sweet
4.9 a hairs breath away from a 5/5 faves: tears dry on their own, addicted
I mean - this album is just iconic. Amy’s vocals and the brass elements are just to die for and the way the songs are high energy whilst also having mellow and serious themes running through them is everything I could ever need. (Not al all biased) 5/5
Well done.
Dritbra greier! Så nærme 5'ern du kommer tror jeg
What a voice!
Janice de Friends reprend les plus grands standards de la Motown. Les tubes sont maintenant usés. Et je reste mal à l’aise devant l’exploitation de cette femme qui hurle depuis le début qu’elle va mal. Son destin tragique était évident et connu de tous depuis le début, et difficile je trouve de s’enthousiasmer complètement sur ce qui apparait aujourd’hui presque comme des lettres de suicide, car c’est devant cela que tout le monde s’est emballé : un long, lent et inexorable suicide. Je suis fatigué de “Rehab”, donc on va plutôt garder “Back in Black”. “Tears Dry On Their Own” est moins connue mais sympa. Par contre les pouets de trompette sur “Just Friends”, c’est non.
Favorite song: "You know I'm not good" Album: 5/10
A great album
Masterpiece. Unforgettable voice.
Banger after bop. Winehouse simultaneously revived and redefined a genre with 11 tracks in 34 minutes. So many great songs on here like Rehab, You know I'm No Good, Tears Dry, and on and on. Her voice is at its prime on this record and each track is composed with that in mind. I'm pretty sure I've listened to this album before, but I (re)discovered some new-to-me songs that are now in rotation. I love this album.
Love this album! Really shows you a side of life and relationships not much music out there does. I really feel she went through this stuff! Will always be on the top listens for me.
Great album from the legendary, Amy!
Catchy and enjoyable.
Pretty nice, but nothing special to me
Mighty fine album but not super what I am into, so I wouldn't seek out most of these songs again. Sound mixing on Spotify is so quiet!! I have heard a handful of these songs performed live (by randos) and I think this album was truly meant to be performed live. Studio recording does not bring justice to the beauty of these songs. My favorite was Tears Dry On Their Own.
Masterpiece, and was very lovely listening to while driving on a sunny winter day! Forgot how much reggae there was but enjoyed it
This truly is a perfect album
Great record. What a talent. Rocked it a star because there’s really only one great song (Back to Black)
Didn't realize we were robbed when she died. I would say Adele is a pretty good comparison in terms of voice quality and style. But Amy really keeps it real with drug-laced heartbreak. Definitely will remember for romance.
La verdad, no sé si alguna vez había escuchado el álbum entero, pero hacerlo en orden es como escuchar una especie de musical de la historia de Winehouse sabiendo ya que acaba mal y en el que te hubiera encantado contestar: "No, tía, tú eres buenísima, pero estás muy mal rodeada". Que un álbum de ese estilo lo petara así bien entrados los dos mil es una cosa alucinante, pero tan comprensible como que luego el aleatorio me haya puesto a Marvin Gaye y su "Ain't no mountain high enough", a la que samplea el ritmo "Tears dry on their own". Lamento haberme perdido su concierto en el FIB estando allí y aún me acuerdo de la noche en la terraza de una amiga brindando por ella el día que se fue.
Haven't listened to this one in years. What's even more apparent now is what a great singer we've lost. If you close your eyes you think that you're listening to one of the jazz greats of old, although she made the sound thoroughly modern. Her most enduring songs are on this album.
defintely interesting to hear this a couple weeks after the Phil Spector christmas album, you can hear how clear the influence was... I'll be honest, this album does not do a ton for me. Maybe it's because of the over-prevalence of a lot of the singles, but it is just not super interesting to me. The 60s Wall-of-Sound production by Ronson is interesting and I respect it, but mimicking it 40 years later isn't super interesting to me... idk. "Tears Dry On Their Own" is just like directly aping the "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" open? Call it a nod or a tribute, but it is just not doing a lot for me I'm sorry! Or a sample I guess, after reading into it, a interpolation, blah blah blah. I'm all for sampling don't get me wrong but I think you need to do something interesting with it rather than just doing a similar motown-type song over it... Am I just in a bad mood this morning reviewing this album, possibly.
I know this album pretty well as my other half plays it a lot! I think it's a bit of a modern classic. I'm not really a big fan of "Rehab" as I feel it sounds a bit gimmicky - almost like a novelty single. But overall the old school sound and the modern lyrics work well against each other and I like most of the songs.
Modern classic.
Like all kinds of relationship fuckery
Awesome lead of track. The rest of the album was uninspiring and derivative. Beautiful voice and sound but nothing new or unique
Tortured soul
I have heard of her but never heard her music, very jazzy and I honestly liked it.
classic for me. RIP
Very reminiscent of an old timey R&B/jazz club sound. Relaxing to listen to even though the lyrical content might suggest otherwise.
Very talented. Still not exactly my favorite kind of music but still pretty good.
Good but not great. Amy has a great voice, but the production is too nostalgic to really work for me. “Back to Black” is a fantastic song however.
This album really showcases how amazing of a singer Amy Winehouse really was. Her amazing vocal performances are really the highlight of every song. The lyrics are certainly at times hard to listen to in hindsight, but this is definitely a great album. My favourites were You Know I’m No Good and Tears Dry on Their Own
Perhaps she should have gone to rehab... Really captures the feel of 60s soul music but brings a modern(ish) spin to the lyrics. Very possibly one of the greatest pop/funk albums of all time. Too many megahits on this album to not give it a 5
A staple for 40 year old white women. Honestly isn’t too bad as I thought it’d be I liked the instrumentals and her voice is alright. Back to black was definitely my favourite song. Id probably give it a 6.5-7
Zo'n gaaf album, geweldig gezongen, mega vette productie
2.7/5 Best Track: idk
Very good
Love Amy.
The songs are well written and performed, but ultimately, I can't understand why "Back to Black" (or Amy's singing) has a reputation as something wholly unique, as nearly everything about it is derivative of black artists who came before. Although, this is maybe more of a criticism of the industry than Amy's work itself. The album is also produced with that early 2000's "loudness" which hasn't aged well to my ears.
Favorites: Rehab Video, Back to Black, Love is a Losing Game. Blues and Jazz. Beautiful singer songwriter. Flawed yes but she left quite a legacy for a life cut short at 27.
Killer album!
Maybe a 3
Amy sounds like she would have fit in great in a 1920s jazz Cafe in Paris. Some definitely fun beats and well composed music but overall not my thing.
Rehab - 8/10 You Know I’m No Good - 8/10 Me & Mr Jones - 7.5/10 Just Friends - 7/10 Back to Black - 8/10 Love Is a Losing Game - 7.5/10 Tears Dry on Their Own - 7.5/10 Wake Up Alone - 8/10 Some Unholy War - 7.5/10 He Can Only Hold Her - 7.5/10 Addicted - 7.5/10 TOTAL - 82/110
Surprisingly good - I've liked Amy Winehouse but never experienced how good the full album is. One to come back to.
Excelente. Um dos maiores albuns pop de todos os tempos. Recheado de clássicos, ainda que perca força do meio pro fim, a primeira metade é arrasadora. Destaques para: 1. Rehab 2. You Know I'm No Good 3. back to black
Fantastic album. A modern classic. Amy had so much soul, and she is really delivering here
Totally forgot how amazing this album is! Every song is fire, and love singing along to it all. This album will go down as a classic in the future. A must have. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: need on vinyl! Favourite Song: Back To Black
Manche schaffen es nicht und gehen viel zu früh 😞😥 Geniales Album !
DIE hatte's drauf ...
Ja dit album is dus voor mij wel echt 5/5.
Best lekker, ik snap de hype wat beter
I only knew a few WAR songs but this album has some great songs and is great to listen to straight through! Really like City, Country, City on this album
Don’t think I’ve listening all the way to the end before or in order
This is a classic! Definitely an influential and inspiring album
I really love Amy Winehouse and her style here, but some of the mixing here really makes me angry. It doesn't feel stylistic, just bad at times. It's not egregious enough that it makes me hate it, but it's really noticeable. Outside of that this album is wonderful. Fantastic instrumentals, production, and vocals on every single track. I think with a remaster this would be an easy 5, but it should not sound this aluminum-can-y made in 2006.
Potential to be great but knowing of her short lived life taints the music for me. Great Barry sax.
This project has cemented me as an Amy Winehouse fan! This album, while quite sad, was excellent and I really enjoyed it. Listens: 2 Fave Tracks: Back To Black, Love Is A Losing Game Rating: 4
Beste Soul-Grooves!
I want to give this 5, but the back quarter of this isn’t so strong. But man most of the record is gold. Her combo of old US soul with songs about love, drinking and the various fuckeries of life is so good.
Skipped this when released 18 years ago. Felt the singles were overhyped and I wasn’t into the retro aesthetic. Luckily the two singles were the first two tracks on the album and got past them first on a full listen. Blown away by the rest of the tracks. The marriage of 60s girl group instrumentation/vocals with lyrics touching on throughly modern struggles and triumphs, if done any less earnestly, could come off as cheesy, but it’s packaged in such a way as to be highly enjoyable, carried by her palpable enthusiasm for this kind of music. Should earn frequent relistens if only to remind me of the feeling you get hearing talent meet passion.
It was different from what I had expected.I had heard of her before. Didn’t expect something quite so edgy.
nueroelecsticity
I'd never really listened to Amy Winehouse before, excluding like Rehab. I found this to be a beautiful and profoundly sad album knowing of her ultimate overdose just a few years after this album's release. You could hear references to her struggle with (and denial of) addiction throughout many of the songs. Her reflections on love and hurt were insightful. I think I most enjoyed Back to Black and Love is a Losing Game.
This is an artist who eventually won me over because of her talent and her persona. Initially, I really didn't like the sound of her voice because it sounded contrived-- like a 50's sound. That's to say, I think I'm finally seeing what everyone else already saw. Rehab is my most familiar and least favorite song on this album. If she wasn't singing about the weed dealer and fuckery and all, this album really could've been a 1950's RnB album, so that's weird. But her voice is strong here. The instrumentals and accompanying vocals are really just window dressing or her powerful voice and often strong lyrics. And her voice is pretty lush even when it's singing about darkness which it often is.
What an amazing turnaround from Frank. I think all of us can agree that the Frank movie was better than Frank the album. If you haven't seen it, stop reading this review right now and go watch Frank. It'll change your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEJu9WJaMLo Back to Black is no Frank. And 'frankly' I'm glad that we had to listen to that album before attacking this one. Sure, I wasn't impressed, but Back to Black was so, so good. It's only now after listening to this that I can begin to understand what all the Amy Winehouse fuss was about. This was great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A7iVIg_ry8
I thought “Frank,” Amy Winehouse’s debut, was great. But “Back to Black” is a phenomenal follow-up full of growth the way few musicians are able to pull off on their sophomore album. But as unique as Winehouse might be as a vocalist, perhaps “Back to Black” should be credited to Amy Winehouse & The Dap-Kings? The Dap-Kings are too often unrecognized for their work with Sharon Jones, but they feel like the driving force behind the sound on “Back to Black,” alongside producer Mark Ronson and other contributors. In fact, 49 musicians were credited on the album. All this is not to diminish Winehouse’s talents. She was a great songwriter and one of the most special voices of her generation. “Rehab” was deservedly a huge hit, but actually feels a little out of place on “Back to Black.” The rest of the album is very unified stylistically, and presents a really cool evolution for Winehouse. It would have been so special to see where she went from there.
So sad that she wasted such a brilliant talent. Grateful for what we have of her work.
Rehab is likely the most well known song on this album, but it is my least favorite. Its lyrics are routed in truth but sound put on. And I’ve always been annoyed by the pacing of “…no no no.” It’s behind the beat…delayed…and that gap is a wide canyon of despair. Despite my annoyances with Rehab, it is still a catchy song. My favorite song is Back To Black. It came together quickly and is so simple. It sounds like a hit James Bond theme song. This whole album has a cool throwback feel to the soul, jazz, and R&B of yesteryear. It is so smooooooooth. The album drips a warmth, drawing the listener in. It’s truly a an accomplishment worthy of record companies pulling up more female led acts in the late 2000s and beyond as its success reportedly did.
Very good mix between soul and R&B, vocals blend perfectly between genres and are quite versatile throughout the album. 4 or 5 timeless tracks on here as well. 4.5
Loved this! What a singer she was. Can’t say I’ve ever heard the album but certainly heard most of the songs on it at some point. Excellent.
Classic
Good, but not something I'd listen to daily
I didn't dig this, and I don't understand the intention of using a well-known track like 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' as the musical basis for her own song, a song that seems to have no melody or structure at all. At least the record was short!
RNB and hip-hop are two of my least favorite genres, combining them definitely doesn't make it any better. Plus her voice is very annoying.
OK. Good starting point.
A classic. Her voice is spectular
Very nice one!
Super interesting sound for the 2000s
WOW. I've been pretty ignorant to have ignored Amy Winehouse for as long as I have. People have referenced it to me, I know producers who are supremely inspired by Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson and consider this their urtext. No wonder! It's so good that it makes me wonder if I rated Adele's 21 too high. This is the real deal. The REAL DEAL. I have this suspicion that it would be a 5, even over production that's banal. This album is carried by the songs and, most importantly, Amy Winehouse. Nobody needs to be told that she has a one-in-a-million voice. It's just apparent. So I'm guessing that, even if the production was just slightly off the mark, we'd still be talking about this album. BUT. The fact that the production is so incredibly brilliant, on TOP of a world-class voice, makes this an incredible album. They don't just nail the soul sound, Phil Spektor on up, they album (I know this is heretical)... improve upon it? They at least update it. The drums sound inspired by hip hop drum samples, which themselves are soul records a lot of the time...! But they're played live. Genius. Everything sonically is perfect. Hearing this album makes the late 2000's / early 2010's soul revival period make so much more sense to me. We've had some great records come out of that. As well as plenty of lazy records. This is really where it begins and ends for me. Also I have two friends who played on these records! So that's kind of cool. Maybe I should move to New York... 5/5/5/5/5!
The least amount of money I would accept to listen to this album again is $1,000. It's that's bad.
Das erste mal komplett gehört. Das ist eigentlich nicht so meine Musikrichtung. „Back To Black“ und „Love Is A Losing Game“ sind tolle Songs, insgesamt ein tolles Album.
Always makes me sad to listen to AW. The songs themselves are good but I also get a bit tired of her voice listening to the whole album