Back To Black

Amy Winehouse is a genre in itself.

Another album I knew I was going to hate. Big surprise that I didn't.

What a sweet, delicious, vulgar and promiscuous album done by a sweetheart we lost too soon <3

gem

Amazing depth, soul, and R&B from a young Brit woman. Such a shame she died so young.

I’m not a huge Amy Winehouse fan, but I can’t deny this album is brilliant. I could listen to “Tears Dry On Their Own” on repeat for a long time without getting sick of it. So many great songs, and she’s never sounded better than on this album. A few tracks are a bit dull, but overall this is a standout album.

Exceptional. I have loved it for years, and it's still damn near a 10/10. Slightly less good than Frank, her prior album, but incredible nonetheless. May she rest in peace.

5 stars. No need to even listen. Banger album. True classic

It's great. I'll need to relisten to it to get a more concrete opinion, but yeah, it's great. 8/10

Amy Winehouse was never really an artist I paid much attention to at the height of her stardom. Perhaps I was too young or her work never really reached me. I guess only recently I've come to appreciate what she provided to the music industry and how influential she really was. "Back to Black" is probably the pinnacle of the British soul emergence of the late 2000s. Amy Winehouse loved the 50s and 60s pop/soul girl groups and that influence is heavily heard throughout this album (and also seen in Winehouse's persona itself during her performing years). I happen to like that era of soul music too, so it's quite refreshing hearing a 21st century take on that sound. Consider that also a strong testament to the production work done by both Remi and Ronson to accurately capture the overall sound of that era. Yes, this is considered a "breakup" record, as the predominant theme revolves around the recent (at the time) split between Winehouse and her ex-boyfriend. Breakup records tend to be pretty shallow and one-note though, and that doesn't really feel like the case here. Winehouse also looks inward and touches on her drug addiction here and there, so there's more depth than one would initially expect. Winehouse's unfortunate death in 2011 meant this would ultimately be her last studio album, but her & her music are loved more than ever now and continue to inspire many.

Such an incredible retro sound absolutely loved it. It was a bit top heavy... Everything up to and including the title track are just banger after banger. The bottom half still sizzles tought (8.65) ★★★★

I like the 50s/60s throwback sound on this album, but unfortunately I am not a big fan of her voice. "You Know I'm No Good" is a cool song. 3.5 stars

On the surface this is a pretty cool album with it's retro sound, but I think in a lot of cases, she doesn't do enough to put her own spin on that sound and it just ends up sounding like a copycat version of classic pop. I think "You Know I'm No Good" is a great example of modernizing that sound, and it's the clear standout here. Still, she's a solid performer and this is a well-made album. 3.5 stars.

3.5

One of the best pop albums of the past 20 years. A huge reinvention at the time and a massive step up from her debut. The 60s soul and motown inspired production and Amy’s enormous amount of sass and swagger and extra personal lyrics means that this sounds both super vintage and super modern and the songwriting is so much tighter this time around. Featuring a clutch of fantastic singles that are still on mega rotation today plus plenty of other characterful album tracks. Favourite song Tears Dry On Their Own.

Sad and amazing

enjoyed this

Damn. She was so good. No misses. Perfect album.

Unique sound

1e helft van t album is legendarisch 2e helft vind ik wat minder

Such a soulful, from the heart singer. As with so many others, gone too soon. This album feels like a bit of a throwback but Amy Winehouse makes it her own.

very fun summer music; kinda what you expect.

I'll stand by this - Rehab sucks. Not the place - the song. SO many other better tracks on here to put as the lead. You can bury Rehab on the B-side. I know it's unpopular. But that's just like my opinion, man. But other than that really great 60's soul inspired music. Hard to hate

Rehab är 10/10. Känns fräsch varje gång man lyssnar, går inte att tröttna på. Synd att den inleder för ingen annan låt kommer upp till samma nivå förutom möjligtvis Back to Black. De andra låtarna är rätt svaga i refrängerna, kanske därför. Könsspecifika låttexter, kan inte relatera så mycket till att vara en ledsen tjej som gråter på köksgolvet. Stämningshöjare att ha på i bakgrunden, ex. under matlagning. Fenomenal röst.

Born 50 years too late, died 50 years too early.

i dunno. it's hard to look at something so incredible and great marred by the tragedy of reality. i can't be objective. you can't separate what the songs are about from what ended up hurting her the most; it's what they're about. like, i don't really care whatsoever about British Music Press Squabble, but Amy Winehouse was bigger than NME and The Sun; people cared about her here. even my mom, who relished in celebrity gossip in the days of TMZ on DVR, who saw celebrities as morons with too much money and hypocritical drug habits, was noticeably upset when she died. she wasn't surprised. nobody really was. i guess we all were just hoping she'd pull through. i don't think i hate a single song on Back to Black. it has weak songs, yeah, but they're weak in comparison to the title track, or "You Know I'm No Good" or "Tears Dry on Their Own". it's unfair competition. that's like putting a regular guy who could lift you up above his head and throw you across the gym against, like, a Greek god. you're putting a mortal against an immortal in this instance, but the mortal could probably wipe the floor with any of his fellow Homo sapiens and not even break a sweat. you can't fault a human being for having bones and blood and physical limitations. i don't think there is a single thing wrong with the album. it all works, and everything that doesn't work probably comes down to preference. i LIKE that her voice clips in the production: it makes it sound dirtier, more raw and off-the-cuff. it clashes against the strings and the world's tightest horn section, like flashes of lightning in a swirling, cloudy sky. and even if i didn't like that sound, the songs are there. i think you gotta try to hate Back to Black. like, put the hours in. that's not to say you couldn't have a good reason to hate the thing. you could be a cynic. you could say that it set us up for the brutal musical junta of Meghan Trainor, and that the bawdiness of a British outsider singing swears over one of the most timeless slices of soul in American history borders on sacrilege. however, i don't think she saw it that way. i think she (and Mark Ronson) saw it as a combination of what soul was at the time and what it was when it began. would The Supremes have sung about a lost lover with the words "kept his dick wet / with the same old safe bet" had the culture been more permissive? who knows. i'd like to think that if airplay were no object, we'd have a lot of Motown singles where the gist and/or lyrics of the song are "Berry Gordy, go fuck yourself". Back to Black is a heartbreaker, a love letter, a dirty joke told between drunk friends, and an occasional diary, a message from one person hurting to the millions after. you can't live in the past. but maybe it can keep you warm for a little while.

Really good album. Feels like a modern take of the Motown girl groups. Another amazing talent lost to drug and alcohol abuse.

This was great. Just a classic sound and excellent singing, writing and producing. Not really my favorite genre, but I really dug it. Five stars.

I love this album. So exciting and enjoyable

Brilliant!

some good songs - back to black etc... just felt kind of bored.

Modern production meets retro stylings. Wonderful pop songwriting with vulnerable, youthful energy. Great arrangements and use of a horn section in an 00s album.

https://preview.redd.it/mark-ronson-shares-photo-of-his-would-have-been-golden-v0-unlhmc84sabc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=8e1134a596a362fd90ad99dcd984d3af06a130c7 "KEPT his dick wet" stuck out as a line. KEPT. NEVER DRY. MAINTAINED A LEVEL OF MOISTURE. This is also one that feel like it inspired quite a lot of our post 2006 singer/songwriter type music for a while so hard to judge as a sole album without thinking about how Adele and others came along and tried similar throwback/jazzy vocal styles and instrumentation (to a less degree). highlights Love is a Losing Game Tears Dry On Their Own is a fun take on ain't no mountain Wake up alone

😐

I feel bad, but it’s just not my thing….

Retro!

What a voice, such a terrible shame. This album will always remind me of what could have been.

Great album. I always loved her retro sound.

I always wonder: if Amy Winehouse wouldn’t have joined the 27 Club, would have she been remembered the same way as Duffy and Joss Stone are? There are some good tracks on here: No Good; Rehab; Back in Black, Love Is a Losing Game, all of which were radio darlings. In between were songs that were reminiscent of Darlene Love, the Chiffons, and Supremes, and many of those would have been even considered passable in the 1960s in which they are emulating. Admittedly I loved Amy when she came out because nothing sounded like her, until everything sounded like her (e.g. Bruno Mars, et al), but was she revolutionary? No. Did she do anything we hadn’t heard? No. She was the Sublime of the ‘60s R&B scene 36 years after that scene. It’s still a good album but I think her death gave it the impetus to be called legendary, not the music itself.

Amy Winehouse is a tragic and soapy story but the music is enduring. This was amazing at the time and will forever be a classic. Her voice and the music is simultaneously a throwback and instant classic. I still feel lucky to have experienced this one in real time when it was so huge. You can never go wrong putting this record on.

I bought this album when it was released but hadn’t listened to it in full for a long time. It’s really held up - what a talent and what a loss.

I never quite understood Amy's appeal, but listening made me think about what life she must've had and I realize it's more story. I think I can appreciate it a lot more now.

back to black 😭

one of the best albums ever

Decent, a talent lost. High 2s

7/10

running through my reviews is the gold-standard album: Different Class, Back In Black, Lexicon of Love, tapestry, Ray of Light. Take the monster singles out (usually four at least) and what's left? As an ep how many stars would it rate. In the above cases five stars, in this case three. So with the singles four stars then.

It’s hard to separate the album from the time in my life. Good song writing can carry poor vocals, but it’s not often that good vocals can carry flat song writing. Some genuine gems on here, namely, Rehab and Back to Black.

Incredible instrumentation range. One the truly all-time greatest albums.

Amazing

special

Distinctive voice and solid production. Good songs. Pretty good all round

What a voice Some good tunes Iconic

Classic album and very pivotal in the jazz revival of female singers in the UK. I like the consistent instrumentals and flow of the tracks. Main highlight js of course Amy’s voice and writing. Highly recommend for anyone to listen to. 8/10

Such a sad loss to the musical world. Rip Amy.

Amy's clearly a very talented vocalist but I never got swept up in the hype. She falls in a category of artist where I'm not sure how famous they would be had they not had an early demise. Regardless, this album evokes a 1950s soulful sound in 2006 that was unlike anything else being released at the time. 6.5/10 (3.25/5)

Amy's voice has always been magical to me, and on 'Back to Black' she shows up like a heavy-hitter, showcasing probably her best work ever. Quality-wise a really consistent record, while being a quite diverse, yet well-built-up album with excellent producing. Basically half of the songs are amazing, and the rest are still decent, which makes this a no-brainer 5. My highlights are 'Rehab', 'You Know I'm No Good', 'Back to Black', 'Love Is a Losing Game', 'Tears Dry On Their Own' and 'He Can Only Hold Her'.

Back to life with a powerhouse of a voice lost to corruption.

Incredible. Probably one of the best albums of the 21st century. Every song is a banger

A classic album by Amy Winehouse. I thoroughly enjoyed it and my favorites were Rehab and Back To Black.

Her life story overwhelms her music for me and although her talent was so clear, I find listening to her difficult

One of the greatest albums imo

I liked it

Iconic album

Always weird to listen to something where I have a relationship with the artist, but haven’t actually listened to much of her work. Unfortunately, it all tracks with her sad story. Talented artist, no doubt, but her struggles are well documented in her work.

Great throwback. I think the production at times doesn't help it but the craft is too good.

Not my thing

Just really holds up. The perfect length at 34 minutes - it could have so easily been overwrought and drawn out but it isn’t

Very good.

This could have been so corny but it never tips into schmaltz

Great, soulful album. She left us too early.

Un classique moderne. J’ai toujours un un faible pour les deux plus gros hits « Rehab » et « Back to Black ». Quelle âme et voix troublée. Les arrangements sont vraiment forts, je n’avais pas remarqué leur complexité, car ce n’est pas un album que j’avais écouté attentivement. Pas pour rien qu’il soit devenu culte.

Carino

She was a once in a lifetime artist. At times bleak, painfully honest and so warm. Pity, addiction does keep us from wonderfull things

Classic

Love her voice. Tragic ending for a rising star.

Love her, love this album, Tears dry on their own and Addicted are among my favorite songs of all time. Every track on this album is a stunner, opening triumphantly with the fantastic Rehab, ending with the cheeky and brilliant Addicted, enchanting throughout.

Moody and gritty with a soulful voice. I prefer this album to the last one we reviewed. That said, there’s a few hits mixed in with a few that are less interesting.

A mash up of quasi traditional vocal jazz with a modern pop sheen and lyrical sensibility that produced two gargantuan hits. But this still feels like an interim step and a bit of a parlor trick. Certainly listable and her vocal talents are unmistakable but in the context of all time. I don't know. And unfortunately we won't ever know what was possible.

Hon har ju en magisk röst. Rehab är ju bra, om än lite uttjatad. Andra låten är också bra. Sen är det meh och lite samma. Skönt sound dock. Men vette fan om det räcker till en fyra. Känner mig rätt tveksam. Lyssnat flera gånger å blir inte så sugen på mer, så det stannar nog på en trea.

Har varit hooked på Amy ända sedan jag såg dokumentären om henne. Lyssnat mycket på den här skivan, som jag tycker är enastående bra. Hennes röst är otrolig och helt unik, men även texter, produktion och stämningen överlag är riktigt bra. Obegripligt att Rehab var den största singeln, tycker inte ens den är topp fem.

Nooo don't kill yourself your so sexy aha

'You made me miss the Slick Rick gig.' This brilliant album (and artist) is a cultural and musical amalgamation you rarely get - a jazz vocalist with r&b perceptiveness laced with footnotes to hip hop. And a voice as seductive and creative as the things she sings about, aspires to. Honest, something special.

Amazing vocals from Amy winehouse, powerful lyrics. Everything you can ask for in an album, no filler

I knew this for its hits obviously. Would never have considered listening to the album. Many hits on this album, Rehab, Love is a Losing Game, You Know I’m No Good, Back To Black. I think the album tracks are as good. I can see why it would be considered a good album of soulful hip hoppy pop. I just don’t really like the music. Not saying it’s objectively bad because that’s definitely not the case, I just don’t like it.

Tears Dry On Their Own bangs

Not my most favorite album ever, but definitely has some songs that I could see myself listening to again.

Thoughts before listening: Throwback soul from a troubled British singer whos life ended way too early. I often complain on these reviews that the post-2000s albums often haven't stood the test of time, but this is one that almost 20 years after its release truly has become a constant on best album lists. That being said, I don't believe I have ever listened to this all the way through, so I am glad to have a reason to do so. Review: I was very much not into pop music when this came out, but I don't remember a ton of hype around Amy Winehouse at the time of this release. I know it was nominated for and won Grammys, so maybe I was just not paying that much attention to something so out of my wheelhouse at that time, but I remember her for the tabloid drug stories more than the music. Since her death though, this album has soared as one of the universally praised albums of the 2000s. The music here is good with an updated take on the retro 50s/60s girl group type sound, and Amy has a nice unique voice. I'll be adding all of the hits to the playlist and this is a 3-star album to me.

Great album and voice. Love is a losing game personal favourite

Having reviewed Frank by Amy Winehouse, I can say there only needed to be one Amy Winehouse album in this book. Back to Black needs to be that album. I take exception to the idea Winehouse brought forth the British soul revival (and then comparisons to Adele, Duffy, etc), mostly because there is only one Amy Winehouse and the others do their own thing that isn't what Amy Winehouse did. I really enjoyed this album and the soul vibe. She was clearly influenced by the 60's girl groups. I am adding this to the list of albums I listen to more frequently.

I liked this a lot more than I expected. I was never very fond of Rehab, think I've just been far too exposed to it for nearly 20 years and got sick of it. Nothing else was familiar though Amy Winehouse was clearly very talented, the gritty honesty of her lyrics coupled with the 50s/60s R&B, swing and blues throwback instrumentation (without blatantly copying it) come together very well. You can see where the influences on this came from but it still feels fresh, perhaps in part to Mark Ronson's punchy and dynamic production. Amy's voice and the instruments sound quite spacious, giving everything a bit of space to breath and distinguish itself, also adding to that atmosphere I'll say 3.5 for now Highlights: Some Unholy War, You Know I'm No Good

A really good album that came out of nowhere for me! Instrumental is great and the vocal performance is amazing.

She mastered the genres she was inspired by and created a true classic here. Respect.

I didn’t care for her voice.

A modern classic.

Great album! Hit upon monster hit! Wtf, then you go die? Stupid. So incredibly, soulfully stupid.

cultural appropriation lol

3/4

Almost perfect album, shame no one ever got to hear the next one 5*

Very good. Such talent.

Her voice really is special, even if she is a mimic of some of the best soul singers of eras past.

Amy Winehouse x Marc Ronson record of absolute class. Cannot fault this one at all, the aesthetic is masterfully crafted. Grew up listening to this one too, thanks to my mother. Brings me right back! A very high 4* for me.

Honestly, it's not that great. Feels like at the moment. She was a "breath of fresh air", but listening now there's a bunch of better artists that I'd rather listen too.

Oh Amy Winehouse, if only you had said yes yes yes to rehab… Amy Winehouse really was a modern day Motown diva, and this music really fits her big voice. Losing her so young really was a huge tragedy, and you have to wonder what could have been.

Bit overrated

Man

Wasn't really my vibe

A handful of classic tracks here for me , love the signing for most parts and subject matter … instrumental lack of depth keeps it just below a 4 for me but a very good listen and strong 3

Listened to the Deluxe album and wasn't a huge fan of the second disc. However the first, era defining and raw. Amy Winehouse's voice is one of the best at communicating an idea, especially with Mark Ronson building the perfect backdrop to her defiance. I didn't realise how many songs on this album I had heard before, it was hit after hit, catchy song after catchy song, and Amy's raw emotion on show in such a beautifully articulated way. This was good, really good, but nothing mind blowingly amazing. However, I must consider the impact it had on artists like Adele, who went on to release some of the greatest ballads of all time. Great work, really like it.

Classic songs

Love it

Never listened to her music before, and the only real exposure I had to her music is the Richard Cheese cover of Back to Rehab. I like his version much better. I find it hard to relate to a junkie that just needs drugs to survive... albeit not for long.

Qué buena casualidad haber escuchado este álbum poco después del de Navidad de Phil Spector. Este disco es una adaptación contemporánea de su "Wall of Sound", con influencias claras del soul y del Motown de los años 60. Un tributo excelentemente producido, con la voz de Amy Winehouse y su tono (y letras) chulesco, empoderante, como protagonista principal. No le doy 5 estrellas porque no me parece lo suficientemente innovador, pero, aun así, es un disco de 10. 4.5 bajo.

Rehab - I don't find the lyrics charming but her singing is impressive You Know I'm No Good - Compared to Adele this album is a lot swankier and more charismatic. I like the drums on this track. Me & Mr. Jones - She's like a one woman version of a Phil Spector girl band. Favorite track so far. Just Friends - Reggae vibe on this one. The last two tracks were of a nice short length. Back to Black - Sunburnt guitars aide the angst on this track. Strings are a nice dramatic touch. Very evocative chorus. Love Is a Losing Game - The perfect comedown from the title track. Tears Dry on Their Own - Sounds like ain't no mountain higher. Wake Up Alone - Weakest one so far Some Unholy War - Didn't care for this one either He Can Only Hold Her - Nice backing vocals and layers on this one Addicted - Song about weed is cringe Overall this album has a lot of class and some impressive singing. The backing instrumentation had enough variety to keep me engaged. Her vocals came across as effortless in the best way possible. Sad we lost such a great talent. Don't do drugs.

5, listened to so many times and have it on vinyl. Fav tracks: Wake Up Alone Tears Dry On Their Own

Very mid. A lot of songs weren't necessarily bad, but i could only enjoy two of them: 1. Love is a Losing Game 2. Back to Black The rest were very forgetful.

Stone Cold Classic

I’ve never actually listened to this before. It strikes me as a self-conscious, though lovingly put together pastiche, with some good songs that showcase her talent. Some of the modern turns of phrase in the lyrics act as a nice counterpoint to the retro sounding music (“what kind of fuckery is this?”), although I do find her voice a little affected at times.

A modern classic. Well crafted songs, wonderful lyrics and perfect production. The Dap-Kings take this album to the next level.

I know the singles well as they soundtracked the era so a nice nostalgia trip. Did not really get on with Frank - but this album is a much more commercial sounding - with a very retro soul vibe which is a much easier listen. Great voice/ great production.

Pretty good.

3.5 So Far. Reminds me very much of the 60s era type music. I personally don't enjoy it as much as I am sure plenty of people do, but I can see the appeal. Rehab of course is a staple song that I am sure everyone has heard, and it is a great song, as well as Back to Black. Overall I think Winehouse made an amazing album that really goes deep into her thoughts and feelings at the time of her recording this and showcases what love is like, love to a person, and love to a substance. P.S. I did enjoy addicted quite a bit, probably my favorite song off the album.

I ignored this at the time, but is very enjoyable. A good length too! Lyrics quite depressing though considering her end.

Ooh, very nice. I was only sort of familiar with this artist before listening to this album, and I'm glad I got to hear more of her work.

The vocals, the production, the songwriting, the relatability, it's all there; you're not getting your classic pop any better than this.

amy's second and final album released. such talent, taken from us much too soon. her debut album is amazing, but this second one blows that one out of the water. desperate, pleading, emotional and honest, this soul album tugs at the heartstrings all the way through. an album for your bad days, amy really channels that "fed up with the entire world" energy, singing, no... almost venting about her frustrations. despite the material and context, the album has a consistent and sophisticated sound inspired from artists past. to the people who ridiculed her, i hope there's a special place for you in hell.

Solid tracks

Good

I forget how much I love this album until I listen to it again. Her writing is razor-sharp and honest, but she still has some funny moments despite the bleakness. A voice for all time. Produced with love and attention; Ronson did great work here. It’s aged really well even with its already-vintage-at-the-time sound.

The music here is undeniably strong, and the production is top-notch. But Amy’s voice? It’s like nails on a chalkboard to me. Worse still, she leans into this quirky enunciation, making every other word feel affected and exaggerated. Cursive singing really is a curse. Standout Track: None really stood out for me. Score: 2/5

Great album. Her voice was so iconic.

Should have gone to rehab.

back to blah

Favorite Track: He Can Only Hold Her

* Has the last track, Addicted, always been here? * Where’s the Ghostface remix?! * I feel like there are a couple of filler songs here, or maybe they aren’t filler and I just don’t care for them * The title track alone almost makes this a 5 * What an actual tragic loss <3

Obviously I know the hits from this album, never listened to the whole thing. The production style is pretty cool, definitely an intentional throwback. I like all the horns. Her voice gets a little annoying to me, it sounds like she's doing a character which gets kinda old as the album goes on. Yeah not bad, but it feels like a schtick to me.

An album already in my regular rotation.

Already a favorite. It was great to re-listen a lot of these songs are currently on the rotation. Her voice is great and the sound is well done

I guess this is pop, but it's so seeped in roul and R&B that it almost doesn't count. It's not for nothing that she won 5 Grammy's. This album was everywhere and feels very real Standouts Rehab You Know I'm No Good 4/5

Winehouse’s vocals are phenomenal and the instrumentals match them perfectly. The short runtime only makes me want to listen to more from her.

Liked it. Knew the name, never gave her a listen. Would listen to again.

This is an awesome album and I kept it in my ears for an extra day just to savor it. I have never listened to this album, start to finish. What an oversight! I could listen to the track Back in Black over and over again. This album is even more impactful knowing the tragedy of her situation and premature death. Almost a 5! (Sorry @boopidoo) Im sure it will be in time!

I love this album and have given it many listens over the years (and sung 'You know I'm no good' and 'Back to Black' a fair few times in the shower!). Some of the tracks feel a little overproduced - but there is no denying the honesty and raw pain in her lyrics, the power of her vocals and the impact her work had on music at the time. Amy was so talented, so open to sharing her vulnerability in her work, and so messed up by addiction, fame and the machine of the music industry - I can't help but wonder what her life could have been if she'd been able to conquer her demons or had better support from the people who should have been there for her. Vale Amy I told you I was trouble - You know I'm no good

★★★★★★

Great album, lots of drama behind the lyrics... an iconic voice

"This time I was like, 'fuck it, I know what I’m talking about'. You definitely get a self-belief. Whereas before you’re like, 'well, the record company must know what they’re talking about' They do know what they’re talking about from a marketing standpoint..." Amy Winehouse "Life and soul". Interviewed by Craig McLean from The List (circa 2007) Highlights: Tears Dry On Their Own, Wake Up Alone, Love Is A Losing Game, You Know That I'm No Good, Me and Mr Jones. In a nutshell: the millenial queen of blue eyed soul* Songwriting was cathartic for Amy. She wasn't afraid of being vulnerable or looking stupid, both in her career and personal life. All packaged in a crooning 60's soul/Motown sound. With Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi on producing duties, this was the makings of a Classic Album™. I can't find anything to dislike about this album. Even the looped sample of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" didn't deter me from its charm. *Dusty Springfield was publicly dubbed the "(reluctant) Queen of Blue Eyed Soul". Bestowing Amy that title is justified. Yes, she released two albums in her short life (a third album was released posthumously) yet her impact on the music landscape was phenomenal. How can that be ignored? She did more for music than Adele did. Overall: 8/10

Culturally significant and some timeless classics

Barring some of the production quirks which can make some stuff muddy or Amy's voice crackle (idk if its the mic peaking or distortion), this album is still pretty wonderfully made. Something like this isn't my usual cup of tea and at worst I would be more critical of its throwback aesthetics, but I think it manages to pull them off in a genuine manner that doesn't leave me feeling like its boring or annoyingly evoking the past. More than anything though, Amy's voice and how she communicates her emotions and troubles really cuts through everything and it elevates it into something that makes me understand why this was such a big hit when it came out and how it made her passing such a great loss. I expected it to like it somewhat but as far as pop albums from the past decade, this one is great

I will always appreciate this album 4/5

Me gustó mucho y por lo que la vida le dió, la seguí mientras pude, pero abruptamente terminó y su fin trunco a los fans de su voz privilegiada. Este álbum es excelente

A really enjoyable listen. The music is interesting and the singing is fantastic, although the lyrics are a bit depressing. Sounds like a contemporary (ish) take on 60s style soul and R&B.

Terrible album with only people who lie to their boyfriend that they never liked and never wanted to go out with listen to

Over far too quickly for my liking. What a gem of an album!

Back to Black is the second and final studio album by Amy Winehouse, originally released in 2006. Amy took to influences from classic American music such as 60s soul and funk for this record. There's definitely a heavy Motown and Stax vibe to this. Having the Dap-Kings as the backing band definitely contributed to this. 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. This combined with the old-school girl group sound made this record extremely engaging and pretty much the perfect pop record. You've got slower ballads such as "Love is a Losing Game", to the ska-flavored track "Just Friends" and even a boom-bap hip-hop style track "He Can Only Hold Her". Just overall an amazing record. Every song is a banger.

Exceptional pop, need to listen more

Super solid and has some real classics on it like Rehab and the title track. Her story means this will probably always be considered a classic, even if it's not groundbreaking or anything. Deserves it's spot though, everyone should hear this once.

Tolles Album.

Although I’ve heard this album before I tried to listen to it with a new perspective. Back To Black is dark, funny, raw, and heartbreakingly real all at once. The help of Mark Ronson’s Motown style production feels perfect, but Amy’s beautiful, brutal, witty and personal lyrics paired with her unique voice make it feel one of a kind. 4.5/5

Still so sad what happened to her. The lyrics are quite good and I groove with most of the music. 4.5/5

Kind of forgettable. Favorite song: Me & Mr Jones Least Favorite song: Some Unholy Water

In hindsight this is a gimmicky album, at least the production is. Despite this, it's a rare no skips record. It's bananas to think about what Amy could've accomplished if she'd achieved sobriety. She was a genius and that's evident in every breath she took on this album.

Старушка хороша была, жаль спилась сторчалась и ливнула из этой жизни

8/10

This was a big step up from her first album. I’m still not a fan, but this was a lot better. I think the production from Mark Ronson was a big part of that. She has a very good voice, I just don’t like her stuff. I can understand why some people might, it’s just not for me.

I like this more than I realized before. Really like it, but idk how often I would listen to this tbh. 4.6/5

Slept on this album for ages. It's really damn good. Not much more to say than that. Just really damn good.

Average album. She had a great voice and some of these tracks are fun but some are so utterly depressing. I wouldn’t listen to most of these tracks again and that’s why I’m giving it a 3. Favorite track: Back to Black

10/10

Beautiful album with great singles. Not sure I would listen to it all in one go often but I loved listening to it now. 5

Great listen, knowing her tragic end sone songs feel even sadder

I wasn’t a fan of Amy’s when she was alive but watched the film about her 4 weeks ago then listened to back to back. I Enjoyed the album specially her lyrics. Relistened again and have the same feeling.

Yep, still sounds incredible!

Ah, great voice. A throwback. Good music to fit, kind of Budos Band-ish on track 2. Doowop on other songs. This is a really groovy album. Not much needs to be said about it. I give this a 5, because I don't hear a weak point.

My parents are a bit old-fashioned. They grew up in late 50's/early 60's and had already moved beyond youthful confection like pop music long before Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin showed up on the scene and the Beatles became 'weird'. They didn't really play music around the house; we had our own radios in our rooms and MTV to hear the newest songs and some classic rock. Still, the few times we did hear 'their' music, it was mostly the Everly Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones, Perry Como, Sinatra, and doo-wop. I still quite enjoy some doo-wop and some of those old sounds. Obviously, Back To Black is an homage to the old stylings of yesteryear, and it is expertly produced by Mark Ronson (who later produced local Atlanta "flower punk" heroes The Black Lips), and I'm here for it. I especially like the backing vocals on "Me & Mr. Jones." The sound is refreshingly retro but polished and clean. It is both dated and timeless. And Amy's voice! This is first I've really listened and focused on it. She is excellent on the trailing notes in her phrases where she is at ease staying on pitch though she's no longer putting my breath behind the note. There's a general warm 'round-ness' to her voice that seems effortlessly powerful. Ultimately, it's a bit too middle-of-the-road for me. The Beatles (early and 'weird' versions) could write songs without sitar and time changes but still have interesting chord progressions or phrasings that veer outside of the standard 4, 8, or 16 bars. A great performance on a well-produced album with good arrangments, but the songwriting at its core is cookie cutter. This album will eventually be forgotten, but it was a great flash in the pan for a moment.

A solid album from beginning to end, this was in heavy rotation for me back in the day, being a fan of this sort of 60s sound. In retrospect, it's pretty sad to hear so many lyrics about drinking and crying on the kitchen floor. Hope she's at peace now.

What a great voice and what a tragic story. I am very familiar with the album but gave it a full listen again. Some of these songs really tell you what Amy is going through in her life. The whole sound is like that of old Motown/Phil Spectre times and Amy really nails the whole 60s aesthetic. Hats off to the Daptones on this album. They killed it, and the album would not have its sound without them.

I didn’t care at the time, but yeah, that album slaps. I get it now.

Excellent album. I actually found myself liking "Frank" more for being so raw, but this album has bangers all around. Excellent vocals and instrumentals. 'He Can Only Hold Her' wins my fave.

I don't really know what it is, but I just don't get the hype. I mean I know she's talented, but this is old lounge music for the most part. That's fine for what it is, just not something I want to throw an album on and listen to. Her sing writing is probably the best part of this, but I just can't get into it.

Burn hot and bright, Amy.

3/5

Smashing

Amy Winehouse is a legend an icon…love her music

Not even a little interesting. The jazzy, bluesy sound grates, her voice grates, the lyrics grate.

++*: Rehab ++: Me & Mr. Jones, Just Friends, Back to Black, Tears Dry on Their Own, Wake Up Alone, He Can Only Hold Her, Addicted +: You Know I'm No Good, Love Is a Losing Game, Some Unholy War 8,5/10

# Album Name: Back to Black # Artist: Amy Winehouse # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: This album starts out with an absolute cracker. Rehab. Quite fitting for Amy but this is a terrific song. Amys voice on this album is absolutely top notch imo. Its very distinct but feels as old as time. The bluesy / swing / soul feel suits her voice down to the ground. Amy would have been a true great i reckon. # Top Tunes: Rehab / You know im no good / back to black / tears dry on their own / Mr Jones # Would I listen to it again? Definitely. Great album.

So fucking beautiful. 🖤

4.5

Lovely voice, tragic life, okay record.

If you wanna talk about motown and soul revival. Ms. Winehouse recaptured the worlds attention to the sound with much neccessary updating on the lyrical emphasis of subject matter. No longer is the subject of soul the heartbreak along; it can be disgust, shame, confusion, failure to see personal faults. She was a trailblazer for that, and a powerful woman who happened to only be stunted by addiction. This album is the phenomenonal produced follow up to the "Frank" debut. Which captured hearts and minds with its soulful tendancies. This album by metamorphosis EXPLODED with homage to old school R&B and Soul with a mix of jazz and cabaret influence. I absolutely would die without this album. I got so many fond memories and smoking out my 2006 Volkswagen with my buddy before going into work at starbucks.

Hopefully she doesn’t have any more albums on here. Two in a week is enough

Not much better "fuckery" on this entire list and how much more one would have liked to hear. Every song has merit but "Rehab," "Me and Mr, Jones" and "Love Is a Losing Game" are all standouts. Just great.

Such a great voice for the music style. Really enjoyed this.

Great album beginning to end

Gigantisk producer upgrade fra hendes første album, hele det her album lyder mega godt. Jeg kunne godt huske singlerne - alle bangers - men album tracks var også bedre end jeg huskede de var

Komplet bonkers at hun lavede den her plade som 23-årig, lyden er for vild og hendes stemme er for vild. Meget bedre and den anden Amy Winehouse plade vi havde.

Nice easy listening album, great songs, great voice, not exactly going on repeat, but I enjoyed it. Smol 4

Solid album. Favourite was back to black

Never listened to Amy Winehouse before and not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this -- really enjoyed it! Not sure it grabbed me enough to come back to it a lot, but still.

my goodness. rest in peace amy

I get why everyone likes it but not my style of music. I like You Know I’m No Good but probably due to the arctic monkeys cover.

Amy has an incredible voice. I really liked this sort of "new feel" for Motown / soul. Great voice, great composition.

I miss her :(

It's beautiful...I don't know what else to say...I like it. It's so well written and well produced, and she can sing! Very Entertaining. I don't usually listen to soul or R&B, so I can only imagine how enjoyable this would be for those who are into this type of music.

Already know this and THIS is one of my favs!!

This is probably one of the few "super popular" and "super critically acclaimed" albums that I've never actually listened to. I hear so much about Amy Winehouse and how the tragedy surrounding her final years was so heavily reflected in her music. Having finally listened to this thing, the circumstances surrounding Winehouse's substance abuse and relationship turmoil are made very apparent. Right off the bat, you have a song called 'Rehab', where Amy talks about how she's NOT going to rehab. 'Some Unholy War', I feel, also delves into this apathetic and hedonistic lifestyle that Amy indulged in around this time. I don't claim to know much about her life or her struggles with drugs and alcohol, but this album sheds light on at least a bit of it. Many songs here tackle her turbulent relationships as well, be it with Nas on 'Me and Mr. Jones' or Blake Fielder-Civil with the big song off this album 'Back to Black'. 'Tears Dry on Their Own' may be my favorite song here, lyrically it shows Amy trying her best to move on despite the man "taking the day" - it's one of the more optimistic moments on the album. Another sort of light-hearted moment is the closer 'Addicted' - the vocal melody here resembles that of a classic vocal jazz record from the '50s. It's a seemingly "fun" way to close out the album as she tells some dude to go get his own weed instead of taking hers. But the title and context of the song still imply something very sad underneath the surface. While I did like the lyrics, I'm maybe not so won over by the actual music here. Amy Winehouse is one hell of a vocalist with this deep, booming, and soulful timbre that's still very much flexible. But it's the production that drives these songs that made me enjoy this experience less than I expected to - and with many of these songs running under 3 minutes, I was left musically unsatisfied like there was still more to build on. The great songs are great, 'Back To Black' and 'Tears Dry On Their Own' stand their own in the track listing here. The monstrous and ominous piano driving the title track is nothing short of iconic and I love the breathy big-band and backing harmonies of 'Tears Dry On Their Own'. There are a lot of elements of the production here that have similarities to the sounds of late '90s east-coast hip hop and RnB, but even then, there's something about it that sounded unlike anything popular in the mid-2000s. I just wish it did more for me, something just didn't click. As much as I hate to be "that guy", after just one listen (again ONE listen), I find this is an album I respect more than I enjoyed. It felt like an intricate dive into a struggling woman's psyche, a woman who I still know very little about. I'll give it another shot eventually but as of today, I'm still lukewarm on the actual music presented here.

It's fine, love the use of the DAP Kings as backing band. The singles are still massive.

Sensational album

I respect Amy Winehouse but I've heard the hits too many times. Good album nonetheless.

One of those records that catches a moment where, maybe not all, but a lot of stars suddenly align. Amy's voice and where she was at in her career (and, in a sadder way, life trajectory, see for instance Rehab). Mark Ronson as a producer. The Dap-Kings as a backing band. They'd all been around and they'd all go on to do other things (except for Amy obviously) but here it catches all of them not necessarily at their best but at their most hungry and exciting. It might be strange to say but this retro thing sounded new and fresh back then and nobody did it better than Amy does here.

Starting to accept that some of my ratings are too high; this feels like a true 5 though

Классный альбом, мне по духу, но чувствуется чуть старости, впринципе душевный, очень качественный

What a voice. Gone much too soon.

It was good. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to separate her image from her music

She feels it.

Dap-kings!

She's alright

Legendarily good vocals, pretty catchy songs and a few notable standouts (Rehab is incredible obviously). Not the type of music I’d usually come back to as an album though, probably 3.5-4

Love - except several explicig

This starts with back to back absolute bangers. She was such a treasure and so brilliant at translating her pain into her work. Effortlessly soulful and gorgeous. Miss her very much.

Kyllä tämä on upea. Harvoin vaan päätyy levylautaselle kun aikoinaan tuli kuunneltua niin roimasti. 5/5

En ollut kuunnellut kokonaisena levynä aiemmin mutta yllättävän ehjä kokonaisuus. 4/5

Massive talent

She was a great talent. Had a beautiful voice, and this album is top to bottom excellent.

Amy's vocal talent was beyond question. As for the album, I enjoy a few of the selections, but overall I find the style somewhat affected after a while. For me this album will not be one I listen to in its entirety often.

Back to Black is a soul-shaking triumph — raw, stylish, and heartbreakingly real. Amy Winehouse poured everything into this album: her voice, her pain, her wit, and her flaws. With Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi’s vintage-inspired production, the record feels like a lost Motown classic filtered through the lens of modern heartbreak. “Tears Dry On Their Own” stands out as the crown jewel — a pure throwback groove with a soaring melody and a devastating undercurrent. It’s the kind of song you can dance to with tears in your eyes. Throughout the album, Amy swings between swagger and sorrow, never flinching, never faking it. Losing her so young feels like more than a tragedy — it’s a loss of a once-in-a-generation talent whose voice and honesty could cut through anything. Back to Black isn’t just a great album. It’s a legacy. One that still echoes loud and clear. Favorite song: Tears Dry On Their Own

# Playlist track - Tears Dry On Their Own # Notes - Amy's vocals are absolutely brilliant. She sings with a very rare combination of talent, technique and emotion that is in full display on this album. - The band follows dutifully. She is supported by amazing instrumentals and production. - Just learned that Mark Ronson has his hand in the production of the album. That makes a lot of sense. - I remember listening to it back when it was released, and you couldn't go to any parties without "Rehab" being played twice. Re-listening again, it's impossible not to get a little bit sad about her tragic life and all the sadness that fueled these amazing songs.

I’ve always liked Amy but had never listened to this album in full. Still like her - probably 3.5 rounded up to 4.

Remember not liking this so much when it came out, but a relisten here improved things. Still a 3. Why no more records after 2006 and before she died in 2011?

It’s fine

A quite good album! There is a song on this (He Can Only Hold Her) that I quite literally had stuck in my head for 6+ years, and could never figure out what it was. I was convinced I’d never find it, or maybe it’s wasn’t even real. My brothers gf finally found it this May which was a miracle.. but imagine I’d discovered it this way.. lowkey that would have been cooler.

Very good voice.

her voice has a very nice texture... its really crazy to remember just how much of a news story she was back in the day ... the music is good even tho its not exactly my thing

Amy Winehouse looks and sounds like Marty McFly brought Amy back to the future from the 1950s and asked her to write an album about how she's getting on. Expertly produced by Mark Ronson this album just leaves listeners wondering how much better she could have gotten. - Not a lot else you can say, this is an album that everyone should definitely listen to at some point in their lives. - ⚠️ avoid the film though; it's terrible!

An excellent, if maybe a bit top heavy, album. Rehab is a strong opener to live up with. Tight production, consistent sound. High 4.

Wow, so much emotion packed into this short, powerful record. Would have been great to see what else she could have done.

Easy 5. What an exceptional album, with so much packed in 35 minutes. It came out 18 years ago and sounds like it could have come out in 1965 or yesterday. Mark Ronson's production is fantastic and Amy's voice is just phenomenal throughout the whole album. There's something here for everyone and it is just an absolute tragedy that we did not get more music from her.

Lijepa je produkcija i to sve ali ovaj album ne bi bio ništa bez njene karizme

Hard to separate the art from the artist here, considering the nature of her death and the lyrical content of these tunes. But, if you manage to see through that, you find heartfelt tunes and a voice as strong as any in the biz. She is such a force, and can imbue every sounds she makes with meaning. While there are a few misses on this album, it plays well in its entirety.

FIVE FIVE FIVE FIVE FIVE

Pre-listening thoughts: bro this album is absolutely STACKED with a lot of Amys hits. Rest in peace queen 🙏🙏 Post/during listening thoughts: I mean what else is there to say. Her voice is so timeless and these songs are so phenomenal. If this isn’t an instant 5 stars for you I feel sorry for you. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: bro yes and everyone should Fav tracks: every song Least fav tracks:

Never heard the whole album. Definitely relistenable

Iconic. Not entirely my style, but still an enjoyable listen.

The hits are huge, but I tire of her style quickly over the album. Too many fillers

ms winehouse the icon you will always be

It's a shame Amy's life became bigger than her music. It's a great album, Mark Ronson and the Dap Kings letting Amy absolutely thrive. But there is so much baggage that comes with it ... and a bit of over exposure. A bitter-sweet legacy.

It seems like it can’t be real how amazing she is. It doesn’t feel right to really rock out to this - especially that opener - given we know now how rough the seas this ship was sailing in were, but there’s no denying this is truly great.

Just when I was about to give up on music Amy reappeared in my life with this album which I consider to be one of the top 3 in the of the 2010 if not the best album in the past 15 years. An autobiographical call for help that everyone listened and couldnt do anything to save her. Insane lyrics, masterful arrangements and musicians. This is a perfect album

Great album. One of the few I think is too short. I don't know much about her, but she seemed to have been in a lot of pain while she was here. We lost a talented person when she left. Thoroughly enjoyed listening.

Amazing Amy!

This has a number of really strong songs. I think the best were the ones chosen to be singles. Would I listen to it again? Maybe not but it's still a decent album.

To fully bare the existential nature of life in a jazz/r n b/pop album with a voice that surely knows the content matter. Has lived on and between every note. My god, this album is mastery.

Now I was a 7 years when this album came out, but I remember how much it was played and the peak popularity of Amy Winehouse. However, I did not realise how many of these recognisable songs were from Back to Black. The eponymous song is obvious, but others, such as You Know I'm No good. I didn't realise were on the same album. For the impact Amy Winehouse had, she only had a short career with two whole albums. She's the only modern mainstream musician I can currently think of who made jazzy soulful songs that were legitimately incredibly popular, which I think says something about both the music itself, and I suppose her quite honest and meaningful lyrics. It's a pretty good album. I reserve 5 stars for the albums I think are among the very best in every way, which I don't think Back to Black quite meets, but it's very good.

Stone cold classic

Comforting music from someone I believe has gone through the pain. Very touching and catchy.

A cool modern twist on older soul artists, really full sounds and something musically different to take away from each track

a genuine icon

What a voice. What lyrics. What a mood this creates. How absolutely authentic. One of the true greats. Always makes me a bit sad listening to Amy - she was so genuine, and therefore so fragile. Amazing.

This is undeniably great. Retro but modern, brash yet tender, strong but fragile, desperate but uplifting. Full of character and emotion, rooted in her situation. Everyone talks about her voice but her songs are fantastic; full of brilliant words, tunes and hooks. The band, arrangements and production are perfect... Mark Ronson 👏 The title track is amazing. I love the changes of pace, and the melody lifting into the chorus... 'We only said goodbye with words....' only to fall back into sad but beautiful darkness again. 'You know I'm no good' was the first song of hers I heard, on the radio driving to work 17 years ago. It jumped out of the speakers and still does, what a groove! 'Love is a Losing Game' is timeless. I don't know the second side as well but it all stands up, especially 'Wake Up Alone' and 'He Can Only Hold Her'. Her love of classic soul and jazz is obvious but this is so original and contemporary. She was a precious talent and it's just so sad.

It’s a classic for good reason! Although often reflecting sounds of the past the album doesn’t come across like a cheap imitation in the slightest. Some of the lyrical passages are just awesome, and pairing that with her unique delivery makes for something that will always unmistakably be Amy Winehouse. I do find it amazing how with just this one album she was forever cemented as a musical legend (I know she had one or two others but this was THE album). Sometimes, 2 sides of a record is all someone needs to make their mark forever. ‘Love Is A Losing Game’ is always one I think of when discussing Amy Winehouse but I forgot how good ‘Back To Black’ really is! Whoa! ‘Wake Up Alone’ also stood out on the back end and stopped this from slipping to a 4 for me.

I was already familiar with Amy Winehouse and this album, as I think most people who grew up in Britain in the early 2000s are. She really was incredible. What I picked up from properly listening to this album on headphones is just how beautifully it was produced. Each sound and instrument was perfectly selected to create a wonderful mood and to support Amy’s fantastic vocals and lyrics. Goosebumps, multiple times, even on the tracks I’ve heard hundreds of times before. Rest in peace Amy Winehouse. She was a star.

Beautiful, really soulful

The album is better than the 2 singles that were released thankfully

Even if she isn't exactly my cup of tea, her influence and unique style are both undeniable

Fucking amazing

Undeniable

Jodå, för fasiken.

Amazing; such a true and heartfelt album.

Good album, not for me but good

I think this is a good album. For me it treads the line well between homage to the older sound and just ripping it off. Most art is a stolen from a million different ideas, but the difference majer here is that it is done very well. Her voice is strong and conveys a lot of emotion, the song writing, arrangement and priduction are superb and her story adds additional gravity to the lyrics.

Amy Winehouse is probably a more modern example of it’s better to burn out than fade away. This record was ok. It has her famous song Rehab on it. But honestly, I don’t really get her over all appeal. How is she different from an artist like Duffy? She’s got power in her voice but I truly think it’s under utilized… that’s definitely an ignorant point of view as I don’t really care for the genre of music she was associated with. I will go out on a limb and say Lady Gaga could do what Amy Winehouse does and it would be better. I don’t know. The record was just ok. Again, because she is regarded as this amazingly troubled artists, it’s kind of swaying my expectations. Sue me.

Album 550 of 1001 Amy Winehouse - Back To Black (2006) Rating : 5 / 5 Awesome album from the beginning to the end. A classic from a truly unique artist. One of the few for which I can actually say it was a true pleasure to enjoy..

Still don’t really like it. It is more polished (read produced) and cohesive than Frank. But Frank was genius; this is a Motown cosplay (albeit with ok tunes, and two or three good ones)

'Back to Black' sees Winehouse shift from the neo-soul of her debut album, to heavy influence from 60s girl groups like the Shangri Las. The innocence evoked from that early pop music contrasts starkly with the very tragic lyrics. You can't help but imagine the scandal of one of those 60s artists singing about rehab but Winehouse does it truthfully and bluntly. It's a bit unsettling to think of so many people singing along to one of popular music's most obvious cries for help. Winehouse's early death was shocking but probably surprised few of us, given her lifestyle. She was a unique talent and filled a void in the music industry that few knew we had. Truthfully, the tracks produced by Mark Ronson are a lot better than the Salaam Remi ones. But it's a definitely a powerful album regardless.

Ok I guess

I’m surprised at how much I enjoy this. I knew from hearing “Rehab” in high school, and various snippets over the years, what her music sounded like, but I didn’t realize how authentic it would come across in an album context. I also was surprised to learn that she wrote all her songs instead of covering old standards — I would have thought there’d be at least one or two covers on here. I realize, listening to this for the first time, that Amy Winehouse was a very unique artist, combining her lyrical and journalistic darkness and edge with a lush throwback soul and jazz sound — and yet coming across completely genuine. She sounds like she grew up studying the origins of the kind of music she makes. Admittedly, by the end of the album, my attention fades a little bit. I’d have to listen a few more times before I pick up on the lyrics and tracks that resonate most. Overall, though, I loved this first listen, added it to my library, and will likely revisit in the future.

Such a unique voice, feel the emotion in the music and lyrics. Brass instruments so good, some of keyboard backing sounds a little harsh, so will seek some Amy music with orchestra music

LOVE!!!!!!!

All right, all right, all right already. I finally understand. It’s not that I didn’t like the shingles. I did. it’s not that I didn’t understand the tortured soul of an addict. I certainly did. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the retro vibe. I did. Just didn’t understand the mass appeal. I just didn’t get the connection in the attraction. But now that I listened to the entire album multiple times I do. I guess I’m a fan. Anyone make a song with the opening line? What kind of Fuckery is? This is good in my book.

3.5 pretty good album just not something I’d listen to again

New sound of an old sound. Another Star that burned so hot and faded away at 27. Misadventure took away a tremendous talent. Cool album.

She definitely coined the phrase fuckery.

Felt like a better version of the Adelle album I had to listen to (25). Great vocals, instruments felt more active in the song, in general a little more upbeat than Adelle. That isn't to say you couldn't find some catharsis listening to this album, but once again, not really my jam. Although I definitely understand the appeal.

It was pretty nice. Sweet music and a comforting voice. Would rate 4.5

I've heard this before, it wasn't my favorite but it's still a great album and an absolute landmark for r&b

Love this album, really great retro sound with awesome vocals from Amy. You Know I'm No Good, He can only hold her, tears dry on their own, and back to black are all really great. Not quite a 5 I think some songs drop into just existing, but a strong 4. Lyrics are great too

This was really great. I enjoyed it very much.

Amy Winehouse is just incredible.

She was a good song writer but as other reviewers have said the plasticy faux 60s production really grates. Also I don't mind her voice but she can't help but remind me of her million copycats.

There’s something so sugar sweet about this album and she lays it on us so gently. Giving this a truly good listen really uncovers all the depths that get overlooked or maybe even hidden when hearing this on the radio. I never knew why this is so good, I guess I still don’t know why, now I just know it is

Beautiful Voice, Original Voice. Pays homage to the great girl groups of the 50s and 60s.

p910. 2006. 4 stars. Not her very best work - see "Frank" for that - but it's still brilliant work from one of the very best voices and songwriters of the early millennium. Point deducted for the intrusive production and the occasional filler.

Classic album, would say 4.5

Liked it more than expected. Almost a 4.

Found many songs to be catchy, even if the themes are not. Songs to come back for: He Can Only Hold Her (but several more I liked)

I feel like this is what lead to Meaghan Trainor. 2 stars

Really good album. I've heard it before and actually own it. It's very nice bluesey/loungey singing. Seems like she had a lot of potential and could have made many more excellent albums.

Amy is a wonderful vocalist, and deliveries an immense amount of character and power in her voice. If you don't enjoy Soul or RnB, then this album won't seem special at all, but it is an immense project. Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi did a fantastic job in producing these tracks, and giving the album a timeless sound. I like the touches of doo-wop and samples from the golden era of 60s soul. The 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' sample at the core of Tears Dry on Their Own is particularly great, and Amy does a good job of reinventing the wheel with this track. The majority of this album being written solely by Amy is impressive too, and I think the songwriting is underrated and oft overshadowed by her vocal performances. 'Rehab' is exceedingly overplayed however, and I don't think I will ever enjoy that song. It is quite tragic considering the circumstances of her death, also. I think 'Addicted' is a pretty weak album closer too, and didn't particularly care for the track. I wish her rendition of Valerie was included on the original version of this album also. Favourite tracks: Love is a Losing Game, Tears Dry on Their Own, Wake Up Alone

God the first half of this was a fucking slog. I never got the appeal of this violent junkie lunatic - I think she's extremely overrated and neo-soul is lame and boring. To me this is just Britpop for white kids who grew up on Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. Rehab is both a disgustingly uncreative song and such horrible messaging. Shame she didn't heed her own advice (or lack thereof) lmao. I admit she has a great voice, but I just don't vibe with her. I was fully prepared to give this a low rating, but the latter half of this album really stepped this up from a 2 to a 3. Tears Dry On Their Own is my only highlight really, that song was actually real good, but the rest was between just 'okay' to 'garbage' - the former seemingly being the main vibe here.

I've got some odd feelings with this one. As nasty as the subject matter is and how it ultimately tied into Amy's fate. This is musically pretty fucking fantastic. But not necessarily something I would go to frequently. It's not that I'm put off by the subject matter or anything. But rather that I think this throwback soul kind of album really became prominent from weaker artists in no small part thanks to the success of Back to Black. I think this has partially made me feel a bit numb to these sorts of melodies in a sense, but I can definitely still appreciate what is on display here. The instrumentation and production feel sincere to the era it is trying to represent and Amy's voice is an incredible fit. In terms of tracks that stood out to me, the album doesn't really feel lopsided but rather like there is padding between each of the good parts. I really like the opening Rehab song, as well as the middle stretch between Back to Black and Tears Dry on their Own. The final song Addicted is also quite nice even if it's not my favourite song to close on, the juxtaposition between the opening and closing songs of course being fairly grim. And foreshadowing what was to come not long after the album. I feel like the rest of the album is good to decent but does not stand out to me as much given my previous reasoning. I find the global rating for this to be quite surprising, my rating is effectively spot on with it but I would say there are better albums than this I have seen so far that have much more middling scores. I would like to imagine this is not just the same issue that people complained about with positive posthumous reviews for Blackstar when that came out. Though I can see why this would be an album that a lot of people can feel strongly sentimentality and relatability with. 7.5 points above the BAC Limit/10 Highlights: Rehab, Back to Black, Love is a Losing Game, Tears Dry on Their Own