These days the media is so caught up with covering the wild antics of Amy Winehouse. It is a shame that she is such fodder for the tabloid circuit, but it seems to be something she is doing to herself. And that really is a shame because she is a very gifted and talented person, and those wonderful qualities are wholly exhibited here on her 2006 smash hit album, Back To Black. A bittersweet album that is soulful and often heartbreaking. It is one that showcases her talents, and one that is self-reflective in its tone and manner.

     When I first heard Amy Winehouse, it was this very album, and thought it was something straight out of the 1960s. It has a classic style sound, a certain warmth to the vocals and music that is indeed a throwback to that era. I must say that Winehouse is certainly one of the better powerhouse vocalists out there today, and I would hope that her career only continues to blossom in spite of her off-stage personal issues. Her sound, a dynamite blend of R&B and jazz, with a little pop sprinkled in, is quite refreshing in today’s mainstream market; needless to say, she is unique in the music scene.

     There are some terrific songs to listen to here: “Rehab”, the album’s opening track, is its biggest hit single, and deservedly so because it embodies Winehouse’s rebellious nature, her jazz and R&B roots, and her ability to articulate on her own experiences. It’s really a fine song, but while it is such a strong opening track, I felt the best was yet to come.

     “You Know I’m No Good” is my favorite song on Back To Black. It has the best sound, some very skilled musicianship, and some tough, hard-hitting lyrics. “Love Is A Losing Game” is quite brief, but perhaps it is meant to be so because it has such a lonely sound, getting right down to the point as it were. The title track, “Back To Black” is the most heart wrenching of all the songs here. It features some beautifully dark lyrics, and touches on elements of despair where she really bares her soul here, and it is quite moving.

     Her first album entitled Frank laid the foundation for her unique sound, but in Back To Black, she truly defined it. Amy Winehouse has created a superb album reflecting on her own exploits and feelings of love, loss, and self-esteem. I would hope that her antics off stage are curbed, allowing herself to return to the music studio rejuvenated to record another great album. I talked a lot in this review about her “sound”, but that is her best quality. I recommend this album because it has such a distinct and rich sound. It is bold and refreshing.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:

"You Know I'm No Good"

"Rehab"

"Back To Black"

"Love is a Losing Game"

"Tears Dry On Their Own"

-Kurt L.

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