Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
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Free Music Notes for Back to Black
Free Music Review: Hopefully, Amy Winehouse will live long enough to see the fruits of her labor.
Hit: 5 Stars
I was introduced to Amy Winehouse when her song, "You Know I'm No Good" was included on Ghostface's More Fish CD, which was the 2nd CD Ghostface released in the year 2006, with Fishscale being the other. The song had an old school feel to it and Ghostface was able to add his flavor to the track as well. Now when I say old school, I don't mean 80s and 70s old school, but 60s old school. I mean back when Diana Ross & The Supremes were standing strong on Motown with Holland, Dozier, Holland writing the songs. Although, I liked the track, I hadn't heard anything else from Amy so I decided not to buy "Back In Black" when it was released earlier this year. Once I heard the track "Rehab", which meant that I heard 2 tracks that I liked, I decided to change my way of thinking. However, once I bought "Back To Black" the CD stayed in the wrapper for atleast 2 months. Finally, once I was tired of just hearing "Rehab" on the radio and watching the video on VH1 Soul. I decided to put the CD in my stereo to see what the rest of Amy's CD sounds like. I am glad that I finally made that decision.
Since I had already heard "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good" a combined total of 239 times, I decided to start at track 3, which is "Me And Mr. Jones". Amy wastes no time letting you know that she is unhappy with what her man did to her as she is highly upset that she missed the Slick Rick concert. While she is mad, she also informs her man that should this continue that there will be no reason for her and Mr. Jones to carry on whatever they were doing. Just as her 2 singles did, Amy brings back a sound that I am sure that my parents heard before I was even thought about being created. (I was born in '75) On "Just Friends" Amy does the same but this time there's a reggae feel to the track as well. Amy seems to be involved with a man that already has someone else, but she is being considerate this time around, unlike the way she was on "You Know I'm No Good". The title track is simply phenominal. I don't even know what to label this song or how to come up with the type of words to tell you how good this song is. I am not sure what her state of mind was when Amy and Mark Ronson came up with the ideas for this track but it works. Amy starts the song off with her and her lover doing what they do best and him starting to have regrets about it. They obviously had more in common than just being with each other because they also had similar "hobbies" as she states how he had his favorite drug of choice and she had hers. The courtship gets to a point where he realizes that he has to go back to Woman #1 which means Amy will no longer be Woman #2. The song has Amy thinking about what she will be going back to if he really means that the courtship is over. Amy may never pass a code of ethics exam, but the formula for the track works. "Love Is A Losing Game" finds Amy at a point where she is talking about being disappointed about being in love and the situation not working out in the end. Whether it was a boyfriend, a forbidden lover or a friend she is just tired of falling in love with someone and the situation not working out. "Tears Dry Out On Their Own" falls right along those lines as well. However, in this case it appears to be a relationship that was atleast substantial in some way, form or fashion. This track is actually the current single and the video is nice as well. "Wake Up Alone" seems to take place where Amy would be if the man in her substantial relationship actually did leave and what she would be doing. You get a sense of that because she mentions that she isn't drinking, which was the reason why he left since she didn't want to go to "Rehab". "Some Unholy War" has Amy telling us how she would feel if her man was fighting in a war for an unworthy cause such as the war in Iraq. She would stand by him, but she finds herself defeated in some ways because she feels he is basically fighting for no reason. "He Can Only Hold Her" sounds familiar to me only because John Legend used the same sample on a track entitled "Slow Dance" that appears on his 2nd CD Once Again. Although, the track appears to be upbeat, it seems to hold a deeper meaning. It seems as if the woman in question went through a traumatic experience and although her man is trying to be in her life and to have her heart that isn't possible because of this bad experience that she had in the past. Track 11 is "You Know I'n No Good" with Ghostface's verse included in the track, where track 2 doesn't include Ghostface's rap.
Clocking in at barely over 36 minutes, I would normally be discouraged by the length of the CD. However, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi definitely have a good thing going here and I am not disappointed at all. Some people will be discouraged because of Amy's subject matter and the events that she usually talks about in her songs but good music is good music. One good thing about old school music is that the artist isn't afraid to tackle serious issues whether it's something that they are going through personally or if it's something that's happening in the world. Amy isn't afraid to say what's on her mind and the musical arrangements and production behind those words are outstanding. I will definitely grab Frank on the day it is supposed to be released, which is November 13th, 2007. If you are into any form of old school music and you can stomatch the subject matter then "Back To Black" should be a welcome addition to your collection.
James' Top 5
1) Back To Black
2) Rehab
3) Tears Dry On Their Own
4) You Know I'm No Good
5) Love Is A Losing Game
Honorable Mention:
The Rest Of The CD (All the songs are nice)
Free Music Review: Sultry, sexy, infectious and authentic, an album that deserves every bit of the praise...
Hit: 5 Stars
Amy Winehouse has shot to fame quickly over the past few months thanks to her brilliantly crafted album `Back to Black'. A disc rich with eleven tracks all blistering forth with originality and effortless charisma, `Back to Black' is a dream album, a coupling of everything that is perfect in the music world today and something that most artists dream to one day achieve. Amy has delivered to us, her loyal fans, one of the most memorably perfected albums to date. Not a song deserves the skip button and not a single second is wasted. Amy's voice is so authentic, so impressively elegant that I'm stunned to silence almost every time I listen to this album. When you look at her you'd never imagine something so powerful would come from those lungs, somewhat like hearing the powerhouse vocals from Joss Stone for the first time and having to sit back and catch your breathe you're so blown away.
The disc starts off with an impressive number, the first single `Rehab' and it does the trick. It instantly hooks the listener and brings that punch that the remainder of her tracks will display. Her voice is crisp, the hook is engrossing, the beat is splendid; everything fits perfectly. Like `Rehab', most of Amy's best tracks are the more up-tempo offerings. Following `Rehab' is another fantastic track, `You Know I'm No Good'. To me this track one-ups the previous. It adds layers of sultry sexuality that `Rehab' lacks. To see this chick live is my next goal for I have a feeling that the atmosphere of her performance will only add to the effective aura her album emanates. Another up-tempo track that delivers effortlessly is `Tears Dry on Their Own'. The chorus itself is so catchy you can't help but sing along. The beat for `He Can Only Hold Her' is one of my favorite and the whole bouncy feel to the song bring back memories of days of old, lounging around the pool in my youth. I just love it.
Some of the slower tracks exude a little more sexuality in her voice and tone. The first of these is `Just Friends'. It's a very sultry song, subject wise and in momentum. As she recites a relationship (affair) with a man already spoken-for her voice is so intoxicating it's impossible to turn your attention away. Not to mention that the beat itself is one of my favorite on the album. Falling along these slow-tempo lines is `Wake up Alone' which also works beautifully. It's the title track `Back to Black' though that may very well be my favorite track here, but that's something I struggle with since every song is just so brilliant. The song is so effortlessly intoxicating, the beat, her vocals, the lyrics and when she slows everything down and repeats `black' over and over I'm just smitten in the most endearing of ways. It's amazing the effect good music can have on a person.
If any song here can dethrone `Back to Black' as my favorite it would be `Some Unholy War'. I really can't explain the joy this song makes me feel. I love its simplicity, its raw energy. Same can be said I guess for `Me and Mr. Jones' which is just utterly infectious. I don't see how anyone could stay seated still throughout this track. I can't help but sing along to this brilliant track. It carries much the same upbeat vibe that her single `Rehab' infuses. The closing track `Addicted' is probably the funniest track here and due to that very fact it's probably the most fun as well. I've heard talk about her being very open about her drug habits, and while this is no where near to the drug talk in your average rap track it's still shocking in it's bluntness for her genre. The only track here that fails to utterly impress me is `Love is a Losing Game'. It just doesn't really grab me. It's a bit monotonous and redundant, but it's short enough to allow it to play through. Plus, the next track ultimately redeems it.
So, the verdict is adore, love, support and relish Amy Winehouse. She's a rarity in the music industry. There really isn't a soul like her. She effortlessly exudes class (at least on disc) and maturity that are beyond her years. I am not one to readily over praise an artist. In fact I usually shy away from any artist, actor, singer, author etcetera who I feel receives too much praise for their own good. In this case though I feel every stitch of praise is well deserved. `Back to Black' is the first album in years that I am in complete and utter awe of. I don't see this leaving my disc-player for quite some time. Sit back and enjoy.
Free Music Review: What soul is all about
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a sligntly edited version of the review I posted for this album on December 9th 2006. I reviewd the UK version (now unavailble) shortly before the US version became available.
"It's amazing what a music video can do. I'd never really paid Amy Winehouse much mind and didn't even bother to check out her debut album when it came out a few years ago. Then I heard she was back earlier this year and to be honest, I probably would've ignored her this time as well.
Then I happened to catch the video for "Rehab", her lead single off this album on MTV and everything changed. Look out for it if you haven't seen it yet but essentially, she sits there looking bored, while her band looks even more bored than she does while they sit and stand at odd angles, playing their various instruments. It's certainly one of the most interesting videos I've seen this year and I was humming the refrain to "Rehab" for days after. I considered just getting the single but in the end, I just gave in and got the album. I'm so glad I did.
According to music magazine interviews I've read, Ms Winehouse has drawn heavily from personal experience in putting together this exciting mix of ska, hardcore modern beats and retro grooves. This is old school, but REALLY old school. Winehouse has bypassed the 90s, 80s and 70s and gone for the Motown/Philles inspired sounds and phraseologies of the 60s for probably one of the most honest and heartfelt set of songs I've heard in a long while. Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi provide sparse, stripped down but very clever production and Winehouse's edgy vocal reigns supreme. This is what soul is all about in my view; it's not so much about technical ability, it's more about the emotion, both felt and invoked by the singer. Winehouse scores on both counts.
In terms of the music, it's the percussion and drum kicks that get me every time (especially on "Rehab") but other killer tracks to look out for include: the reggae tinged songs "Me & Mr Jones" and "Just Friends"; "Love Is A Losing Game" just makes you want to cry - for her and for yourself, if you've ever loved and lost; the feisty "Tears Dry On Their Own"; the oh, so sorry "Wake Up Alone" and the closer, "Addicted" (not available on the US version of the album). There's a lot of feeling here. Even the backing vocals (performed by Winehouse herself), while sounding beautiful, sound like they were sung in the midst of pure heartache.
Critics have heaped praise on her left, right and centre and they obviously know what they're talking about. She deserves it all. Though not setting the charts alight, the album and lead single have so far been very well received here in the UK. (Since writing this review last month and the release of a second single, "You Know I'm No Good", the album has shot up the charts and as of today, 22nd January 2007, stands at #1. Seems like Winehouse could turn out to be "The voice of 2007" after all, At least in this country).
This album is really good and I hope it gets a US release. It's definitely a banging soul album. I'll probably go get Frank now.
But a soul classic? I'm not so sure. Time will tell.
By the way, beware: This is dark stuff. And though she may look all sweetness and light on the cover, this is a lady who tells it like it is and doesn't mince words. The "explicit lyrics" notation at the top there and the parental guidance sticker on the front of her CD are not for play."
February 11th 2008.
Well, as we all know now, the album became a phenomenal success; the biggest selling album in the UK in 2007. It's easily the best album I bought in 2006. It sold respectable numbers in the US as well and garnered critical praise worldwide, culminating in her 5 well-earned Grammy wins last night. I hope this signals the start of even greater things for Amy and the ONLY reason I'm re-posting this review is to show my support for her and my love for her music. I hope even more people buy it now, particularly in the US. And yes, this is definitely a soul classic.
PS. I did buy "Frank" but didn't like it so much.
Free Music Review: Believe the hype !
Hit: 5 Stars
If you read my other reviews one thing should become very clear:
I'm 100% old school...
500 reviews on Amazon, and its rare for me to purchase or review anything made after the late '70s...
and for a really good reason: I think American music lost its vibe and groove with the advent of drum machines and digital music...
Great talent has emerged, but to me we've yet to escape the musical cheesiness of the '80s...
an era where BIG and FAT went out...
Then along came AMY...
True, this album is RETRO... and Amy is not the first pop star to get big doing the retro thing (- - think B-52s, Brand New Heavies, Brian Setzer) however, I think Amy Winehouse is the first to really pay homage to the era in a convincing way... the music has an authentically convincing "back then" sound... yet at the same time... the attitude is truly NOW(!) Winehouse has a voice that is a total throwback to the Pop and R&B divas of the '50s and 60's... but a persona perfectly fit for today's TV/tabloid generation...
in addition, her lyrics are engaging too... (A certain line in "Me and Mr. Jones" has just been entered into my book of all time classic lines... Even though its Amy Winehouse, every time I hear it I go, "Did she just say that???")
As for the album, as mentioned it is throwback to the sounds of '60s/'70s AM hit radio...
but its done convincingly...
Amy Winehouse has a voice that's thick and elastic... Sort of Bette Midler attitude... but Della Reese/Dinah Washington delivery...
with a hip hop mindset... which when juxtaposed with the old Girl Group Pop sound, definitely make an interesting listen. - - In addition, you can listen to the music with a magnifying glass, and more and more "substance beneath the surface" becomes clear about her deep understanding of the roots of the music and her ability to express it in her own way. Further, another strong point about the album that amazes me is that its a "straight through" listen... not just one hit and a bunch of fillers (as Phil Spector used to complain), but a whole album that's strong from start to finish... (also a gem of really great production and engineering to an extent that hasn't been heard in popular music for many many years!)
Of note: If your idea of SOUL does NOT include the "Mariah" influence, you'll particular dig her singing...
(I'm not trying to put down Mariah, but after 20 years, enough Mariah and Madonna already!)
Of course, there is one problem: her public image.
Let's not be fooled... the words "disgusting" come to mind... however, I sometimes wondering if its possible that she has a publicist who simply watched THE ROSE one time too many.. and is simply using shock tactics to market her... (I would really like to believe this as opposed to believing that she's yet another great talent on the road to self destruct.)
Actually watching videos on YOU TUBE, she seems a lot more together than many of the critics would have you believe and she definitely has an act that works...
the bands kinda dress throwback and she has the beehive... but then the tattoos, the piercings and the occasional obscenities... and subtle stuff the back up dancers do let you know she's a girl of this era... ultimately her attitude makes the music convincing as music that DOES indeed belong on the charts.
in addition the band, arrangements and engineering are really convincing... some of the tunes do drag on a bit and lack dramatic build, however, this is nitpicking... it has been a long time since an artist has managed to present such tightly arranged and structured music to the listening public.
fact is this:
Someone has finally come along to save modern music...
her public image might be hard to stomach... however, fact is:
Music is back...
Free Music Review: Not just about "Rehab".
Hit: 5 Stars
I had heard about Amy Winehouse long before her American TV performances that made her big in the US. So when her album came out, I just had to get it THAT day. Although most people know Amy from her catchy single, "Rehab", others know her for her jazzy music, incredible voice, and strong, yet witty messages in her songs.
Here's a quick overview of the highlights (and possibly lowlights) from the album Back to Black.
First, I can't go through a complete review without mentioning "Rehab". With its catchy lyrics, sexy jazz feel, and Amy's deep voice, it made a great first US single for this songstress. From there we go onto another of my favorite songs "You Know I'm No Good". The best part of the song is the sing-song, almost nursery rhyme feel of the verses. Its message is a strong one: I've cheated on you but "I told you I was trouble. You know that I'm no good".
Another great song on this album is "Me and Mr. Jones". Although some would argue that the entire album sounds like an old 1960's jazz album, I think "Me and Mr. Jones" is the most 60's sounding song on the album. Amy sings about her complicated relationship with "her man" and suggests that she's really not over him meanwhile inventing her own word to describe what is going on (although I won't mention the word since profanity is not allowed on Amazon). This song is another great example of how amazing Amy sounds when she hits the low notes.
My absolute favorite song is "Back to Black". The infectious sound of the keyboard and the violin, the simple, yet powerful chorus, and, of course, Amy's voice suggests that although the random humorous lyrics she throws in here and there show her playful personality, she also has a hard time dealing with parts of her life. If I were to suggest one song to listen to on this album, "Back to Black" is it.
Two other songs to look out for are "Love is a Losing Game" and "Tears Dry On Their Own". Two different messages but two great sounding songs. "Love" is one of the few ballads on this album while "Tears" is one of the few (if not the only) uplifting songs on this album. The bonus track is simply a remix of "You Know I'm No Good". Not much different from the original since the only difference really is a rap solo.
The other 4 songs I haven't mentioned are pretty good songs but they aren't outstanding. "Just Friends" just doesn't have the catchyness that the other songs have and I tend to skip right over it everytime I listen to this album. "Wake Up Alone"'s sound is extremely catchy (and it almost sounds like something you've heard before) and I absolutely love how sultry and sad Amy sounds. The sort of monotonous sound of the song prevents me from differentiating the chorus from the rest of the song so I wouldn't call this a "sing along" by any means. "Some Unholy War" is rather short and reads more like a letter than a song. "He Can Only Hold Her", again, is another catchy song but I wouldn't say it stands on its own.
I tend to think that my taste in music is eclectic so I didn't have a hard time truly liking this album. People who stick with one type of music may have difficulty getting into Back to Black but I suggest having an open mind when listening to this album. It is nothing like I have ever heard in the last 10 years or so and if Back to Black is an example of what's to come from musicians in the future, I'm ecstatic. I highly recommend this album.