Amy Winehouse is a big in Britain, not quite there yet in the States, singer-songwriter, and Back to Black is her second album. Sonically, it draws on 60's girl group and classic R&B sounds, and without major revamping makes them sound relevant for today.
"Rehab" is the opening track and lead single, plunging us right into this retro 60s world. I was liking things right from the catchy opening verse, “They tried to make me go to rehab, but I won’t go, go, go,” and I was hooked on the album with the dramatic entrance of a rhythmic horn and percussion line to underscore everything. Horns, both saxophone and brass, are the primary backing elements, working in conjunction with percussion on songs like “Just Friends” and “Me and Mister Jones.” My favorite horn line is the ascending trumpets on “He Can Only Hold Her,” which are matched perfectly with corresponding backing vocals.
“Me and Mister Jones” is an early standout, with 50s style doo wop backing vocals, and a great deep sax line, all a bit incongruous next to lyrics telling the story of the time she missed a Slick Rick gig. The best line here is “What kind of fuckery is this?” I was baffled for a moment, not expecting the F bomb to be dropped in something that sounded right out of the 50s, a testament to the world her music created. “Wake Up Alone” features a rising and falling guitar line that simultaneously channels the actual 50s and the odd revisionist 50s of David Lynch films.
“Back to Black” is the best track on the album, an emotional plea that’s backed by a fantastic bouncing piano line that soars into strings during the chorus. It slows down, then surges back to a cathartic final chorus. Listening to this track, I’m thinking that Amy would be a great choice for the next James Bond theme song.
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Article comments
1 - Leslie Bohn
Love Any Winehouse!
And I have a feeling she'll make some noise in th US, and soon, as she's putting on a little PR push to try to break her in the States. I think she's adorable and talented and I wouldn't be surprised. Her "Rehab" is already kind of a culty hit.
2 - Al Barger
Amy Winehouse photos
3 - Al Barger
By the way Brother Patrick, Amy Winehouse made my best songs list for 2006.
4 - Patrick Meaney
Hopefull that push will help put her over the top and get some US success. I could definitely see 'Back to Black' on my top songs and albums of 2007. And, Al, I'm also feeling the love for the Seeger Sessions, top notch album, though I'd give a slight edge to 'Eyes on the Prize' over 'O, Mary Don't You Weep.' Both great songs though.
5 - dan cervanti
Don't know how i ended up on this page. I'm from california, and i just got "back to black" this past tuesday, the day it came out. one word to describe the voice and sound: STUNNING! where did she come from. AMERICAN's will find her style a bit out there, but they won't be able to deny her amazing instrument her voice is. I Truly love this album "back to black" is a fantastic track and i love "i wake up alone." THIS GIRL CAN STOMP MY HEART, AND I WOULD LOVE IT!