Throughout, she uses lush instrumental arrangements to create a strong mood. The songs sound like standards, I could see Sinatra singing “Love is a Losing Game” on a 60s TV special, or The Supremes doing “Tears Dry on Their Own.”
I love electronic music, but I’ve always considered it a shame that the rise of electronic music and hip hop pretty much obliterated the orchestral pop of the 50s and 60s. This album shows that sound is still relevant today, and if anything sounds fresher because of its long absence. There’s a reason that so many classic pop songs endure, they’re great works of pop art, and I’m glad that Amy has come along and added to that canon.
I’m not sure about her chance of catching on with the American public. Unfortunately, we’re still resistant to something like this, that’s out of the contemporary paradigm of pop music. She’s going over with the blogrock audience, but I don’t think she’ll ever find the mainstream success she had in Britain here.
However, that doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a fantastic album, full of songs that sound simultaneously fresh and classic. There’s not a bad track on here, and my only real complaint is that the album’s only 35 minutes. Amy’s got a fantastic voice, and the album is a joy to listen to. I think you’ll be seeing this on a lot of best of 2007 lists when the end of the year rolls around.
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!