Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Amy Winehouse is truly a Diva of all Divas. In and out of rehab and really living the songs she sings. You would hardly think she is only 24 years old her birthday being in September of 1983. And her soulful voice sounds like something you would find in a 60's American club not coming from this girl born in Southgate London!

Back to Black was her second album released following the not so successful album "Frank" which released in 2003. Back to Black was a top selling album of 2006 and was nominated for six Grammy awards five of which she won! I think most people have heard of this album if not actually own it.

With 11 separate songs on this album the price I paid for it back in 2006 of £15 was definitely worth every penny. Nowadays though you could pick up a brand new copy of this wonderful album for half that price or even cheaper if you buy a second hand copy. I have seen it on Amazon for less than a fiver brand new!

The first track on this album is "Rehab" and it is probably the most famous song of The Beehive Diva and this is not only due to the fact that it was such a success in the charts but that fact that it now reflects her life to date. The drink, drugs and bad boy men she chooses to mix into her life is really doing her no favours but hopefully she will be able to pull herself together soon.

Amy Winehouse is a big fan of all the Motown music from the 1960's and this is really noticeable in all of her songs and her style. Rehab is probably my favourite song off the album and has been since I bought it. The change of pitches and tones that Amy is able to offer in the song really make it so much different from what was being released into the charts in 2006 and even what is being released today. It's position of first track on the album really gives you a taste of what the whole CD is going to offer and really gets you into the style of Amy making you just want to hear more!

"You Know I'm No Good!" is the track that follows "Rehab" on the album and again this is such a soulful track and when listening I can imagine Amy being drunk writing and singing this song. It has that air of attitude that a person gets when they are drunk. This is another one of my best tracks and one that seems to get stuck in my head all day. The baseline is great on this track making it a brilliant tune to dance to.

The third track on Back to Black is "Me and Mr Jones" and of course this is a remake of the famous Simon and Garfunkle track that has been altered to suit Amy's style and voice, and it really does work well. Everyone knows and loves the old song but this has really made an impact as it is so different but still has such great old time music but the way Amy is able to sing it makes it come to life as a current and up to date song. She makes it work!

Just Friends is the song that follows and this is a much more slow paced and soothing song that I would say is one of my least favourite and reminds me slightly of background music in a doctors or restaurant. The track is very unmemorable and I find it doesn't seem to fit in well with this great album; it is certainly the weak link!

The Album title track is in position number five "Back to Black" is a great song and I can see why they made it the title track. It shows off Amy's wonderfully jazzy, soulful voice to a tee and it just works brilliantly. The song was written by Amy when her husband left her for another woman and this is portrayed so well in all the vocals she puts across. The lyrics are outstanding too with really heartfelt emotions being shown.

Tracks six and seven are "Love is a loosing Game" and "Tears Dry On Their Own". These are both slower paced songs but both very likeable and easy to listen to. Again Amy's voice shines well with singing each of them and it really seems to take to back in time to the swinging 60's but each song is still given a great modern twist.

"Wake up alone" is track eight and again is slow and sensual. This track is not one of my favourites and one I think can be easily forgotten. I much prefer Amy's voice in the more upbeat songs as I think he billowing out a song is brilliant and shows off her brilliant vocals beautifully.

Tracks nine, ten and eleven are ones that I have listened to the least and find that I don't like these ones as much as the ones at the beginning. Although they are all good tracks. "Some unholy War" is track 9 and this is very soulful and has some great lyrics to go with the music. Track 10 is "He Can Only Hold Her" and the last track on the album is "Addicted" which really describes my feelings towards this album as a whole. I find each track good in its own right. Sure there are some that I think are much weaker than others but I find the whole album very enjoyable to listen too.

Amy gives us such a range of emotions, sounds and lyrics through out the whole album this is one CD that really is worth buying. Each track is different and there is not a song that I think is similar to any other. The fact that there is such a soulful feel to the album is something that is new and fresh for now. Of course it has been done before but that was not an era I was born into but I think Amy Winehouse is able to transport us to a time gone by but still giving us that modern vibe that we love to have.

Her voice is amazing and her song writing ability is pretty good too. Who can forget the way she looks which is definitely a style throw back from the 60's. Amy may have her troubles in life but her music is brilliant and she should be extremely pleased with what she has been able to offer to the music industry in this her second album. Back to Black is a CD that I feel should be in anyone's and everyone's collection as I think it fits so many moods that there is always a track you could put on o suit the mood you are in.

The price is great now so get it cheap and enjoy it for years to come, as this album is one that will be got out an d played in year, and years to come! Well-done Amy.

Track listing and marks from me:

1) Rehab = 10/10

2) You Know I'm No Good = 10/10

3) Me and Mr Jones = 8/10

4) Just Friends= 7/10

5) Back To Black = 10/10

6) Love Is a Loosing Game = 8/10

7) Tears Dry On Their Own = 10/10

8) Wake Up Alone = 7/10

9) Some Unholy War = 7/10

10) He Can Only Hold Her = 8/10

11) Addicted = 9/10

Released 30th October 2006
Label: Island
1 CD
ASIN: B000J3FC0Q
Average price to buy today - £6

I hope this has been of some help to you. Thanks for taking the time to read

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