Beautiful Music, But So So Great Personality (Back To Black - Amy Winehouse)

Name: scotlandizdabest

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Product:	Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Date:	13/07/08 (165 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Brilliant, lively music! Great price

Disadvantages: News coverage of artist

I first heard of Amy Winehouse when reading the Daily Telegraph. She had some how been able to get page 2 news, which was usually reserved for politics, crime or foreign affairs. But no, a picture of a young woman with lots of different tattoos and an incredible hairstyle stood out on the page with a cigarette in her mouth. It was asking the question if she was a role model for the new 'rebellious' culture of young people. After reading the story, I thought how this woman could be a successful singer while having drug abuse in her life.
I admit I was oddly interested, and heard one of her songs "Rehab" come on the radio. So decided to download the album off iTunes. I'm quite a listener for lyrics and love songs, which are meaningful. So a girl who had so much trouble in her life must have meaningful lyrics?

After iTunes quickly downloaded the album onto my computer for a great £7.99 I started out listening to the songs. The first song was the iconic "Rehab" see below...

1. Rehab

I first heard this on the radio and loved how soulful, yet Jazzy it is. Some see this song is ironic as Amy herself went into rehab while the lyrics say "No No No" to rehab. I adored her voice in this song and you find yourself being lost in the jazziness and upbeat tone. Also, the song seems to be telling a story and her point of view. Will be on my ipod playlist for a while, Love it!!!

2. You Know I'm No Good

If listening to the album in the tracklist order, then you will notice how this song is a little slower but still keeps all the soul. There are jazz horn solos throughout which I love. They seem to make the song quite playful even 'cheeky!' Yet the lyrics are sad, about her being lost. Another song I love from this album.

3. Me And Mr. Jones

This one even slower than the last song. The lyrics are actually quite comical! Amy is describing how her boyfriend misses a gig? Her voice is the main contributor in this song, with a strong jazz beat behind her. I thought this was maybe the most soulful song on the album.

4. Just Friends

This song is another one of these 'cheeky' songs. This song always reminds me of a mix of jazz and Caribbean soul music! The chords and her voice, I noticed were perfect for each other. The lyrics of this song are actually quite sweet, and another passionate song about 'love.'

5. Back To Black

My absolute favorite song! I had played this song around 50 times in the first week of buying this album. For some reason this song got me a lot more than the other songs on this album. I loved the mixture of piano, and the drum jazz beat alongside her powerful voice. This song possibly attracted to me most because I can actually relate to the lyrics. When listening to it, it made sense? Anyway, my favorite song out of the album by far.

6. Love Is A Losing Game

A much slower song this time, compared to the rest of the album. Again a very simple jazz drum beat with her voice being the center. This has very strong lyrics about how "Love is a Losing Game" and how there are basically no winners from it. Some would say this song was depressing, I would say it was actually relaxing!

7. Tears Dry On Their Own

More upbeat and happy than the previous song. There is a piano, drums and a lot of finger clicking in this song. Unlike the other songs, her accent seems to come out more in this song! Her voice is quite relaxed, and more softer, but in some bits it almost sounds like she is talking! Still liked it, again good to relax with.
8. Wake Up Alone

A typical 50's jazz beat again in this song. Her voice is very strong and crisp in this song. The lyrics however are quite confusing but I'm assuming she talking about an ex boyfriend, or something a long them lines. Still not the strongest song but another great asset to the album.

9. Some Unholy War

Amy shows her voice off with strong long notes, with a jazzy/soul beat. I really liked this song; the lyrics are describing a war 'her man' is fighting. I really liked this song, which was a moderate bouncy, speed. Another great song.

10. He Can Only Hold Her

I admit my least favorite song on the album. It once again has an upbeat song, but to me seemed to lack a something that all the other songs had. There is a lot of backing singers in this song and solo instruments, and didn't seem to have the originality the Amy had brought to the rest of the album. Still a good chill out song.

11. Addicted

A great finale to this album. This upbeat song is actually talking about addictions, where drugs is mentioned. It has mostly the same beat throughout with some beautiful flute pieces chucked in. This really is one of the traditional 50's/60's soul songs and a fabulous ending to a great album.
So I finished the album on my ipod. I admit I was reading Harry Potter as well, while listening to it for the first time. Anyway, I was actually quite amazed at this album. I wasn't sure what I was actually expecting to hear, but overall I really enjoyed the album! I seemed surprised I liked it. I think that was the fault of the media, giving her a negative image because of the drugs. Her music is incredible but I'm sure a lot of people would not buy the album, for the simple fact that she does drugs. I'm completely against drugs, but surely if someone gave this girl help, she could be unbelievably successful.

She has won numerous awards including a BRIT, two MTV music awards, 5 Grammy's, A NME (Although it was for Worst Dressed Performer) and other awards. At only 25 years old, I think that is some achievement.
The album cover is her small self sitting on a stool, with a black board in the background. What does it mean? No idea... but I like it!

The songs overall are very high quality. I am very impressed on how Amy's voice is effortlessly put across, using her own personnel songs that she has written herself. If her personnel life didn't get in the way, I'm sure she would be a huge star. She has the talent, which really shines through.
This is possibly the most unique album I have heard in a long while. I admit I have never been a fan of Jazz or Soul and steered more towards other genres. However I am a new fan of this genre and will be having a look at other artists. I can't really compare her to other artists of this genre, but she was number one with the song "Rehab" which must show for something!

Overall, I have a new personnel favorite song out of it "Back to Black" which I really love. It will probably be one of my personnel favorite songs for years to come. A truly inspirational and incredible album, which I really love.
A recommendation to everyone...

Janie
©scotlandizdabest

Summary: Fab artist who could go really far...