| Product: |
Frank - Amy Winehouse |
| Date: |
09.04.08 (38 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Great vocals and unique style
Disadvantages: None really
Amy Winehouse seems to be in the news a lot, for her well published issues with drink and drugs, her husband and her 'antics'. I have to say that I was not initially impressed with her music. Then someone suggested I listen to 'Moody's Mood For Love'. I loved it, I will talk a bit more about it later on, suffice to say, in my opinion it is a modern Jazz classic. I have now bought the album on i-tunes.
This was her first album, before all the 'rehab' songs etc.
So, the tracks, one by one.
1. Intro/Stronger Than Me --------------------------------------------
Quite a strong start, very smokey, bit 'angsty', she does not really sound like any other artist that comes to mind, maybe an octave higher than Billie Holliday.
2. You Sent Me Flying
Interesting, eclectic mix of instrumental (bit long), sultry vocals and a bit of Bossa Nova, bit long, not the best track on the album.
3. Know You Know
Loveley, funky, soul jazz combo, Simon Cowell would say hotel lobby music, i say, smooth.
4. F**k Me Pumps
Prbbaly one of the better known songs on the album, quite 'now', very groovy and a bit of an ironic look at the dating, player, getting together, breaking up scene.
5. I Heard Love Is Blind
Love this, much, much too short, acoustic guitar, fabulous smokey voice, really cool, a definite party mix.
6. Moody's Mood For Love
This is the song that really showpieces Amy's vocal talents, it is almost like she is using her voice as an instrument, going up and down a scale, what a great range, what a jazzy song, a real classic. And to top it all a smooth sax in the background, musical heaven.
7. (There Is) No Greater Love
Very Billie Holliday or Dinah Washington, smooth, loved up jazz, very, very nice, great to listen to in the bedroom!!
8. In My Bed
Not sure about this track, bit jazz, bit funk, bit hip hop, reminds me a bit of Lauren Hill being lazy, pleasant enough, just not a 'killer'.
9. Take The Box
About a break up, in the best tradition of moody soul/jazz, lots of piano and lots of poignant imagery, again, a bit like Lauren Hill, or maybe Mary J Blige, I like this track.
10. October Song
The only track that does nothing for me on the whole album, she is trying to be too clever here, blending styles, ends up being a bit whiney and nasal.
11. What is it about men
Lauren Hill (again), trombones, reggae beat (ish), really listenable song, interesting and musically very clever. That is the thing about this album, it is all pretty diverse and ultra cool.
12. Help Yourself
Quite a cool and mellow track, lots of instruments, has quite a big band feel to it, yet almost hymm like in places, jury is out, I am not sure if i love it or hate it, lol.
13. Amy Amy Amy / Outro
I don't really get thsi ending bit, lots of mixing up of styles and instruments, it is meant as a 'bonus' and I'm not sure why, it feels like an add on, the only saving grace is that you get to hear more of Amy's voice and vocal range.
Overall this album is very, very cool. I tend not to listen to 'showbiz' news, or read gossip, and concentrate more on the artist.
She has a really huge vocal range, and uses it fully, very smokey and sultry in the low notes, hysterical and angst ridden high notes, her voice is oure sex.
I love the album and it will be one that I will contuinue to listen to withoubt a doubt, no real 'fillers' and well worth the money (if you buy on i-tunes).
Summary: 1st Album from Amy Winehouse
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