Search - Amy Winehouse :: Back to Black

Proving real soul singing will never die...

Thomas Moody | STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS United States | 09/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who would have known that a voice such as this would come from someone who looks like Nikki Sixx's little sister? Amy Winehouse nails 60's soul both from a performance and spiritual perspective with 2006's "Back to Black." Proving that image means nothing when the heart and soul are poured into the music, Winehouse literally empties her spirit on most of these tracks and the result was (for me) refreshing and surprising while, at the same time, anxious at where she's been since. The answer, of course, is that Winehouse is just as impassioned about her addictions and self-destructive behavior as she is about her singing and has spent an untold amount of time from 2007 until now in and out of legal trouble as well as rehab facilities. In fact, the kickoff song of this album "Rehab" really sets the theme for her post album problems as she exhibited poor judgement that clearly were based on those addicitions.



This mix of 10 songs (the elevnth is a remix) unambiguously combines vocal influeneces from Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and a lot of Janis Joplin. All of it backed with an amazingly simple but tight musical troupe that emphasizes the baritone sax, piano and heavy bass. My favorites include "Rehab", which is a funky fusion of jazz and soul with Amy's contralto vocals flowing fluidly through the changes. "You Know That I'm No Good" is in the same vein, but with the afore mentioned baritone sax prominently sailing throughout. "Me and Mr. Jones" and "Tears Dry On Their Own" are classic 60's soul ballads that stretch Amy's vocal abilities...these songs really show her ability to seamlessly go from soul to jazz and back to soul all the while evoking that spirit that is essential to pulling off this type of music.



A major highlight is the dark and murky "Back to Black"...starting off like an old Supreme's tune, Winehouse then inserts an overriding and powerful tonal quality that veers the song quickly from pop to something other-worldly. Almost moaning, she emotes the emptiness of betrayal: "Me and my head high and my tears dry get on without my guy."



My favorite though is "Love is a Losing Game"...this song kills me each time I hear it. A smooth and emotional ballad, this work shows Winehouse at her best vocally as she digs deep for her convictions about love and its "self professed, profound" realities. The backing music is simple, highlighted by a jazzy snare drum that's clearly been brought out prominently in the mix.



This album was nominated for 6 Grammies and won 5 (missing Album of the Year) making Winehouse an instant "artist of note". One listen to this etheral work will certainly solidify that lofty acclamation.



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