Reviews (page 12 of 14)
I was unfamiliar with this album. Favorite song: Back to black I felt like it was close to me really liking this album, but it didn't quite click. Probably closer to 3.5 if we could do half stars.
I really like the instrumentation, its clearly very well produced, I think this would stand out a lot in the pop mainstream, probably why it was so successful. Parts sound more ballad/soul ish, and some are more dreamy jazz type, like the 4th one one, some are also what you could call 'ska' I guess, with the brass stuff. The backing vocals on some of the songs are great. She's also an incredible vocalist, and I guess she kinda started an 'alternative' revolution in pop music, as people like Adele probably borrowed from this. I'm not the first person to say this, but I think her personality is a large reason why these songs are so good, it a similar way to Arctic Monkeys or something, their personalities shine through the songs, avoiding them from becoming too bland. Downsides are that I guess that some songs sound very similar. Favourite songs: rehab, just friends, back to black, love is a losing game, wake up alone, he can only hold her. Overall around 6/10
It's also a classic album. Not really my style but it's good to have listened to.
Beautiful voice but kinda boring lyrically
Pretty chill
I didn't get time to listen. I know her work and like parts of it. She didn't smash into my life like she did with others so I'll be on the bench with a 3. It's hit and moss for me.
If she was still around today I think she'd still be a big deal and a frequent face on TV.
Meh
I can see why people love this so much and a like a lot of it but it’s not quite for me.
It's ok.
Interesting listen. I was familiar with a number of songs previously, but had never listened to the whole album before. Musically it’s fun, very 1960’s Motown inspired, including sampling “Ain’t no Mountain…”. At first it feels like something to have on in the background at a party, but the lyrics are worth listening, too. They seem deeply personal, mostly dark and troubling. Not sure it’s an album I’d listen to often, but worthy listening and several stand out songs. And Winehouse’s voice is, of course, always a nice throaty contrast to other pop singers.
Mercifully much better than her other album Frank. 2.54
This is not great. I really thought it was gonna be a 5 upon the roll but I’m struggling to get past a 3. I don’t know it was a lot of the same, great vocalist of course but I also got bored of her as it went. Sucks cause her Valerie might be a top 250 song all time. Idk, very underwhelmed by this and I really wanted to like it.
Sue me, but I think Amy Winehouse is a little overrated. This album is pretty decent, but this is her best work. I think a lot of her popularity came from the kurt cobain effect. Definitely not a bad album, but probably only a strong 3 from me
I’ve already gotten this one: Back half better than first half Kinda wanna revisit this now after listening to 4 months worth of albums as part of this project. No time
I feel slightly uncomfortable listening to Rehab, given what happened, but it's still a super catchy song. Don't know if I've felt so conflicted about a song like that before. She had an incredible voice and I loved You Know I'm No Good.
Weet je, ik weet het wel met Amy Winehouse. Best een aardige zangeres, maar krijg dit al 20 jaar door m'n strot gedrukt alsof het iets unieks is, meestal door mensen die nooit muziek van voor de jaren 90 luisteren. Fotorealistische soulmuziek. Niet iets om je heel druk over te maken.
3.8
High quality music. Easy to see why she was an instant star and such a tragic loss.
A low 4 but enjoyed this more than I expected, if more for her band then her voice or subject material!
Like the soundtrack to a James Bond film I don't really want to see. She's got a fine fine voice and this is highly polished effort - but it leaves me a bit cold.
If I had seen this live I probably would have loved it. I know she was a standout musician, not just a well marketed one-hitter or whatever. But somehow it sounds a bit sterile to me on this record! This should not be!
i can't bring myself to listen to her music, not because i don't necesarily like it, i don't know how to explain..., gonna give 3 stars for neutral
Sounds way older than it is (and that's on purpose)
She had a great voice and could’ve sung the football results and it would still be an hit
A decent album from a pretty damn good singer.
Never listened to Amy before but really liked this. Will be exploring more of her stuff
The production and the arrangement is the standout. The whole album works much better on the up tempo tracks.
3.25/5 enjoyed the vocals more than I expected, smooth album
I assumed I had heard more of her songs and just not realized it, but nope. Only song on this album I recognized was Rehab. I can see the potential of this being something I might like more with my love as of late of anything from Daptone, but this isn't quite up there for me.
It was alright, nothing special.. not adding it to my playlists
Liked Rehab, Back to Black and Addicted. Other songs didn't really leave a mark.
Rating: 3.5\5 | Favorite Track: Back To Black --- First time actually listening to Amy Winehouse and I did have quite a lot of fun with this album. I didn't absolutely love it, but there were a few standout tracks that blew me away with the production quality, layers of sound, and excellent vocal performance.
Good album, Rehab is the standout track.
She's a legend but this soft jazz doesn't especially do it for me
4/18/2025: She had pipes. Good album, not my vibe.
No thanks
Tears Dry On Their Own with the Aint No Mountain High Enough backing is nice and new to my ears. Unless I'm mixing that up with some other sort of jingle.
Strong album I see where the hype comes from. It's good music that makes you want to get up and dance. I will say some of the music is repetitive but still enjoyable. 7.1/10
Difficult to rate this objectively: 1. The vinyl pressing of this is very noticeably compressed 2. The songs are so familiar that it both gives them a sense of comfort but also not particularly intriguing. Trying to get past both of these facts, it’s easy to see why this was such a monster hit at the time, and why it has aged so well. Some truly great songs on this. Sometimes the production feels a shade pastiche, but not enough to deter from how good the song is.
It's a fun throwback sound, but it's a lot of hit and miss for me. I'm not a big fan of Rehab, so I expected to not like this, but by the middle of the album it was working well. The momentum couldn't hold, though, and I found the ending a bit weak.
Shameful I hadn't listened to this yet. Amy's voice is beautiful and iconic, but personally I don't mess with jazz that much. Most of the songs aren't dynamic enough to interest me. Still, the instrumentals and production are great on their own.
Probably should have gone to rehab. At least this is music.
Great pipes, can't wait to see what she's up to in 2025
...
Over-rated
Rehab 3.8 You Know I'm No Good 3.7 Me & Mr. Jones 3.6 Just Friends 3.3 Back to Black 3.5 Love Is a Losing Game 3.4 Tears Dry on Their Own 3.3 Wake Up Alone 3.3 Some Unholy War 3.5 He Can Only Hold Her 3.4 Addicted 3 Score: 3.436363636
decently pleasant and consistent album but track 7 just reminds me i would much rather listen to Ain't No Mountain High Enough than any individual song from this Rehab and Back To Black are nice, there's just nothing that satisfying here everyone seems to love this though, i guess i really don't understand the hype, i feel like i would get much more joy listening to most of the music from 4 decades earlier that inspired it
Real
Mycket bättre än vad jag trodde, fortfarande dock för kopplat till radioskit. Hur man gör till rösten liksom
Skapligt, det är något med rösten som inte är för mig, men generellt ett hyfsat bra album
Some gems. But didnt find any particular song i loved. Amy winehouse has a unique voice
I like this album far more than her first album. I love the Motown sound, and this version of it really grew on me by the end. I'm sure this album would grow on me if I gave it more listens. I found myself severely rocking out (nodding my head at my computer) to He Can Only Hold Her.
Okay, this was pretty good, will listen again 3.5/5
This was better than expected, you can kind of hear that she's burning herself out in the lyrics of this album, sad that she deteriorated like she did. Overall a 3 in my book.
Wanted to dislike this album so much as I just never cared for her image or ethos Nice album. Good voice, good music, and she’s got swagger. If I’d heard this album not knowing who it was, and no preconceptions, I would have liked it without a doubt, glad I gave it a listen
If this album had been made in the 60’s or even the 70’s I probably would give it four stars. I like this genre. But the fact that it was made in 2006 and is borrowing an older style bugs me. I acknowledge she had a good voice. I just prefer when artists try to move music forward, or somehow be original. Nothing about this ever felt new or original to me.
So many iconic songs I'd never known were Amy Winehouse. Not really my pop cup of tea though.
A nice soulful album to listen to. I was lucky to see her live at coachella before her passing
good
Fav song: Tears Dry On Their Own LOVE the production style. Unfortunately though I feel like a lot of these songs sound like filler for the singles.
Enjoyed, great voice.
3 out of 5 First time listening to anything Amy Winehouse and it wasn't too bad.
It's got me addicted...more than any dick did. I love this queen we would have been friends. Favorite Tracks: - Love Is A Losing Game - Original Demo - Tears Dry On Their Own
I like the 50s/60s throwback sound on this album, but unfortunately I am not a big fan of her voice. "You Know I'm No Good" is a cool song. 3.5 stars
On the surface this is a pretty cool album with it's retro sound, but I think in a lot of cases, she doesn't do enough to put her own spin on that sound and it just ends up sounding like a copycat version of classic pop. I think "You Know I'm No Good" is a great example of modernizing that sound, and it's the clear standout here. Still, she's a solid performer and this is a well-made album. 3.5 stars.
3.5
Rehab är 10/10. Känns fräsch varje gång man lyssnar, går inte att tröttna på. Synd att den inleder för ingen annan låt kommer upp till samma nivå förutom möjligtvis Back to Black. De andra låtarna är rätt svaga i refrängerna, kanske därför. Könsspecifika låttexter, kan inte relatera så mycket till att vara en ledsen tjej som gråter på köksgolvet. Stämningshöjare att ha på i bakgrunden, ex. under matlagning. Fenomenal röst.
some good songs - back to black etc... just felt kind of bored.
https://preview.redd.it/mark-ronson-shares-photo-of-his-would-have-been-golden-v0-unlhmc84sabc1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=8e1134a596a362fd90ad99dcd984d3af06a130c7 "KEPT his dick wet" stuck out as a line. KEPT. NEVER DRY. MAINTAINED A LEVEL OF MOISTURE. This is also one that feel like it inspired quite a lot of our post 2006 singer/songwriter type music for a while so hard to judge as a sole album without thinking about how Adele and others came along and tried similar throwback/jazzy vocal styles and instrumentation (to a less degree). highlights Love is a Losing Game Tears Dry On Their Own is a fun take on ain't no mountain Wake up alone
I always wonder: if Amy Winehouse wouldn’t have joined the 27 Club, would have she been remembered the same way as Duffy and Joss Stone are? There are some good tracks on here: No Good; Rehab; Back in Black, Love Is a Losing Game, all of which were radio darlings. In between were songs that were reminiscent of Darlene Love, the Chiffons, and Supremes, and many of those would have been even considered passable in the 1960s in which they are emulating. Admittedly I loved Amy when she came out because nothing sounded like her, until everything sounded like her (e.g. Bruno Mars, et al), but was she revolutionary? No. Did she do anything we hadn’t heard? No. She was the Sublime of the ‘60s R&B scene 36 years after that scene. It’s still a good album but I think her death gave it the impetus to be called legendary, not the music itself.
back to black 😭
It’s hard to separate the album from the time in my life. Good song writing can carry poor vocals, but it’s not often that good vocals can carry flat song writing. Some genuine gems on here, namely, Rehab and Back to Black.
Amy's clearly a very talented vocalist but I never got swept up in the hype. She falls in a category of artist where I'm not sure how famous they would be had they not had an early demise. Regardless, this album evokes a 1950s soulful sound in 2006 that was unlike anything else being released at the time. 6.5/10 (3.25/5)
Carino
Moody and gritty with a soulful voice. I prefer this album to the last one we reviewed. That said, there’s a few hits mixed in with a few that are less interesting.
A mash up of quasi traditional vocal jazz with a modern pop sheen and lyrical sensibility that produced two gargantuan hits. But this still feels like an interim step and a bit of a parlor trick. Certainly listable and her vocal talents are unmistakable but in the context of all time. I don't know. And unfortunately we won't ever know what was possible.
Hon har ju en magisk röst. Rehab är ju bra, om än lite uttjatad. Andra låten är också bra. Sen är det meh och lite samma. Skönt sound dock. Men vette fan om det räcker till en fyra. Känner mig rätt tveksam. Lyssnat flera gånger å blir inte så sugen på mer, så det stannar nog på en trea.
Tears Dry On Their Own bangs
Not my most favorite album ever, but definitely has some songs that I could see myself listening to again.
Thoughts before listening: Throwback soul from a troubled British singer whos life ended way too early. I often complain on these reviews that the post-2000s albums often haven't stood the test of time, but this is one that almost 20 years after its release truly has become a constant on best album lists. That being said, I don't believe I have ever listened to this all the way through, so I am glad to have a reason to do so. Review: I was very much not into pop music when this came out, but I don't remember a ton of hype around Amy Winehouse at the time of this release. I know it was nominated for and won Grammys, so maybe I was just not paying that much attention to something so out of my wheelhouse at that time, but I remember her for the tabloid drug stories more than the music. Since her death though, this album has soared as one of the universally praised albums of the 2000s. The music here is good with an updated take on the retro 50s/60s girl group type sound, and Amy has a nice unique voice. I'll be adding all of the hits to the playlist and this is a 3-star album to me.
Very good. Such talent.
A handful of classic tracks here for me , love the signing for most parts and subject matter … instrumental lack of depth keeps it just below a 4 for me but a very good listen and strong 3
Very mid. A lot of songs weren't necessarily bad, but i could only enjoy two of them: 1. Love is a Losing Game 2. Back to Black The rest were very forgetful.
I’ve never actually listened to this before. It strikes me as a self-conscious, though lovingly put together pastiche, with some good songs that showcase her talent. Some of the modern turns of phrase in the lyrics act as a nice counterpoint to the retro sounding music (“what kind of fuckery is this?”), although I do find her voice a little affected at times.
3.5 So Far. Reminds me very much of the 60s era type music. I personally don't enjoy it as much as I am sure plenty of people do, but I can see the appeal. Rehab of course is a staple song that I am sure everyone has heard, and it is a great song, as well as Back to Black. Overall I think Winehouse made an amazing album that really goes deep into her thoughts and feelings at the time of her recording this and showcases what love is like, love to a person, and love to a substance. P.S. I did enjoy addicted quite a bit, probably my favorite song off the album.
Good
Obviously I know the hits from this album, never listened to the whole thing. The production style is pretty cool, definitely an intentional throwback. I like all the horns. Her voice gets a little annoying to me, it sounds like she's doing a character which gets kinda old as the album goes on. Yeah not bad, but it feels like a schtick to me.
Culturally significant and some timeless classics
Average album. She had a great voice and some of these tracks are fun but some are so utterly depressing. I wouldn’t listen to most of these tracks again and that’s why I’m giving it a 3. Favorite track: Back to Black
My parents are a bit old-fashioned. They grew up in late 50's/early 60's and had already moved beyond youthful confection like pop music long before Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin showed up on the scene and the Beatles became 'weird'. They didn't really play music around the house; we had our own radios in our rooms and MTV to hear the newest songs and some classic rock. Still, the few times we did hear 'their' music, it was mostly the Everly Brothers, Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones, Perry Como, Sinatra, and doo-wop. I still quite enjoy some doo-wop and some of those old sounds. Obviously, Back To Black is an homage to the old stylings of yesteryear, and it is expertly produced by Mark Ronson (who later produced local Atlanta "flower punk" heroes The Black Lips), and I'm here for it. I especially like the backing vocals on "Me & Mr. Jones." The sound is refreshingly retro but polished and clean. It is both dated and timeless. And Amy's voice! This is first I've really listened and focused on it. She is excellent on the trailing notes in her phrases where she is at ease staying on pitch though she's no longer putting my breath behind the note. There's a general warm 'round-ness' to her voice that seems effortlessly powerful. Ultimately, it's a bit too middle-of-the-road for me. The Beatles (early and 'weird' versions) could write songs without sitar and time changes but still have interesting chord progressions or phrasings that veer outside of the standard 4, 8, or 16 bars. A great performance on a well-produced album with good arrangments, but the songwriting at its core is cookie cutter. This album will eventually be forgotten, but it was a great flash in the pan for a moment.
I don't really know what it is, but I just don't get the hype. I mean I know she's talented, but this is old lounge music for the most part. That's fine for what it is, just not something I want to throw an album on and listen to. Her sing writing is probably the best part of this, but I just can't get into it.
3/5
Lovely voice, tragic life, okay record.
Never listened to Amy Winehouse before and not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this -- really enjoyed it! Not sure it grabbed me enough to come back to it a lot, but still.
This is probably one of the few "super popular" and "super critically acclaimed" albums that I've never actually listened to. I hear so much about Amy Winehouse and how the tragedy surrounding her final years was so heavily reflected in her music. Having finally listened to this thing, the circumstances surrounding Winehouse's substance abuse and relationship turmoil are made very apparent. Right off the bat, you have a song called 'Rehab', where Amy talks about how she's NOT going to rehab. 'Some Unholy War', I feel, also delves into this apathetic and hedonistic lifestyle that Amy indulged in around this time. I don't claim to know much about her life or her struggles with drugs and alcohol, but this album sheds light on at least a bit of it. Many songs here tackle her turbulent relationships as well, be it with Nas on 'Me and Mr. Jones' or Blake Fielder-Civil with the big song off this album 'Back to Black'. 'Tears Dry on Their Own' may be my favorite song here, lyrically it shows Amy trying her best to move on despite the man "taking the day" - it's one of the more optimistic moments on the album. Another sort of light-hearted moment is the closer 'Addicted' - the vocal melody here resembles that of a classic vocal jazz record from the '50s. It's a seemingly "fun" way to close out the album as she tells some dude to go get his own weed instead of taking hers. But the title and context of the song still imply something very sad underneath the surface. While I did like the lyrics, I'm maybe not so won over by the actual music here. Amy Winehouse is one hell of a vocalist with this deep, booming, and soulful timbre that's still very much flexible. But it's the production that drives these songs that made me enjoy this experience less than I expected to - and with many of these songs running under 3 minutes, I was left musically unsatisfied like there was still more to build on. The great songs are great, 'Back To Black' and 'Tears Dry On Their Own' stand their own in the track listing here. The monstrous and ominous piano driving the title track is nothing short of iconic and I love the breathy big-band and backing harmonies of 'Tears Dry On Their Own'. There are a lot of elements of the production here that have similarities to the sounds of late '90s east-coast hip hop and RnB, but even then, there's something about it that sounded unlike anything popular in the mid-2000s. I just wish it did more for me, something just didn't click. As much as I hate to be "that guy", after just one listen (again ONE listen), I find this is an album I respect more than I enjoyed. It felt like an intricate dive into a struggling woman's psyche, a woman who I still know very little about. I'll give it another shot eventually but as of today, I'm still lukewarm on the actual music presented here.
It's fine, love the use of the DAP Kings as backing band. The singles are still massive.
It was good. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to separate her image from her music
Amy's vocal talent was beyond question. As for the album, I enjoy a few of the selections, but overall I find the style somewhat affected after a while. For me this album will not be one I listen to in its entirety often.
Remember not liking this so much when it came out, but a relisten here improved things. Still a 3. Why no more records after 2006 and before she died in 2011?
It’s fine
A quite good album! There is a song on this (He Can Only Hold Her) that I quite literally had stuck in my head for 6+ years, and could never figure out what it was. I was convinced I’d never find it, or maybe it’s wasn’t even real. My brothers gf finally found it this May which was a miracle.. but imagine I’d discovered it this way.. lowkey that would have been cooler.
Very good voice.
her voice has a very nice texture... its really crazy to remember just how much of a news story she was back in the day ... the music is good even tho its not exactly my thing
The hits are huge, but I tire of her style quickly over the album. Too many fillers
It's a shame Amy's life became bigger than her music. It's a great album, Mark Ronson and the Dap Kings letting Amy absolutely thrive. But there is so much baggage that comes with it ... and a bit of over exposure. A bitter-sweet legacy.
This has a number of really strong songs. I think the best were the ones chosen to be singles. Would I listen to it again? Maybe not but it's still a decent album.
Still don’t really like it. It is more polished (read produced) and cohesive than Frank. But Frank was genius; this is a Motown cosplay (albeit with ok tunes, and two or three good ones)
Ok I guess
3.5 pretty good album just not something I’d listen to again
Amy Winehouse is just incredible.
Beautiful Voice, Original Voice. Pays homage to the great girl groups of the 50s and 60s.
Liked it more than expected. Almost a 4.
God the first half of this was a fucking slog. I never got the appeal of this violent junkie lunatic - I think she's extremely overrated and neo-soul is lame and boring. To me this is just Britpop for white kids who grew up on Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. Rehab is both a disgustingly uncreative song and such horrible messaging. Shame she didn't heed her own advice (or lack thereof) lmao. I admit she has a great voice, but I just don't vibe with her. I was fully prepared to give this a low rating, but the latter half of this album really stepped this up from a 2 to a 3. Tears Dry On Their Own is my only highlight really, that song was actually real good, but the rest was between just 'okay' to 'garbage' - the former seemingly being the main vibe here.
2 great tracks, 2 that I really didn't enjoy, the rest were fine Rehab sucks apparently, and this song does too. This might be ruined for me because it's the pop radio earworm on the album. You know I'm not good and Me & Mr Jones are fine I didn't enjoy Just friends. Back To Black is really good. Certainly the best production. This could have been an awesome Bond theme song. Love is a losing game and Tears Dry on their own are quite good too. Wake up alone is an underrated banger. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Some unholy war, he can only hold her and Addicted were fine
What I expected
Good if you like moody tunes about drugs and cheating. Also been so overplayed in the UK that I'm likely immune to any charms it has.
Tää ois neljän tähden lätty jos Rehab ei rasauttaisi niin pahasti.
Good album. Better than the other one from her collection featured here. 3.5 stars.
I knew essentially nothing about Amy Winehouse before listening to this, other than she had died young. The way people talk about her I even got the impression that she was active much earlier than she was. I assumed she died in the 90s or something. I don't think I've ever seen someone hit the "legendary" status that quick in my lifetime. Listening to Back To Black it's clear that Amy was a talented vocalist. This style of Pop Soul wasn't really a thing when BTB dropped. It's kind of crazy listening to this now after a decade of Adele on the radio, and the influence is obvious. Where Amy differs though is in a much more subdued atmosphere. None of these songs ring as anthemic to me as the Pop Soul I've come used to hearing. And the subject matter is a lot more melancholic. While I enjoyed my time with Back To Black, and maybe if I had first listened on release things would be different, I'm not enthralled by any of it.
Decent, full of classics
I mean, it's Back To Black by Amy Winehouse
so, rehab, back to black, and you know I'm no good are obviously classics. Everything else didn't inspire me much.
I think I’m a prude. I don’t really admire Winehouse’s bad person (woke man that I am) style (and substance). The musicianship is top-rate, as per her last album, and she’s undeniably one of the finest of her generation, but her message is medium-rate (even though it’s true, hence me being a prude and not wanting to look straight at the burning sun of her talent and addiction and self-destruction). This music reflecting self stuff is a hard business!
I like the throwback 60s style incorporation with current R&B. Amy's got an authenticity in her voice, you can feel her trials and tribulations on this album. I would have liked to have seen her try a Bond intro. Very short lived talent, too bad she hit the bottle so hard...2.55.
Despite her star status and the impact of her death I somehow managed to miss all of Amy's career so this is my first exposure to Amy Winehouse beyond the single Rehab which was a huge hit upon release. Back to Black isn't what I expected for some reason. It's not a bad album by any means but it was more lounge-act than I expected it to be. It's clear she is a talented and tortured vocalist but overall it didn't do much to resonate with me. In the wake of her death she was hailed as an icon and a "wasted talent" but I didn't have any familiarity so she was just shelved as another tragic rock star story. I'm probably not the target demographic for this album so despite its reputation its not something I think I'll be listening to any time soon. Relatively straight down the middle marks from me. 2.5 stars
It's a 3.5.
Songs are decent, but I really don’t get why she gets so much praise. It’s not like she arranged the songs and everything.
Good .
Es una locura cuando piensas que este es apenas su segundo disco, tan solo su segundo disco y con todo, había tal nivel de expresividad y emoción en su música que este es unos de los discos más importantes de la historia. No es mi género, pero sin duda lo disfruté.
3.5
OK but not really deserving of all the hyoe.
Favourite songs: Rehab, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own Least favourite songs: Just Friends, Some Unholy War 3/5
Somewhere in between genius and underwhelming. I only knew her hits - which are fantastic - and expected more of the same. Unfortunately, that was not often enough delivered. Instead, a few songs seem very artificial and bland. I still heard some hidden gems in there. 3.5/5
Good album, but I'm not as blown as I expected to be. I only knew her everyone-knows-this hits, which are great, but I was slightly underwhelmed by the rest of the album. 3.5/5, I enjoyed the listen, but it's unlikely I'll listen to any of the non-hit songs again out of my own volition.
She oozes with style . Such a unique album for its time. 3/5 Might listen again.
another member of the 27 club, and still we can't get the kardashians in a helicopter. she had an amazing voice, and definitely channeled some old-school stuff that really worked for her - etta james & otis redding spring to mind. her style isn't really for me, but i definitely see why people loved her.
Like, I get it, but it's not for me.
Still think she was massively over-rated. But this was pretty good to listen to without the hype behind it.
Her voice is so emotional, and the production is gorgeous but I wished for the raw edges of Frank.
This album is very good, just not a sound I generally enjoy.
Look, she’s really good at what she does, as are all the other musicians involved, but it’s not really original or innovative is it?
Amy Winehouse's Back to Black marks a noticeable improvement over her debut album Frank, presenting a more accessible and polished sound. Embracing a 1960s girl group vibe, the album benefits from Mark Ronson's tight production, which keeps the arrangements focused and cohesive. Tracks like Rehab and Tears Dry on Their Own stand out with their catchy hooks and memorable melodies. However, Winehouse's vocal stylings remain polarizing; her dramatic delivery can sometimes overshadow the music itself. For fans of retro-soul, Back to Black is a solid addition to the genre. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 3 STAND OUT TRACK - Some Unholy War
Back to black is soulful and almost makes a jazz fan out of an anything-but-jazz listener like me.
soothing and enjoyable while still fun and loosy goosy (i don't know why but that phrase makes me think of amy winehouse) - also a lot of fucks.
This album is fine, and I clearly recognize the talent, but I was never a fan of Amy Winehouse, mostly because I just am not a fan of this style of music or what she is trying to recreate. I can understand, though, how someone into old R&B and Soul music would like her modern-retro take on the genre/style.
Not my favourite. It was pleasant, but didn't really scratch any itches. Would listen to as background music, but not something I'd reach for when wanting to actively listen to music
It remains hard for me to listen to this album and not just feel like its talent abused and ultimately wasted.
Hard to know what was a bigger hindrance on Amy Winehouse's career - her alcoholism or Salaam Remi's production. Thank god the Ronson tracks are immaculate, at least.
Great album. So much emotion. But if you don’t like her voice then you won’t like it.
I dig the lounge act vibe of this. Nothing totally knocked my socks off, but it was a cool album.
good record.
If you ignore the tabloid background nipping at the heels of this album, not to mention the tragic end of the artist herself, we’re left with a pretty good throwback to the sixties, a solid soul record with an incredible band. I try but I have trouble not comparing this unfavorably to the Dap-Kings other work with Sharon Jones. Which, I understand, almost nothing is going to hold up to scrutiny when compared to Sharon Jones. This is a very good record though.
Top 10 album of all time? It’s ok. I do get the timeless appeal of her voice, but I have no desire to listen to it again.
Undeniable talent and some really good music, but I isn’t really connect with this one. Good listen, but perhaps a bit too retro without enough innovation to really capture my interest and imagination?
I remember when this album was released and feeling like it had a throwback sound to it. Years later it seems the wow factor has been faded into feeling like it wasnt anything innovative, just borrowed from the past. Still has a couple catchy songs that are fun to listen to.
Unique beautiful voice. Was Amy Winehouse the best at this style? Probably not, but she was the only mainstream artist doing it at the time. Her addiction made her a stumbling mumbling mess and stole every bit of promise from her.
I was a little disappointed with this album. Winehouse had such a great voice, but other than Rehab, there wasn't much there for me. I did like the deluxe version, which included·lots of covers like Valerie - one of my favourites by her. Anyway, it's a case of love the voice, don't love the songs. Liked songs added: - Rehab
I have obviously heard a few of these songs before, but I never sat down and listened to the entire album. I like it, I can see why she was so well loved at the height of her popularity. The instrumentation is nice I like the variety of sound between tracks. It’s not an album I will likely go back and revisit on my own, but I wouldn’t be upset if someone decided to put it on.
Lots of familiar songs, more than I anticipated. Really enjoyed it, but most likely won’t visit it again anyways.
eh..
not a big fan of the do wop revival from this period, but this album had a few great songs on it. can see why millenials ate this shit up
It was okay, but I was hoping/expecting to like it more
There is no doubt Amy Winehouse had talent. Her lyrics are very specific and laced with "after-sight is 20/20" wisdom of her untimely demise. She had that strong jazzy voice and it fit her song qualities well. I am angry with those around her who were enablers and profited from her state of being. I am angry that those closest to her were not able to say "you've gotta' step off this crazy train." And, I am angry with her. Just as I am with so many bright shining stars that take their own lives (intentionally or not). And... I am angry with a system that overvalues worth by dedicaton to work, skills, or financial success and undervalues mental health entirely. Oh but she died young (!) PR gold! Somebody "wins" ...
Her voice reminded me a lot of Adele, which was nice. Both her voice and musical style were very enjoyable along with the overall feel of the album but I can’t rate this higher than a 3 because of the lyrics. They’re so sad especially in light of how soon after this she died of the very life she was condoning in this album. If the lyrics had a better purpose to them this would probably be getting a 4.
It's good, there's nothing really wrong with it, but I just don't connect with in a way where I'm likely to come back to it in my free time.
I just don't have strong feelings about this.
Great voice, for sure, but after a while a lot of her songs sound the same to me.
Such a talent!
Helt ait
Solid - in its own lane.
Listened on 4/26/24
Just great
Not really my taste in music but very good vocals and an overall pleasant listen. Favourites: rehab, back to black, tears dry on their own, he can only hold her. 3/5
Not bad. Good voice.
Really fun album! Tears Dry on their Own and Love is a Losing Game were my favourites. I actually don’t like the Rehab, which is the opening song and the only one I knew coming into the album listen.
Ok
It seems to be one of those albums, where the songs work better individually than as a whole. When every number is a standout, none of them stand out, and the atmosphere turns cannibalistic pretty quick. Roll the dice, pick a random track, and it will probably change your life forever.
Amy winehouse has a sound that calls back to original soul and R&B while still managing to sound contemporary. This is an album that covers tough relationships - both boyfriends and alcohol. It’s a well made album with evocative lyrics, a strong vocal performance, and solid instrumentals to back it. The title track is a hard hitter, with a lot of guilt, pain, and regret throughout the album, but also some independence and power. Overall a solid album that I generally enjoyed, but unsure how much I’ll come back.
Nice little album here. Classic Amy sound, like the saxophones a lot.
It would have been nice to see her career arch...
Pleasantly surprised by this one. Only knew the Rehab song. Music was great. Voice got a little annoying by the end of the album.
Like, Frank is better
It was alright, she has a soulful voice.
#176. Her album Frank was so shockingly terrible that I wondered how did she ever become popular in the first place. This album is significantly better, and more like what I had expected from her music. I mean, it's not great or anything, but it's at least good. 3/5: maybe you should have gone to rehab?
I was familiar with her radio hits but not the whole album. Her vocal style launched a trend in female voices that lingers today in voices like Billy Eilish. Hearing the whole album, it's clear she had a genuine affinity for 60's soul - it wasn't just a gimmick. It's a good album, but if I want to hear that genre, I'm more likely to turn to the classics. 3.8
great if you love Soul
This album's pretty cool – it's got some good vocals and a couple of songs that stand out. It's not mind-blowing or anything, but definitely better than some stuff on this list
A produção é boa e a voz dela também, mas as melodias variam bastante entre irritantes e viciantes. No geral, meio esquecivel mas tem meu respeito Fav tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Back to Black, Tears Dry On Their Own Least fav track: Rehab
Rehab is overplayed but You Know I'm No Good and Back to Black work for me. The title track hits that James Bond soundtrack vibe I like, with the strings and Winehouse's plaintive vocals. There's a timeless quality to this, it doesn't sound like it's trying to be retro but it clearly draws from the soul catalogue of the past.
Amazing, jazzy singing and music but I'm honestly not sure how many of these songs are original and how many are covers...that's how they sound - not in a bad way - they really sound like a blast from the past. I like a lot of the songs on their own, but as an album it's a jazz overload for me. Least Fave: Love is a Losing Game, Just Friends Fave: Back to Black, You Know I'm No Good
Great production and a fantastic voice, without a doubt. Favourite tracks: Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Back to Black, Love Is A Losing Game, Tears Dry On Their Own. Basically the singles, yes.
relisten. very solid album, many great songs but at the end of the day not really my cup of tea.
Maybe she should have gone to rehab? A great opener and she shouldn't have fought it so much. I think Amy has a tremendous voice and in the song Tears Dry on their Own, I thought she sounded a little like Carole King. You can't help but be impressed with her vocals. Can't say this album is much my style, but I did appreciate a number of songs and quite a few lyrics. Much like the song Addicted, I too am a fan a the green! Rehab and Me and Mr. Jones were good tunes. Back to Black definitely my favorite off the album. I certainly wouldn't turn this off, but can't say it's something I would seek out either. A good album and I can see how folks really enjoy her music. I'm going with a 3.5, but scoreboard will show a 3. 3.5
nice, but besides the hits not super interesting for me
Pretty good album, amazing voice, tragic circumstances. Hard to believe she bas been gone thirteen years.
talented vocalist, a bit over produced to make it sound vintage IMO. Probably a 3.5 for vocal performance
I really don’t care for Rehab but the album itself is fine, just not really my taste. Winehouse had the voice and humour and that makes this album listenable. 3 stars
Amy Winehouse brings back an old classic soul sound with a new biting edge to it. Sadly in the 27 club. Such a weird phenomenon about that. I respect her music, but personally don’t prefer to listen to her.
Amy is pretty cool! I like some of the songs on this album but I’m not a huge fan of her sound.
I like You Know I’m No Good and I kind of like Rehab
Heard of Amy Winehouse and quite like her music, but never actually listened to a full album or actively listened. Probably a high 3 as it’s not my usual music.
Nice to have
Beautiful somewhat smoky voice and band is great. Nightclub Smoke filled room vibe
Great voice, some great songs but otherwise meh
First time actually listening to Amy Winehouse. She can sing. It was alright, not really easy for me to get into.
Killer vocals on top of well-done instrumentals that provide a great flow while not hogging the spotlight. Still a bit burnt out on 'Rehab' from radio overplay back in the day, and I'm not sure more than a few tracks will stick with me, but there's no denying this is a well-done LP that showcases Winehouse's amazing talent.
This is a classic and I like Amy Winehouse. So easy to listen to and her voice is amazing. That said, in the pantheon of great R&B/neosoul albums, it doesn't feel like this is breaking any new ground.
Well, I’d never listened to this album, but heard some of the songs. I love a lot of old 60s R&B and Soul, so really dug some of the sounds here. The two main producers did a great job of giving most of these tunes the 60s treatment. It really is amazing what a fully-developed musician Winehouse was at such a young age. She has absolutely total command of that voice and uses it so stylistically it’s really like an instrument. Even though she has entertaining lyrics, it doesn’t really matter all that much. My mind just followed her voice sliding from note to note. Have so much more respect for her talent after listening to this album! Will I ever listen to this album? I would probably just listen to original 60s tracks, however, if I heard a some of these songs playing, I would listen now and enjoy it. I think I would give it a 3.5/5 but that’s not a choice.
Janice de Friends reprend les plus grands standards de la Motown. Les tubes sont maintenant usés. Et je reste mal à l’aise devant l’exploitation de cette femme qui hurle depuis le début qu’elle va mal. Son destin tragique était évident et connu de tous depuis le début, et difficile je trouve de s’enthousiasmer complètement sur ce qui apparait aujourd’hui presque comme des lettres de suicide, car c’est devant cela que tout le monde s’est emballé : un long, lent et inexorable suicide. Je suis fatigué de “Rehab”, donc on va plutôt garder “Back in Black”. “Tears Dry On Their Own” est moins connue mais sympa. Par contre les pouets de trompette sur “Just Friends”, c’est non.
Favorite song: "You know I'm not good" Album: 5/10
Catchy and enjoyable.
Pretty nice, but nothing special to me
Mighty fine album but not super what I am into, so I wouldn't seek out most of these songs again. Sound mixing on Spotify is so quiet!! I have heard a handful of these songs performed live (by randos) and I think this album was truly meant to be performed live. Studio recording does not bring justice to the beauty of these songs. My favorite was Tears Dry On Their Own.
Like all kinds of relationship fuckery
Awesome lead of track. The rest of the album was uninspiring and derivative. Beautiful voice and sound but nothing new or unique
Very reminiscent of an old timey R&B/jazz club sound. Relaxing to listen to even though the lyrical content might suggest otherwise.
Good but not great. Amy has a great voice, but the production is too nostalgic to really work for me. “Back to Black” is a fantastic song however.
2.7/5 Best Track: idk
The songs are well written and performed, but ultimately, I can't understand why "Back to Black" (or Amy's singing) has a reputation as something wholly unique, as nearly everything about it is derivative of black artists who came before. Although, this is maybe more of a criticism of the industry than Amy's work itself. The album is also produced with that early 2000's "loudness" which hasn't aged well to my ears.
Amy sounds like she would have fit in great in a 1920s jazz Cafe in Paris. Some definitely fun beats and well composed music but overall not my thing.
Rehab - 8/10 You Know I’m No Good - 8/10 Me & Mr Jones - 7.5/10 Just Friends - 7/10 Back to Black - 8/10 Love Is a Losing Game - 7.5/10 Tears Dry on Their Own - 7.5/10 Wake Up Alone - 8/10 Some Unholy War - 7.5/10 He Can Only Hold Her - 7.5/10 Addicted - 7.5/10 TOTAL - 82/110
Potential to be great but knowing of her short lived life taints the music for me. Great Barry sax.
It was different from what I had expected.I had heard of her before. Didn’t expect something quite so edgy.
Good, but not something I'd listen to daily
OK. Good starting point.
Always makes me sad to listen to AW. The songs themselves are good but I also get a bit tired of her voice listening to the whole album
3/5. A solid album from a really good, strong voice. No qualms with this one, but nothing really gets it to that next level for me.
Good but not great, and just because she drank herself to death with a smackhead doesn't mean she gets to be better than Dusty Springfield. Plenty of Amy wannabes have stepped into her shoes but left the needle and brandy alone
Thoroughly enjoyable listen. Such soulful vocals and unique stylings. Subject matter doesn't always hit with me, but her ability to sing and ooze soul is great. Fav tracks: You Know I'm No Good, Love Is A Losing Game, He Can Only Hold Her
3 - enjoyable good songs, great voice. I dunno, it’s just abut generic after a while. She was obviously very talented but would rather something a lot less produced and raw
Solid
- RIP - The song Back to Black plays at work all the time and I truly cannot stand it - Cannot deny her vocal talent, but the music isn't really my thing - But it's good enough to not hate it, 3 stars
вики говорит Эми вдохновила Адель - оно и видно. без наезда но не самый приятный моему уху вокальный стиль (да и музыкальный жанр). все респекты Эми!
It's good, but not my genre
BACK TO BLACCCKKK
Not my type of music I guess but I can see it being amazing and different for its time.
Like a 3.7 for me
Rehab was a stand out. Everything else was good but blended together
Pas tant mon genre de musique, mais une magnifique voix.
Not a great album, probably only on here because she died.
I did not like this as much as I thought I would. A lot of the songs felt the same, and I thought her vocals were mixed too quietly a lot of the time. "Rehab" was great as always, but I just don't love her style of music. I felt like a lot of the backing tracks sounded a lot like Lily Allen's first album, which was released only a few months before this one. Maybe that was just what albums sounded like in 2006? Idek what I am saying anymore.
Very girl group 60's kind of vibe, pleasantly infused with early 2000's drum flourishes. Lyrics are a bit darker than old school Motown. It's good, but I don't know if I'll come back to it.
Nice production with nods to 1960s R&B and soul music. Her vocals and sassy and full of swagger. Songs are fun and poppy, nothing overstays it's welcome. The more I listen to all these albums, the more it solidifies how important runtime is. This album is the perfect length at 36 minutes. Why do so many albums go on for nearly an hour?
Not my style but she has a hell of voice
Thank you Amy very cool
A once in a lifetime kind of talent that got ripped away way too soon. That said, even Mark Ronson’s ridiculously good production skills don’t save this album from being a bit of a snoozer after a few tracks. Winehouse’s voice can only carry the album so far before I start to tune out.
Amy’s voice often conjures images in my mind of smoke-filled clubs and lounges from a bygone era; unfortunately, like the smoke filling those rooms, my interest tends to dissipate into thin air over time.
Meh
Fun maar niet mindblowing. Title track 11/10
The first half is definitely better than the second. Her hits are amazing, though.
The first 2 tracks are fantastic but it kind of falls apart from there.
Not my style, but it's fun enough.
This is my first time with any of her music. It's all right and has a decidedly late sixties, early seventies sound, with an occasional modern R&B-sounding vocal. Nothing really jumped out at me and wowed me, but I could see putting on a least some of these tracks in a mix again.
Pretty good. Rehab was the only song I was familiar with, and I can see why that one made it on the radio as it's probably the catchiest track. I really hate only having 5 options to choose from, as this is more like a 3.5 and that Giant Sand album was more like a 2.5, but they both end up as 3's for me.
3/5
I feel like Amys success has actually been slightly detrimental here. I like the album but having heard half of the tracks 500 times in adverts, tv shows, pubs etc I am finding myself pretty bored throughout most of it. I suspect if I listened back when it came out I would enjoy it a lot more.
ok album. rehab is incredible and i enjoyed back to black
Good album, Rehab and Back to Black are the standouts
3.5
Hell of a voice, but album as a whole just didn’t do it for me.
Not my favorite Elliot smith. Average
What a beautiful voice. There arent a ton of tracks on this album i would listen to regularly but i can for sure appreciate how influential it is and its overall just a really tight, solid record.
alkoholihörhö, huumehörhö.. kylillä juosten poikien perässä...vai toistepäinkö heh.. sama albumi kun viimenen viinahuussin tekele.. annettiinko neljää tähtöstä sillin..no otetaan yksi pois siitä heh. kaalassiko albumi.. ohi meni äkkiä rehab
There is a reason why Amy Whinehouse is so populair. Good album filled with good songs. Narrative that strings them togheter. it is just not totally my vibe
She was crazy talented. And a nice modern fusion of new and old. I'd never given this the time before, need to do it again.
The first couple songs stand out, the rest kind of blend together. Her voice is unique and interesting and fun to listen to. The music itself kind of blends together for me. I would add a couple songs to my playlist, but would probably not seek out listening the album, more just let it play if I was in the mood for it when it popped up.
It was OK, not much of a blues/soul fan
1. Rehab- Great 2. You Know I’m No Good- Approve 3. Me and Mr. Jones- Approve 4. Just Friends- Meh 5. Back to Black- Great 6. Love is a Losing Game- Approve 7. Tears Dry On Their Own- Great 8. Wake Up Alone- Approve 9. Some Unholy War- Meh 10. He Can Only Hold Her- Meh 11. Addicted- Approve Overall- 6/10
Was not able to listen to all of it, but what I heard was good.
Winehouse is an icon, with mythic tragedy that surpasses her art. There are some good songs here, and I’ll have Back to Black in my head for a month, but it’s a little underwhelming.
I mean, hard to say it's a bad album. Great production, great voice, couple great songs. But still underwhelming and not a patch on the originals it pays homage to.
i don’t know if i’ve ever listened to this straight through before. fun music. sad she’s gone—i bet she’d be doing interesting things.
Her voice is undeniable and there aren't really any bad songs on the album (apart from Monkey Man what a stinker), in fact there are quite a few great ones, but it all feels a bit too manufactured to hit in any meaningful way. It feels like the producers were trying way too hard for a nostalgic sound, leaving little room for fresh or interesting ideas to permeate through. Fav Track: Me and Mr Jones
A classic for this decade and deserves to be remembered as it is. Some great instrumental moments and in particular amazing drumming, and Winehouse’s talent is obvious. For me though, aside from a couple tracks that do some heavy lifting, this is a style I never fully attached to. Fun listen. Fave track: Back To Black
Oefff. Controversiele mening tijd. Ik ben eerlijk gezegd niet zo fan van Amy Winehouse. Ze kan goed zingen en heeft een enorm karakteristieke stem, dat is zeker. Maar het is niet helemaal mijn jam. Dit album is verder helemaal prima, en er staan legio hits op. Maar het doet het gewoon niet zo voor mij. "They'd try to make me like Amy Winehouse, but I said no, no, no" Favorieten: Addicted
Yea it was kinda fun.
I'm really impressed by Amy making a classic sound and sounding authentic. Very high quality music here. That said, not my cup of tea.
3.5
Average
Great voice, but had her best albums ahead of her I feel, if she had stayed alive. A couple of bangers on here but otherwise the songwriting is not amazing
Pretty good vibes, a head waver. Favorite song was Rehab.
Was wondering when we would see this album. A true worthy addition to this list, although I'm not a huge fan overall, I love some of these songs and I recognize the greatness that this 27 club member has. I can't help but feel the irony that this keeps mentioning she is a UK pop person, too. She is like 15 of the other UK bands combined.
+ Back to black + You know I'm no good - Not a fan of the way she sings in the more 'whiny' songs 1 = turn it off, can't stand it anymore 5 = It's ok, but I won't be listening to the album again 10 = I found my new obsession 6/10
Very talented singer with incredible voice. Album drags on a bit with a few standout tracks
East to listen to. Knowing her endgame, not hard to read between the lines
# 17: ok, died before her time, but still can kind of sing. Great sound, good but not great album. Rehab
Quite an unfortunate first song huh
het is goed - maar is het zo fenomenaal ?
I wouldn't sit down and listen to this usually, tried it back in 2019, thought it was okay, still think its decent. I really really don't like the title track and that puts me off the album a bit, but I really really like Tears Dry On Their Own. Overall very decent, nice length, I'd give it a solid 3
I love the production! And such a cool voice. Just not a style of songs I can get fully into. A legend in her own right. RIP.
not my style
Better than I thought it was gonna be
This album really wasn't my thing, but I've gotta give credit where credit's due. I don't really like the "modern-motown" sound, but they nailed it. Amy Winehouse is impressive. Day later note - it's growing on me
Lol
Knew the big hits from Amy before this, but the other songs on this album are quite good too. Major props to the producers and the Dap Kings. 3 elegant martinis out of 5 🍸🍸🍸
Toimivat sinkut ja osaltaan toimivat filleribiisit. Joku on aina häirinnyt Winehousessa, kulissimaisuus? En pääse siitä tunteesta tätä kuunnellessa eroon - ei tunnu täysin aidolta
Soulina markkinoitua iskelmää vahvimmillaan. Toki osa on täytettä, mukaan lukien osa sinkuista, mutta parhaiden biisien kiistämätön tehokkuus ansaitsee oman tunnustuksensa. Matala 3/3-.
It was alright. I never really got the hype around Amy Winehouse. Her voice is good but I just can’t get into the songs.
Excellent use of strings and horns