Album Review: Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’d have noticed that I seldom do album reviews. I do a review only if I like the content very much. Previously, I reviewed Frou Frou’s Details album. I really loved Amy Winehouse’s new album ‘Back To Black’. It really sounds new vis-a-vis all the pop sounds we get to hear these days. She retains the jazz feel while rendering the tracks for the present day audience.

1. Rehab

When I first listened to this track, honestly, I didn’t like it. But, it was such a big hit with masses! Even now, though I don’t like this song much, it’s a good single to listen to. It’s the lead single of the album and was produced by Mark Ronson (of ‘Stop me if you think you’ve heard this one before‘, a cover of the Smiths hit) and Amy Winehouse. The song was written about Winehouse’s refusal to attend an alcohol rehabilitation centre after her management team encouraged her to go.

My Rating: 8/10

2. You Know I’m NoGood

I looooove this song! Yep… It’s my favorite one on the album. It’s the second single from the album and it’s about Amy’s lover cheating her and ‘coz of that her cheating on him! On the recap of ‘The Best Songs of 2007′ by the magazine Entertainment Weekly this song ranked at number 2. The music is very catchy and the way she sings the song, it’s mesmerizing!

My Rating: 9.5/10

3. Me & Mr. Jones

It has a very jazz feel to it. Not one of my faves but it makes for a good listen. It’s also known as What Kind Of Fuckery? Hmmm… explicit lyrics! Anyway, Amy’s songs are just so! You’d listen to Fuck me Pumps on the previous album of hers.

My Rating: 7/10

4. Just Friends

A very slow rendition which picks up a medium pace. I guess it’d make for a good listen just like Me & Mr. Jones. It’s a break up song. Reportedly, Amy wrote these songs when she was undergoing an aftermath of a breakup!

My Rating: 6/10

5. Back To Black

An absolute breakup song and the third single/title track from the album. The video is shot beautifully in black and white. It’s gonna be among the best break up songs (that’s among millions, I guess!) for the years to come.

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to
I go back to us

Great lyrics in here! A sad song, it is, but you won’t feel it as one and that’s the beauty of it.

My Rating: 9/10

6. Love Is A Losing Game

This is another slow song on the album and as the title suggests it’s another breakup song. Very very very sad song. But, I really liked the tune.

For you I was a flame,
Love is a losing game
Five story fire as you came,
Love is losing game

One I wish I never played,
Oh, what a mess we made
And now the final frame,
Love is a losing game

You may have noticed that I made a wallpaper (1024×76 on this song and posted it on the blog. Check it out here.

7. Tears Dry On Their Own

Seemingly, Amy’s breakup has showered a lotta breakup songs on us! This is another one. Musically, “Tears Dry on Their Own” is a re-recording of the 1967 Motown classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” written by the married duo of Ashford & Simpson.

I couldn’t play myself again,
I should just be my own best friend,
Not f**k myself in the head with stupid men.

He walks away,
The sun goes down,
He takes the day but I’m grown
And in your way,
In this blue shade
My tears dry on their own.

An upbeat song for all those lovelorn out there

My Rating: 9/10

8. Wake Up Alone

A slow rendition once again. Just like Just Friends, it makes for a great listen on repetition. It’s not my favorite.

My Rating: 6.5/10

9. Some Unholy War

It sounds like an old classic. If you like jazz very much, you’ll love this song.

My Rating: 6/10

10. He Can Only Hold Her

Good song and catchy humming and music. An upbeat number which makes a good listen for an evening. At 2 minutes length, it finishes fast and you’ll love the song.

My Rating: 7/10

11. Valerie

This song isn’t available on the album release. It’s on the deluxe edition of the album and it’s on the b’sides of Back To Black single. This is a cover of The Zuton’s 2006 hit Valerie. I prefer this cover to the original song. Both of ‘em sound different and Amy’s version is lovely!

My Rating: 8.5/10

I love the album very much and I should say whoever chose the singles for the official release has done a great job. All the singles are hit. Love Is A Losing Game is the last single off the album. I’m really looking forward to the Grammy’s on Feb. 10! Buy the album and give it a listen.

~ by Saawan on January 10, 2008.