Shazam’s Music Of The Decade: Amy Winehouse
When Amy Winehouse released her debut album, ‘Frank’, she failed to make too much of a splash and was widely compared to successful jazz influenced singers of the time such as Norah Jones and Katie Melua. While the risqué lyrical content of some tracks helped separate her from the pack, no one was quite prepared for the jump she would make with her follow up. ‘Back To Black’ was the perfect answer to any fears of the dreaded second album syndrome. ‘Rehab’ – the first single and album opener – perfectly sets the tone for one of the most brutally honest albums of the decade. While the singer’s private life has been well documented, to a level that has threatened to overshadow the singer’s talent, Amy Winehouse isn’t one to shy away from the harsh realities of life and she displays this perfectly through her music.
However ‘Back To Black’ is by no means a morose, reflective record. Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi’s production gives the album a distinctive Motown feel that juxtaposes perfectly with Winehouse’s lyrics. Tracks such as ‘You Know That I’m No Good’, ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ and title track ‘Back To Black’ are arguably some of the finest pop songs produced in the 00’s. Standing up as one the defining albums of the decade, ‘Back To Black’ established Amy Winehouse as one of nations most talked about stars. It’s the sound of an artist truly hitting their stride, but hopefully not their peak. While many know Winehouse as a tabloid fixture, let’s hope ‘Back To Black’ isn’t the zenith of the singer’s career.
