Back to Black by Amy Winehouse (CD, Mar-2007, Universal Republic)

Fantastic album. As I said in my review title, this is a rare gem in a sea of crappy copycats and sound-alikes; in a world where everyone is trying to release a sound that sounds like everyone else sounds (does that make sense?), Amy Winehouse releases a throw-back to better musical days.

This album is a confirmation of the fact that good music will never die, even if dead music continues to live. The smooth R&B/blues/soul/jazz sounds are Mo-town all over again. And I am thrilled.

I am a musical purist and I don't care for much of what is released these days, but this album is a wonderful exploration of the old sounds with an updated groove and a funky edge.

Every song is at least good. In my humble opinion, the standouts are "Rehab", "You know I'm No Good", "Back to Black", "Tears Dry On Their Own", "Some Unholy War", and "He Can Only Hold Her".

To carry that one step further, I would point to true, amazing standouts as "ME & MR. JONES", a slow groove with motown like backing vocals and thick leading vocals from Amy. A true treat for the ears.
Also, "JUST FRIENDS". This has to be the BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM. A smooth, rasta-infused jazzy upbeat tune, slow and easy. This gal is amazing.

Man, can you say Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, Etta James? This lady has a beautiful future if she sticks with what got her to this point. Her vocals are purely classic, thick and textured like few others can. She has placed herself at the pinnacle of musical history, not just modern music.

Simply stated, this album is sardonic, muddled, ironic, melancholy rantings of an alcoholic (recovering or admitted, I'm not sure) siren.

A must have for any pure music lover.

I am very picky about music, sticking mostly to classics (classical, classic rock, mo-town, big-band, swing, blues or jazz) but this album breaks through the monotony of the typical crap of today and shines brightly.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, THIS SHOULD BE ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE GRAMMY'S. WON'T SURPRISE ME IF SHE'S OVERLOOKED BY THE SHEEP, BUT SHE DESERVES IT 100%.

Amy Whine house is a breath of fresh air to the music industry. Her unique sound Rocks! From her fab hairstyle to her charming girl personality, she brings a raw, real feel to her music, leaving us wanting more. If I have to compare... 'Rehab' has a great 1950's beat, blues vocals, early rock & roll horns and an overall Rockabilly feel. She's s nice change of sound from what we are hearing come out of the USA. 'You Know I'm No Good' has a nice sultry sound, with awesome rolling vocals controlling the sexy rhythm of the piece. It's nice to see and hear someone who doesn't fit the paper cutter box American Idol type performer. We have enough of them. Welcome Amy. Bring on some more!

I first heard the song Rehab, and just love the catchy tune, writing, and i love Amy's voice. She makes me think of many different eras when i hear her sing different songs, and i feel a timeless vibe from many of the songs on this album. Bluesy, a little jazzy, and pop, i've listened twice to the whole album. I recomend the album to you if you like a torch type singer, with a really interesting voice, her songs are hot for a good reason.

Every once in a while, I get a CD that makes me say "OH MY GOD, WHAT HAVE I GOT HERE!? This is one of those CD's. I absolutely LOVE it! this is some of the best talent I,ve come across for a few months--years? She is the most talented artist I,ve come across forever! I listen to it over and over and love it more each time. I,m one of those people that love the unordinary. Like I,ve always said-the majority of people don,t have a clue as to what fantastic talent is. For example I asked my sister in law if likes her and she started ranting on about 'I can,t stand her - she,s nothing but a big druggie!' I said have you ever listened to music? She said no and I don,t want to! So as to prove my point, there you are. Amy Winehouse is fantastic! I hope she atays around for a long, long time to come.

Has a nice soothing vibe to her CD. Has an ole' school feel! I love letting the CD play. Sad to say that her explicit language was unnecessary in some of the songs-- did nothing to add to the music. Amy Winehouse is so musically talented that you end up pitying her. Too talented to waste it away with her addictive behaviors. But buy the CD, maybe you can get past her troubled life long enough to melt away with her lyrics.