Back to Black [PA] 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%.

I absolutely love this CD. At first, I did not care for Amy Winehouse, even a little bit. I thought it was a guy that sang Rehab when I first heard it on the radio. I felt that she was mocking the system and was infuriated that she was even nominated for an award, let alone getting it for a song about a substance abuse problem she had and refused to get help. My brother played it for me back in Dec when we visited for Christmas. Then I listened to her music on the internet and let me tell you something...this girl can sing and will go real far once she gets her act together. She has got a fantastic voice. I have two of her cds and Back to Black is her best. I can't stop listening to it. I purchased 3 copies on ebay. I have one in the car, one in the house, and gave one away to my sister and her husband. I knew they would like her classic voice. There are some vulgarities in the the lyrics (I write them off as Amyisms!), but I've gotten past that with her display of skill with the music and a great set of pipes. Her voice is strong and pure. This girl has truly got talent. Do not miss this CD if you get the chance...it's worth the listen. Don't prejudge her as I did. Waste no time...get on ebay and find your CD now!!! P.S. Do not purchase from Walmart as they only sell the censored version. That's how they can undercut everyone else's prices. Don't let yourself be ripped off. There are plenty of great deals on ebay...you just have to look.

As a member of the senior community who would have thought that I'd be crazy about this CD? Unique, haunting, edgy, Amy Winehouse has it all on Back to Black. I had to track down the haunting song I heard on Rescue me to find out who was singing that song (Unholy war). And whoever produced this album (are they still calling them albums?) knows exactly what they are doing because it's not just her unusual vocals or very terse lyrics that will grab you but that orchestration! Can't say enough good things about this lady's talent. I hope she can hold on long enough to turn her life around. I'd be curious to see what she comes up with next.

This cd is fabulous from start to finish. Amy Winehouse is just so talented. Her voice is soulful. Her songs are brutally blunt...and hit right on the spot on sooooooo many levels (Back To Black, Rehab, Tears Dry On Their Own and You Know I'm No Good to name a few). It's a shame this girl has so many personal issues because I really, really love her music. I'm a HUGE fan of the 50's & 60's music so this album definitely has my vote for one of the best albums to date. Highly recommended.

Amy Winehouse has a voice that can only be described as sultry. Her voice is reminiscent of Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hall and Ella Fitzgerald. Back to Black is Amy's sophomore album following her successful first album, Frank. Amy Winehouse has got one of the best R&B voices around.

The lyrics on this album are based on Amy Winehouse's life experiences. The album starts off with the catchy song, Rehab. I guess this is Amy's response to her former record labels attempt to get her to enter rehab. Anyway, the lyrics and rhythm of this song is infectious. You'll be singing this tune in your head for hours.

There are two versions of this album available, one with explicit lyrics and the second version is cleaned up for those of you that are uncomfortable with explicit language.

If you want to catch a rising star, then you should hurry up and buy this album. Amy Winehouse is destined to be one of the great contemporary R&B singers. So long as she doesn't burn herself out. I highly recommend this album for anyone that enjoys great female R&B music!