I don’t know , but I sincerely hope someone in her close surrounding can intervene and help her. This is so sad.Amy Winehouse Those were Moby’s words published on Twitter after their mutual concert in my hometown Belgrade, which turned out to be Amy’s last concert ever. The singer offered less of what made her famous (good music) and more of what maintained her fame (scandals). Although, she only wanted music. And few drinks. And few good joynts. Maybe one line as well. We still don’t know the cause of her death, it is difficult to believe that her death has nothing to do with her irresponsible behavior and unhealthy lifestyle.
Amy is described as jazz diva, while in reality she was anti-diva. She was lured by forbidden fruits and hazardous boyfriend, and ended up tragically, leaving the world in tears. Most of us were selfish in our sorrow, disappointed that we are not going to get more of her music.
Winehouse’s debut Frank was soaked in jazz with the atmosphere similar to the records of Van Morrison. Initially, the album was not a huge commercial success, but she got caught on music critics’ radar. She was on my radar as well. Winehouse knew how to organize melodies, yet her vocal interpretation was still insecure and insufficiently developed, at least If we compare it with what came afterwards. On Frank, she insisted on similar vocal mannerisms, and it came out as trying to hard. Still, Frank promoted corkiness and originality of its author as a new fashion scream. Frank was a scream of a young artist who wanted to be weird and different, a girl who didn’t give a damn. She was leaning on tradition, but managed to sound incredibly modern and refreshing. My absolute favorite from Amy’s debut is Stronger than me. It is so epic, I still have it on my Deezer favorites playlist.
All of a sudden, it was hip to listen to soul and jazz legends such as Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway, Dinah Washington and Nat King Cole. In a way, Amy offered new traditionalism: she evoked the work of legends, but delivered a new prism through which their work can be perceived and heard. She gave a shoutout to Ray Charles in Rehab, and to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in Tears Dry On Their Own. As you have noticed, we have jumped to her sophomore record.
Back To Black was deeper investigation of soul and rhythm and blues. They tried to make me go to rehab but I said no no no was probably the biggest verse of the decade. The song was interpreted as a rebellious reaction to moralizing society who started judging her for using certain substances. On the cover of the album, the singer appeared significantly thinner, but the quality of music proved that she is very capable for creative work. You Know I’m No Good summarizes the singer’s state of chaos in intimate relationships. In title track, Amy brilliantly combined sixties melodies, forbidden love story, endless yearning and endless disappointment. The video magnificently showed the haunted soul of legendary singer. Another track worth mentioning is Love Is A Losing Game that offers morose vision of love from universal perspective. No matter how stereotypical the words, Amy’s impeccable vocal interpretation made it idiosyncratic.
Long story short, Back To Black made Amy Winehouse into the most famous musician in the world. Sadly, Amy never wanted to be famous. It was the very success of the album that took her away from us. Consider this review as my homage to one of the most important artist of our times.
