(Image Credits: UNSPLASH)
Released in October 2006, Amy Winehouse’s album Back To Black is filled with raw emotion inspired by her rocky relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil. Winehouse’s expressive vocals and introspective lyrics, fused with her inspirations from 1960’s Soul, Jazz and Blues music, blew up the charts with the release of this groundbreaking album.
Released three years after her debut album, Back To Black consists of 11 songs spanning 34 minutes in total, making this album a great quick listen during your commute.
The project sees Amy reflecting on her struggles, turning them into something more powerful and inspiring. The song where this is most palpable is ‘You Know I’m No Good’ as she channels her pain into a musical masterpiece. Despite the backlash she faced in the media, the strength she had to lay out her pain to the public is so admirable.
It’s no surprise that the record’s lead single ‘Rehab’ soared to the top of the charts, winning Winehouse her second Ivor Novello award, alongside a staggering five Grammys overall.
The most underrated song on the album in my opinion is ‘Me & Mr Jones’ exploring themes of intense emotional attraction, infidelity and desire, all based on her real life experiences.
How Amy Winehouse is able to transform her personal struggles into such captivating music is inspiring. Despite its dark themes and lyrics, it’s hard not to belt out most of Back To Black’s songs in the shower. Amy is one of the greatest artists I’ve had the pleasure to listen to, and I would recommend everyone to take a moment to appreciate her as a person, as well as a musician.