Amy Winehouse was a fantastic talent gone far too soon.
Her “Back To Black” album especially has so many phenomenal songs, all of which showcase her unique, swaggering, captivating style. How would I rank all eleven songs from the album?
Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:
OK
11 – Just Friends
Every song on the album has redeeming factors, but I have to separate the strongest from the weakest.
“Just Friends” is the song I’m most likely to skip. It has musical and lyrical themes that are heard elsewhere on the album, and it’s probably the most boring of the bunch.
10 – Some Unholy War
Sturdy groove, but not much else to shout about.
Good
9 – Addicted
Great, catchy vocal refrain.
8 – Wake Up Alone
Heart-breaking lyrics. “Wake Up Alone” is one of many vulnerable moments on the album – which is what made Winehouse such a great artist.
7 – Love Is A Losing Game
A classy ballad. It has hints of the Golden Age of music, as if Nancy Sinatra is pouring her heart out.
Great
6 – He Can Only Hold Her
Over half the songs on “Back To Black” are “Great” or higher. Fantastic album.
“He Can Only Hold Her” has been marred a little by its hook being used in adverts, but the song itself is still a bop.
5 – Tears Dry On Their Own
One of the most positive, uplifting songs on the album (even though the lyrics are still quite downbeat).
4 – You Know I’m No Good
I almost put “You Know I’m No Good” in the “Amazing” tier – it’s another Winehouse classic.
It’s slick and the woodwind section are very tight. I guess my only gripes are that it’s a bit slower compared to my top three, and the bridge isn’t the most scintillating.
Amazing
3 – Me & Mr Jones
I wasn’t familiar with “Me & Mr Jones” until I sat down and listened to the whole album, but it immediately became a personal favourite.
It has the best swing on the album, and Winehouse’s vocals are as sublime as ever.
2 – Rehab
There are so many hits on this album that I thought “Rehab” would be my favourite … except I’d completely forgotten about one other song!
“Rehab” is a classic from start to finish. A little melancholic after Winehouse’s passing, but a classic nonetheless.
All-Time Great
1 – Back To Black
From the moment those piano stabs come through, you know you’re listening to an all-timer.
The title track is every bit as engrossing as it is heart-breaking, and Winehouse sells the betrayal so well. If there’s one song she’s going to be remembered by, it’s “Back To Black”.
Aaaand that’s my list! You can check out some of my latest blog posts below:
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