Back to Black [Explicit Lyrics]

( 48 )

Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Mark Schwartz
America was introduced to Amy Winehouse through her second album (her U.K. debut, Frank, saw release during Back to Black's reign at the top of the charts), but got caught up with storyline quickly enough: "Rehab," her inescapable and perfect single, branded her right from the start. Here was Amy, obviously a major vocal talent, but also nearly superheroically self-destructive. Unlike her hometown audience, we never got to hear that expressive, jazz-indebted voice outside of the carnival of tawdriness that has followed Winehouse since Back to Black surfaced, that is, apart from the cartoon. But our gain is an artist fully formed. The album is smartly conceived, and as ...
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Mark Schwartz
America was introduced to Amy Winehouse through her second album (her U.K. debut, Frank, saw release during Back to Black's reign at the top of the charts), but got caught up with storyline quickly enough: "Rehab," her inescapable and perfect single, branded her right from the start. Here was Amy, obviously a major vocal talent, but also nearly superheroically self-destructive. Unlike her hometown audience, we never got to hear that expressive, jazz-indebted voice outside of the carnival of tawdriness that has followed Winehouse since Back to Black surfaced, that is, apart from the cartoon. But our gain is an artist fully formed. The album is smartly conceived, and as lean as the anorectic-seeming Winehouse would herself unfortunately become. Thanks goes to the production team: Salaam Remi, whose hip-hop record meshes perfectly with the increasingly interesting Motown fixations of Mark Ronson. The pair devise a musical space tailor-made to Winehouse's contemporary take on the '50s bad girl that was already apparent in her tart lyrics and wild bouffant 'do. Honking saxophones, tambourines and hand-claps (most from the busy Brooklyn studio band the Daptones) herald a sound that's been attempted before but never fully succeeded. And that's where Amy comes in, with that wonderfully singular voice, equally at home crooning pillow talk as gutter talk, each surprisingly, shockingly delivered verse a lot more interesting than her tabloid exploits would warrant. Here's hoping she finds a way to top one of 2007's best albums.
All Music Guide - John Bush
The story of Back to Black is one in which celebrity and the potential of commercial success threaten to ruin Amy Winehouse, since the same insouciance and playfulness that made her sound so special when she debuted could easily have been whitewashed right out of existence for this breakout record. That fact may help to explain why fans were so scared by press allegations that Winehouse had deliberately lost weight in order to present a slimmer appearance. Although Back to Black does see her deserting jazz and wholly embracing contemporary R&B, all the best parts of her musical character emerge intact, and actually, are all the better for the transformation from jazz vocalist to soul siren. With producer Salaam Remi returning from Frank, plus the welcome addition of Mark Ronson fresh off successes producing for Christina Aguilera and Robbie Williams, Back to Black has a similar sound to Frank but much more flair and spark to it. Winehouse was inspired by girl group soul of the '60s, and fortunately Ronson and Remi are two of the most facile and organic R&B producers active. They certainly know how to evoke the era too; Remi's "Tears Dry on Their Own" is a sparkling homage to the Motown chestnut "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and Ronson summons a host of Brill Building touchstones on his tracks. As before, Winehouse writes all of the songs from her experiences, most of which involve the occasionally riotous and often bittersweet vagaries of love. Also in similar fashion to Frank, her eye for details and her way of relating them are delightful. She states her case against "Rehab" on the knockout first single with some great lines: "They tried to make me go to rehab I won't go go go, I'd rather be at home with Ray" Charles, that is. As often as not, though, the songs on Back to Black are universal, songs that anyone, even Joss Stone, could take to the top of the charts, such as "Love Is a Losing Game" or the title song "We only said good bye with words, I died a hundred times/You go back to her, and I go back to black".
Entertainment Weekly - Will Hermes
[Grade: A-] All told, it's a near-perfect set that declares not just the arrival of a fully formed talent, but possibly the first major salvo of a new British Invasion.

[Grade: A-] All told, it's a near-perfect set that declares not just the arrival of a fully formed talent, but possibly the first major salvo of a new British Invasion.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 3/13/2007
  • Label: Republic
  • UPC: 602517229679
  • Catalog Number: 000842802
  • Sales rank: 8,493

Album Credits

Performance Credits
Amy Winehouse Primary Artist, Guitar, Background Vocals
Vincent Henry Clarinet, Flute, Guitar, Piano, Celeste, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Mike Smith Tenor Saxophone
Bruce Purse Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Bass Trumpet
Peter G. Hanson Violin
Mark Berrow Violin
Dave Bishop Baritone Saxophone
Liz Edwards Violin
Richard Edwards Tenor Trombone
John Heley Cello
Andrew MacKintosh Alto Saxophone
Anthony Pleeth Cello
Johnathan Rees Violin
Salaam Remi Bass, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass
Frank Ricotti Percussion
Steve Sidwell Trumpet, Harp
Jamie Talbot Tenor Saxophone
Kate Wilkinson Viola
Helen Tunstall Harp
Sam Koppelman Percussion
Boguslaw Kostecki Violin
Bruce White Viola
Victor Axelrod Piano, Hand Clapping, Hand Clapping, Wurlitzer
Cochemea Gastelum Baritone Saxophone
Chris Elliott Conductor
Everton Nelson Violin
Perry Mason Violin, Leader
Rachel Bolt Viola
Chris Davies Alto Saxophone
Warren Zielinski Violin
Neal Sugarman Tenor Saxophone
Vaughan Merrick Hand Clapping, Hand Clapping
John Adams fender rhodes
Mark Ronson Tambourine, Hand Clapping, Hand Clapping, Finger Snapping
Ian Hendrickson-Smith Baritone Saxophone
Nick Movshon Bass Guitar
Tom Pigott Smith Violin
Binky Griptite Guitar
Homer Steinweiss Drums
Jon Thorne Viola
Joely Koos Cello
Thomas Brenneck Guitar
Christopher Tombling Violin
Peter Hanson Violin
Dave Guy Trumpet
Troy Auxilly-Wilson Drums
Technical Credits
Nick Ashford Composer
Paul O'Duffy Composer
Salaam Remi Producer, Audio Production
Valerie Simpson Composer
Richard Poindexter Composer
Robert Poindexter Composer
Chris Elliott Orchestration, Orchestral Arrangements
Dominic Morley Engineer
Perry Mason Orchestra Leader
Derek Pacuk Engineer
Vaughan Merrick Engineer
Mark Ronson Arranger, Composer, Producer, Engineer, Audio Production
Gabriel Roth Arranger, Engineer
Amy Winehouse Composer
Matt Paul Engineer
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 48 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(35)

4 Star

(8)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(3)

1 Star

(0)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 48 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 2, 2011

    Amy Came, Conquered, & Moved On 2 A Better Place!

    I never heard of Amy Winehouse before "Rehab", but after hearing this album I was a fan for life! She is an incredible artist who will never be forgotten! Love you Amy...

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    the best soulful artist

    Back to black is my favorite album. Ive been listening to it for
    2 years and still love it. Its hard to find an album that can keep
    me listening from start to finish. theres not one song on this album
    that I dont like. Amy winehouse is my favorite artist because of her
    original voice and honest lyrics.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Amy Winehouse CD

    I think this is one of her best CD's Amy Winehouse made so far. Love it! Definitely reccommend this to friends and family~~

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Extreme Talent

    A wonderfully talented young woman. I cannot wait until she is able to pull her life back together and get back in the studio.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Big Fan

    This is actually a replacement because I couldn't find the one I had. I love this album, every song. Still enjoy it after what? 3 years? Any one who loves old Motown, et.al should love it also. Just hope Amy lives to sing again.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Alright, Still

    One of the best pop albums of 2007.

    I can remember when I first heard "Rehab" in 2007 in the car. It was such a great and original song that was kind of different than the other hits out on the radio then. I got her album in 2007 because I loved her hit "Rehab." The bad part is the remix featuring Jay-Z that I heard on the radio isn't on this album. If you're looking for that version check out iTunes for that song. The rest of this album is great especially "Tears Dry On Their Own" and "He Can Only Hold Her."

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Nothing Short of Brilliant

    Back to Black is one of the best soul albums, British or otherwise, to come out in years. Her brassy mix of emotive vocals tinged with 60's girl group styling combined with jazz rightly prompted to the New York Daily News to crown Winehouse's Back to Black a: &quot marvelous debut that would do Etta James proud.&quot Back to Black smolders with a fusion of old school doo-wop/soul inflected uprisings creating instant classics like Rehab, Back to Black, Me and Mrs. Jones, Waking Up Alone, and the albums closer, Addicted. Love her or hate her, you can't deny Winehouse's exceptional talent.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    THRILLING!!!

    Amy Winehouse is the real deal. Echoes of Dusty Springfield, Ronnie Spector, Motown and even Little Willie John permeate this record. (Doesn't it feel more like a record than a CD?) Her talent is palpable, almost spine-tingling. Mark Ronson's production strikes the perfect balance between retro and 21st century sounds. Yes her personal life seems to be in shambles, but sometimes suffering begats great art. (k.d. lang's art has never been eclipsed by her 1992 offering, &quot Ingenue&quot an album cloaked in the heartache of unrequited love). Cut ol' Amy some slack. Had the tabloids closely monitored the excesses of Janis Joplin back in the day, would her music have been so heartfelt? We will never know. If Winehouse never makes another record, &quot Back In Black&quot remains a masterpiece.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Absolute Brilliance

    Back to Black is by far one of the most moving and brilliant albums of the past twenty years. Love her or hate her you have to give it up for Amy Winehouse. These songs say so much and have a style that is there own. Frank is one of my favorite CD's and Back to Black is a complete turn from the R&B style of her first album. Amy is a true talent.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great CD!

    It is amazing! So worth buying!Anyone should buy this ablum if they like GREAT music!I haven't seen something this good in a long time!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    awsome!!

    this cd is really good and comes close to me in hart

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Disappointing Second Effort

    After getting 'Frank' last week and being blown away by Amy's voice and range, I was very disappointed with 'Back to Black'. Instead of this, get a compilation of girl groups of the '50s and '60s. This is a one-note retro CD that doesn't begin to showcase the talent she showed in 'Frank'. Every song on that CD is a gem, and she sings in different styles, unlike on this one. If you're considering this as your intro to Amy Winehouse, I highly recommend 'Frank' and that you give this one a pass.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Back to what music should sound like :"

    If you've never heard of Amy Winehouse, but've noticed her staying in the Top 10 bestselling CD category in Barnes and Noble, then get ready to listen. Every track brings back the soulful sounds of the 60s. All of her lyrics are moving and deep, and sure there is a little bit of language, but it helps to convey the true message. I've just purchased this CD, and I haven't stopped listening to it! Enjoy!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    I'm so impressed with Amy's lyrics and music. I've been listening to the CD non-stop since I got it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Blown away by Amy

    I got this album today and I'm totally blown away by Amy's voice and total performance. The next coming days I will be listening to this album non-stop.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    What a mess

    This album is terrible. someone bought this for me and I threw it the trash. she has such a horrible voice and dont get me started on the album cover, which she look like someone who needs to go to rehab.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    My dad loved it, my customers love it, and you'll love it too! It's a great cd that I listen to every morning when I wake up. Amy Winehouse has gotta win a grammy for best new artist...no one can top her

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Smooth Winehouse

    Forgive the drag on "wake up alone" and the "you know i'm no good remix" this cd hits all the right notes. give this brit a chance!! I'm really missing K.T Tunstall, but am realizing now that Winehouse is the next best thing. Recommended for sure!! If you've ever been to rehab, cheated on someone, drank till you've dropped, or simply been in love, Winehouse defiantly fits the bill.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    This lady can sing! I love this cd! It is unlike anything I have ever heard. Her voice is wonderful soulful! Rehab, Love is A losing game & Tears dry on their own are my favorites.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A reviewer

    I read recently that the music industry was complaining about people only downloading the hit singles of songs from iTunes, and the fact was pointed out that it's because the music world has gone back to the days where the hit-single is what's marketable. Which means that artists are not creating albums full of rich vibrant music. This is so not the case with Back to Black. Amy Winehouse has managed to drench her soul-filled sound with the great beats and melodies from the past. Although she's been compared with Joss Stone, I think she blows Joss out of the water. The music is fresh, funky, and with a great touch of irreverence. If Ms. Stone is considered to be the next Aretha Franklin, then Amy is the next Etta James. Her stamp is all over the record and every single song is like nothing you've heard before. It's been a long time since I've bought an album that was so strong from beginning to end. I've played it over and over so many times it's almost ridiculous. And even though this was just released, I can't wait for the next. This will truly blow you away.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 48 Customer Reviews