Back To Black by Amy Winehouse Review

Stories of alcohol abuse and irreverence are usually the talk of male recording artists, with Courtney Love being the only exception to the rule. Enter Amy Winehouse, a British songstress who embodies the individualism of Pink, the brash of a younger Madonna, the soul of Erykah Badu, and the spirit of 1960's jazz singers on Back To Black. T

The animated nature of Back To Black is rarely seen these days because there is a certain stigma that goes along with it when it's attached to an entertainer. Nevertheless, Amy Winehouse embraces any comparison the media and listening public has for her. The appeal of the presumptuous "Rehab" sent the song soaring up the charts and feverishly downloaded into MP3 players.

"You Know I'm No Good" is just as assertive, only this time it's Amy giving a fair warning about who she is and you'll ultimately have to deal with it. "Me and Mr. Jones" is filled with humorous (yet adult-natured) quips about a guy that's stood her up for a Slick Rick concert. She even ponders her relationship with a guy who's already taken for the song "Just Friends."

Songs like "Love Is A Losing Game" and "Wake Up Alone" are very descriptive and seem more heartfelt than just regular compositions by everyday songwriters.

The album closes with the enamored track "Some Unholy War," the engrossing lyrics of "He Can Only Hold Her," and a remix of "You Know I'm No Good" with Ghostface Killah giving a riveting verse filled with conviction to accompany the theme of the song.

Back To Black is good, mature music that invites listeners to examine the true meaning of the songs. Amy Winehouse has a way with words, and thankfully for her....everybody's listening.