EIGHT/BACK TO BLACK/AMY WINEHOUSE
We've all been here. Especially those of us in our 20's. We've all felt like we've never knew there was a love like this before. [Shit some of us "CRUSH" too hard, as if that shit's a guarantee] And then, of course, we fall to pieces when that love fades from our view, as if the man or woman walking out that door and not coming back no more is the last person on this earth who will find us attractive and/or accept us for who we are, flaws and all. But let's be honest here, more times than not we need that free, post break-up down time to wake up alone, stay up late, and get tied up enough just so we don't have to think about thinking. [Hey at least we're not just drinking right?] Just ask Amy Winehouse, who, in 2007 struck a nerve and captured many a listener's heart not because she is a frail Jewish Brit with a towering beehive and tarnished soul [though for some it added to her allure], but because she kept it real, and to that we could all relate. And the fact that she chose to wrap all these real talk thoughts and sentiments in a wall of sound reminiscent of a time when artists and musicians "let that Bitch breathe" is simply icing on the cake. Which is why it is so easy to get lost in the talented musicianship and arrangements of those that stand behind her. [And really, why wouldn't you? Shout out/Big Ups to Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi, and the Dap Kings.]But the star of the show is Ms. Winehouse, the young 24 year old girl who feels played by this game called love, reciting lyrics and revisiting old/current scenarios that read less like lyrics on a page, and more like animated, emotion filled stories and rants told to you by your girl outside on the porch stoop. Peep how she sucks her teeth at the thirty-eight second mark during verse one of He Can Only Hold Her; Marvel at the staunchly stubborn "as if I ain't got enough shit going on in my life" fuck off of Rehab [and how in the same song she sing speaks "nuh uh" before "NO NO NO"]; Or how she pretty much shouts "WHAT KIND OF FUCKERY ARE WE?" when some crazy young sire has the nerve to get between her and a Slick Rick gig [Me and Mr. Jones]. Yes, Ms. Winehouse tells it like it is, walking a fine line between not giving a fuck/I got this, and Lord, let no man put asunder. It's enough to make you want lean on the poor girl's shoulder, give a firm one armed hug, and simply say "It's okay. Let it out girl. That boy ain't shit anyway..."
KEY TRACKS: Mr. and Mr. Jones/Tears Dry On Their Own/He Can Only Hold Her
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