Within a short span of time, Amy Winehouse left quite a mark in the world of music, with her formidable talent.
The British soul-diva, marred by her personal struggles and tribulations, had the ability to render gut-wrenching soul to a song, breathing life into her music. Her unique tonal quality and her retro-inspired music, made her a standout performer among a generation of artists, majority of whom sound almost alike.
And although her life was cut-short, as she passed at the young age of 27, and she could only curate just 2 studio albums during the time, she still managed to be found and recognised as a once-in-a-lifetime vocal talent, that had to be treasured.
Winehouse’s vocals were reminiscent of the great jazz vocalists of the 40’s, yet they sounded fresh and millennial. The amount of emotion she put into her songs and performances was way beyond her years, but it was her overall tonal quality that made her recognisable in a crowd of thousands.
Looking back at some of the late singer’s best songs in her rather small discography, we celebrate 10 of the best tracks released during the course of her short-lived career.
Here are the 10 best songs by Amy:
10) Back To Black
A sensational tune about love and heartbreak. Amy’s powerful vocal delivery and the breakdown towards the end, when she repeats the world ‘black’, makes this a standout pick in her worth-cherishing catalogue.
9) Help Yourself
A beautifully composed and produced track, with the quirkiness of Amy’s vocals and an incredibly catchy hook. Help Yourself is one of those songs from Winehouse’s catalogue, that you can’t help but sing along to.
8) Cupid
Featured on the deluxe edition of her superhit album, ‘Back To Black’ – this heartfelt, romantic tune was originally recorded by Sam Cooke back in the early 60’s and later covered by a number of other artists. It was the cover by Johnny Nash that served as the base for Amy’s phunk-ish take on this eternal classic, and she still easily managed to make it sound like her own.
7) Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
A heart-rendering tune about love beyond the superficial. Amy’s vocal delivery here reek of a sense of insecurity and uncertainty, as she croons about the possibility of her lover sticking around for more than just the physicality of their relationship. Her ability to make one relate to a situation even if you’ve never been in it, is transcendental.
6) Me and Mr. Jones
Featured on her Grammy winning LP, Back To Black, the track is a major throwback to the great era of Jazz, mixed with modern and present-day relatable lyrics. It is said that Winehouse had written this heartfelt track about fellow performer Nas – who she reportedly had a crush on. The duo also collaborated on the track – Cherry Wine.
5) You Know I’m No Good
A trademark hit from Amy, which became one of her signature hits. Her impeccable and almost iconic phrasing in the chorus of this stunningly produced tune is still indelible. How she emphasises on a certain phrases and words to bring out an extra special meaning out of the lyric, was a part of her story-telling genius. And it is very much evident on this song.
4) Love Is A Losing Game
The pain and emotion, Amy put in this song through her vulnerable-sounding voice still makes for a tear-jerking experience. A sublime ode to a lost love, with yet another retro-sounding vocal arrangement.
3) Tears Dry On Their Own
A catchy bop from Winehouse, sampling the classic – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, featured on her Back To Back album. Released as the fourth single from the multi-platinum selling LP, the song wasn’t as much of a hit as her previous singles from the album – but it still reeks of her talent and emotionally-captivating story-telling prowess – making it one of her most enjoyable listening experiences.
2) In My Bed
A remarkable production and composition, led by a sensational and fierce vocal delivery from Amy. Released as the third single from her debut album, ‘Frank’ in the year 2003, the song features an incredibly catchy chorus that you just can’t help but sing along to.
1) Rehab
A song detailing Amy’s much-publicised battle with drug and alcohol addiction and her multiple stints with rehabilitation centres. Her internal turmoil and the up’s and down’s of her life and relationships, were beautifully penned and passionately sung by Winehouse in this award-winning intimate tune, that remains her most well-recognised signature classic to this day.
It is saddening to know the world of music faced such irrevocable loss, as the life of someone – who had so much more to offer to the world, was cut down short. Despite the few songs recorded during this short time, her star still burned bright in everyone’s eyes, and her talent still manages to leave an unforgettable mark in everyone’s mind.
Honorable mention also goes to her songs like – Valerie, Stronger Than Me, Wake Up Alone, Body And Soul – to name a few.