Amy Winehouse was a U.K. born singer-songwriter whose audacious yet cheeky behavior earned her the media- designated title as a “modern diva of soul music”. Winehouse, against her own inclination, became an international musical icon in the early 2000s. Her absolute adoration and pursuit of music for music’s sake is what inspired her creation of timeless and groundbreaking work. Winehouse’s music granted her a plethora of recognitions, nominations, and awards throughout her career. However, a life of neglected mental health, substance abuse, and the pressure of manipulation from the music industry culminated in Winehouse’s untimely death at the age of 27. Despite her short-lived career, Amy Winehouse’s introspective and ostentatious artistry continues to inspire millions today.
In her early years, Amy Winehouse was influenced in large part by jazz, R&B, and gospel music. Growing up in a jazz obsessed household, Winehouse’s preference for music gradually shifted towards artists such as Otis Redding, Mahalia Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin. These were among some of the icons that significantly inspired the development of Winehouse’s unique sound. Impressed upon by predominantly black artists from or influenced by the Harlem Renaissance period, Winehouse entered into the Neo-Soul/Heavy Funk/Acid Jazz movement of music.
Music was Amy Winehouse’s emotional outlet for her internal torment from mental illness and difficult home life. Her unapologetically brazen personality highlighted by her spunky, and soul-divulging lyrics differentiated her from existing musicians. Her innate songwriting ability paired with her vocal capacity established Amy Winehouse as a musical icon of her own. Her ragged melodies are an incredible confluence of indifference and intention. Winehouse shares deep-rooted truths of her own personal vulnerabilities and shortcomings in a blatantly casual manner. Her irrepressible voice often overshadows her candid and forlorn lyrics with its absolute expressiveness. The fullness of her deep voice is interpolated with a rasp and maturity beyond her years. The generally self-deprecating, blunt, and emotionally raw lyrics are a direct result of Winehouse’s pursuit of authenticity in her music.
In 2003, Amy Winehouse released her debut album titled “Frank”. The album sold over two million copies, earning it the certification of double platinum. While this was a catalyst for her musical fame, Amy Winehouse has been quoted criticizing and condemning the work for not being artistically executed up to her personal standards. Despite this, listeners praised the album for its unflinching insight into Winehouse’s head. Breakout song “You Should be Stronger than Me” became the hit song of the album as it details Winehouse’s desire for someone to look after her and take care of her while inadvertently she is the one taking care of everyone else (music video attached below). Her heartbreakingly relatable lyrics resonate with audiences with their frankness and offhandedness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CYE0DYIbaw
As her recognition grew, so did the struggles in her personal life. Faced with relationship turmoil and mental anguish, Winehouse turned to various substances to cope. Her then record label, Island Records, suggested she seek professional help. Instead of following their encouragement, Winehouse recorded her breakthrough album “Back to Black” which contained her hit song “Rehab”(music video attached below). This confessional album is riddled with songs about romantic despondency, infidelity, the pursuit of sensual self-indulgence, and tempestuous relationships with an overarching feeling of nihilism.“Back to Black” won many awards such as a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, an Echo award for Best International Rock/Pop Female Artist and Album of the Year. Many artists today such as Adele, Florence, and the Machine, and Lana Del Ray attribute their inspiration and place in the music industry to the path Winehouse paved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CYE0DYIbaw
“Rehab” details her absolute refusal to accept help for her unhealthy coping practices through a rehab facility. While this song highlights her disdain for letting go of drugs as her coping mechanism, Winehouse never talks about substances in a positive or jovial light. Instead, she talks about the annihilating ability they have to remove her pain. While critics claim she was an “advocate” for substance abuse, a deeper analysis proves her own personal medication was not a glorification of addiction. Focusing on this dark aspect of Winehouse’s life instead of her music is a disparagement and an impediment to women’s success in the music industry. If male musicians such as Jim Morrison and Jimmy Hendrix can have their music remembered without the depressive narrative of addiction attached, so should female artists such as Amy Winehouse.
Amy Winehouse’s complete dismissal of pop culture and cultural norms assisted in establishing her media dubbed brassy, self-destructive nature. In the years following “Back to Black”, Winehouse’s addiction overtook her life. Winehouse’s public substance abuse and dependency was heavily portrayed in the media and is regrettably what is remembered from her jaunt musical career. Amy Winehouse’s instinctive musical ability and incredible genius pioneered the revival of confessional songwriting in the 21st century. Her self-divulging lyrics and energetic arrangements have paved the way for the concession of vulnerability. It is this musical legacy, not her tragic end, that needs to be remembered.
Give it a Listen:
You Know I’m no Good (Back to Black)
All my Lovin’ (Beatles Cover available on YoutTube)
Author’s Choice:
Love is a Losing Game (Demo Version)
A also is for:
Aretha Franklin (I Say a Little Prayer)
Avril Lavigne (Complicated)
Alanis Morissette (You Oughta Know)
AURORA (Runaway)
Alicia Keys (If I Ain’t got You)
Adele (Chasing Pavements)
ABBA (The Winner Takes it All)
Ariana Grande (God is a Woman)
Want More?
Watch 2015 Documentary film: AMY (available on Amazon Prime)
Listen to the Author’s curated Spotify playlist “A is for Amy Winehouse”: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Pp6yQorTqIatmSGi8vvmh?si=K9SxsH0CSH-cl8K6IH_csw