Back To Black
by Amy Winehouse
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Mar 13, 2007
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Prefix Magazine
    90
    Back to Black stands in testament to the fact that talent and originality still exist.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    It's precisely Winehouse's lyrics... that raise this expertly crafted set into the realm of true, of-the-minute originality. [16 Mar 2007, p.67]
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  3. Blender
    70
    [It] sounds fantastic--partly because the production nails sample-ready '60s soul right down to the drum sound' and partly because Winehouse is one hell of an impressive singer. [Apr 2007, p.121]
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  5. AllMusic
    80
    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.
  6. Billboard
    90
    A guileless, brutal breakup album that can sit with the best of them, set to the sounds of music's finest early rock moments. [17 Mar 2007]
  7. Dot Music
    90
    There isn't a second's worth of music here that doesn't come mink-swathed in note-perfect retro sound, or a song that isn't worthy of it.
  8. Hot Press
    80
    Who needs love when heartbreak sounds this bloody good?
  9. musicOMH.com
    80
    It's a superb comeback, and one of the best albums of the year.
  10. NOW Magazine
    80
    Back To Black is just a darkly rockin' good time, which will hopefully spark a new trend away from R&B's sickening slickification.
  11. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    It works - even though this area of pop culture has been mined remorselessly for the past 50 years - by dint of its clever melody lines and smart lyrics.
  12. Rolling Stone
    60
    The tunes don't always hold up. But the best ones are impossible to dislike. [22 Feb 2007, p.76]
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  13. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Back To Black is by far the best popular soul album I’ve heard this year.
  14. The Guardian
    90
    A 21st-century soul classic.
  15. Mojo
    90
    Winehouse remains one of modern music's most original voices and is now emerging as arguably the finest soul singer of her generation. [Nov 2006, p.116]
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  16. PopMatters
    70
    Back to Black finds a fearless artist saying whatever she damn well pleases.
  17. Q Magazine
    70
    She's just as full of herself, but she now has a voice brimming with womanly promise. [Nov 2006, p.149]
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  18. The New York Times
    80
    A wonderfully time-twisted batch of songs. [12 Mar 2007]
  19. Uncut
    80
    While never musically abrasive, [it] is riddled with enough trademark lyrical barbs and sung with sufficient Eartha Kitt-ish snarl that the listening is never too easy. [Nov 2006, p.134]
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  20. The A.V. Club
    91
    There's something beguilingly perverse about the incongruity between Winehouse's trifling lyrical concerns and Back To Black's wall-of-sound richness.
  21. Hartford Courant
    70
    Even if her vulgarity is her main selling point, she's more than just a novelty act.
  22. cokemachineglow
    81
    Her efforts have crafted a soul album that is resistant to any claims of mere charlatanism, a record that brings a modern tongue to a classic style.
  23. Pitchfork
    64
    Fortunately, Winehouse has been blessed by a brassy voice that can transform even mundane sentiments into powerful statements.
  24. Urb
    80
    Back to Black is overflowing with the '60s Supremes warmth that has been fully absent from the "standards" of today's R&B. [Apr 2007, p.108]
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  25. Lost At Sea
    80
    To put it succinctly, Amy Winehouse has made a really good record.
  26. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Damn, it feels good.
  27. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Disappointing, then, that the eight-track ‘bonus disc’ opens with a cover of a cover: a lo-fi version of ‘Valerie’. [Review of Deluxe Edition]

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best Album of 2007
16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2007
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 418 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 390 out of 418
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 418
  3. Negative: 15 out of 418
  1. OfficialCarlo
    Dec 6, 2010
    10
    This album is one of the best album I've ever heard. Best classy production, promising vocals, and honest lyrics brings the best of Amy andThis album is one of the best album I've ever heard. Best classy production, promising vocals, and honest lyrics brings the best of Amy and the album. No boring songs and every song is a need to hear.… Full Review »
  2. thaleslucas
    Feb 18, 2015
    10
    It's like Prefix Magazine said... Back to Black stands in testament to the fact that talent and originality still exist. Amy was an amazingIt's like Prefix Magazine said... Back to Black stands in testament to the fact that talent and originality still exist. Amy was an amazing singer and songwriter and this album is the prove of the pretty soul that Amy has to give to all listeners.… Full Review »
  3. luckythisway
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    One of the best albums of all times delivered by one of the greatest artists to ever walk the earth. Amy sounds emotive and fills the albumOne of the best albums of all times delivered by one of the greatest artists to ever walk the earth. Amy sounds emotive and fills the album with such life. Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi are true production geniuses on this record, creating a throwback R&B vibe that has not been matched to this day. And also, Tears Dry on their Own is the best song ever. Listen to this Grammy Award winning album and be enlightened.… Full Review »
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