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

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  1. NormaG
    Feb 16, 2008
    10
    I am not ordinarily a fan of doped up, foul-mouthed, self-destructive types, but Amy's music is such a contradictory combination of hard-core, tell-it-like-it-is lyrics wrapped up in danceable 60's style music that it's just surprising. Add to that her edgy soul-filled vocals, and wow! I read one reviewer who said something like: "Who needs love when pain feels this good!" I am not ordinarily a fan of doped up, foul-mouthed, self-destructive types, but Amy's music is such a contradictory combination of hard-core, tell-it-like-it-is lyrics wrapped up in danceable 60's style music that it's just surprising. Add to that her edgy soul-filled vocals, and wow! I read one reviewer who said something like: "Who needs love when pain feels this good!" Come to think of it, maybe that's what's going on between Amy and Blake. Anyway, a few more listens and I'll probably agree! … Expand
  2. Honey
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of last year (and this year in the States); Winehouse delivers a soulful punch in the gut, complete with spot-on vocals and plenty of attitude and intelligence.
  3. lils
    Aug 4, 2007
    10
    Great, one of the year's bests. Great voice, smart lyrics, which seem hard to sing on the paper, but she pulls it out easily. Very bluesy, very honest, very british, with Rehab as an instant classic. And for all of you who say she's a one hit wonder, she had another great record, Frank, and it's single Stronger than Me won Ivor Novello. I hope we'll be hearing more of her!
  4. NunoEU
    Jul 2, 2009
    10
    An amazing album, a masterpiece! One of the best albuns of the century... "Love Is a Losing Game" and "Tears Dry On Their Own" are 5 stars *****!
  5. Keithk.
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    You know, I typically trust Rolling Stone as the deciding vote. The one that settles the debate. But I look at the review here and wonder how did this mensch get it so wrong? I listen to all kinds of music. No boundaries here. And I can tell you, this album is the best of the year through October 18th. When has a singer been this original, even when scouring decades past? Sure, she's You know, I typically trust Rolling Stone as the deciding vote. The one that settles the debate. But I look at the review here and wonder how did this mensch get it so wrong? I listen to all kinds of music. No boundaries here. And I can tell you, this album is the best of the year through October 18th. When has a singer been this original, even when scouring decades past? Sure, she's a wreck. And thank god the wreck actually WRITES songs and has REAL vocal talent. I love Radiohead. Iron and Wine. All of em. THIS is the best of the year. It's got guts. It earns it. It's not just posing. Kudos. Kudos. Kudos.… Expand
  6. SeanP.
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Wow, i was pleasantly surprised. Even in this year of Arcade Fire, Bjorn, !!!, The Shins, and Explosions in the Sky, this is one of the best of the year so far. I'm a big fan of 60s and 70s soul, so i guess i would be one to enjoy this album. But what that also means, is i know what good soul music sounds like, and Winehouse is the real deal. The arrangements may be retroactively Wow, i was pleasantly surprised. Even in this year of Arcade Fire, Bjorn, !!!, The Shins, and Explosions in the Sky, this is one of the best of the year so far. I'm a big fan of 60s and 70s soul, so i guess i would be one to enjoy this album. But what that also means, is i know what good soul music sounds like, and Winehouse is the real deal. The arrangements may be retroactively influenced, but they're still modern all the way.… Expand
  7. MichaelB
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    An instant classic - the soundtrack from rainy Saturday afternoons to Sunday morning - she deserves the world
  8. maxim04xtina
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    This album sounds so fresh.So different from all those rubbish you've heard on the radio. Great vocals, great style, great album
  9. mikeyf
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    t&a with soul. cool use of rugburn references throughout. bless her heart. bothers me she apprximates / appoaches f'n xtina once or twice, note to aw: don't let it happen again, your miles ahead of the pack, stay there.
  10. ixata
    Apr 28, 2007
    10
    this album is gonna win the big 4 at the next grammys.. im betting my whole cd collection on it!!!
  11. Chris
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    Amazing lyrics, true soul, great voice and incredible sound. This is the perfect example of a classic album and her career seems to be just starting!
  12. ArieB
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    Haven't been so enthusiastic for a singer since D'Angelo. The guy disappeared...and so did hopes for old school soul. But Amy, wow, it's another dimension. Everything about this album is amazing. I only wish she takes care of herself, learns to be low key and keeps on blessing us with her talent for a very long time.
  13. YonkoD.
    Jul 17, 2008
    10
    Masterpiece!
  14. IceL
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    One of the best soul albums ever, period!
  15. ChrisS
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    It's refreshing, soulful and emotional... She puts everyone in the game right now to shame... You can hear jazz, motown and real soul on this record and still getting a modern day satisfaction...
  16. LouisJ.
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    21st century Ronnie Spector attitude with Dinah Washington pipes. This is amazing stuff.
  17. VukK
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    AMAZING voice. amazing music, original, simply brilliant, is all I have to say.
  18. NormanS
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    one of the best albums ive heard ina few years. it's gonna end up one of this classic albums that people will love forever. a true UK talent.
  19. yeahisaidit!
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums i've heard in a long time. Her voice is amazing combined with cool lyrics & great rhythm. This girl is gonna rack up the Grammy's next year.
  20. BenK
    May 11, 2007
    10
    How anyone can dislike this album is seriously beyond me. Her vocals are strong and unique, her lyrics are to die for, and the music is insanely catchy in an innovative way. Amy is love.
  21. AlfredoM
    May 25, 2007
    10
    Her unique voice and daring lyrics makes this album one of the year's best!!! The song "Back To Black" is just outstanding.
  22. kevind.
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    brilliant, a refreshing relief from the crap music around these days. as usual, Rolling Stone misses the mark yet again by only giving it 3 stars. no surprise there...
  23. [Anonymous]
    Jul 15, 2007
    10
    this is great . no questions about it. every track is a killer , a bit short ... but i suppose that just makes you want to play it again
  24. JCT.
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    This album, in my opinion, is the best R&B album to be released since 1998's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Though the cd only contains 10 tracks, each one is a winner; there are NO fillers. She's definitely solidified her Best New Artist nomination -- and a win isn't an insurmountable feat for her at this point. Pure genius.
  25. Steve
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    Classic material, Can soul music be saved? How long will have to listen to simplicity! thank you Amy for bringing back the songswriting craft with a voice far beyond your years, melody's to die for and music rich in history however with a modern day twist. A record that transcends alot of genres seamlessly that will be imitated by the wagoneers. Best Soul record since Classic material, Can soul music be saved? How long will have to listen to simplicity! thank you Amy for bringing back the songswriting craft with a voice far beyond your years, melody's to die for and music rich in history however with a modern day twist. A record that transcends alot of genres seamlessly that will be imitated by the wagoneers. Best Soul record since D'Angelo's debut and the beginning of a movement! Record Of The Year, Whatttt!… Expand
  26. Pedro
    Oct 12, 2008
    10
    This girl is a genius.
  27. ShazzyK.
    Jan 22, 2009
    10
    The users ratings here are just testament to the fact that where music is concerned you gotta make your own decision. Loved NOT just the voice but songs as well.
  28. StevebC.
    Dec 26, 2007
    10
    I bought this album because I liked the song "rehab". After listening to the whole album a couple of times, I got hooked and realized she's a great artist.
  29. TashaE
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    Love Love Love her. Gets better with every listen. She is one of a kind.
  30. NathanL
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    This CD is so good! Amy Winehouse has such a distinctive voice, and sound. It's so nice to finally hear something this fresh & new!
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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]
  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]
See all critic reviews »