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. TimothyF
    Mar 14, 2007
    8
    Production is wonderful; her voice is divine; wish the songwriting were crisper, though.
  2. matt
    Mar 14, 2007
    8
    This album should make her too cool for metacritic in the states.
  3. CameronS
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    Smooth, sassy, and, catchy, and unique. Pretty good.
  4. ipsed.
    Aug 26, 2009
    8
    If you liked Jazz before the Coltranes and Dolphys, and if you are into Blues and 70s R&B this is album will be a favourite. If you aren't a fan of this, you probably aren't a fan of most American genres.
  5. Alex
    Aug 24, 2010
    8
    A very good album from the amazingly talented Amy Winehouse. There's not a great deal to say; it has its selection of great songs (the best, in my opinion, being "Addicted" and "Tears Dry On Their Own") but also has some less catchy songs, like all albums. Her uncommon talent makes up for this, and she provides us with a brilliant British jazz album. It sold in its truckloads, and rightlyA very good album from the amazingly talented Amy Winehouse. There's not a great deal to say; it has its selection of great songs (the best, in my opinion, being "Addicted" and "Tears Dry On Their Own") but also has some less catchy songs, like all albums. Her uncommon talent makes up for this, and she provides us with a brilliant British jazz album. It sold in its truckloads, and rightly so; it's a good album. However, I never really gained much from it. It will never be a favourite of mine, as good as it may be.
    8/10. Why? Although an amazing musical album, it failed to touch me or become a favourite.    … Expand
  6. jacobddful
    Oct 26, 2010
    8
    This album surprized me. Im not a paticular "Jazz" fan, but this album was god. plain and simple, no one can deny that. While listening to "Rehab" i actually got chills. That's how well Winehouse can paint a picture with her voice.
  7. asjklas
    Aug 13, 2011
    8
    While Frank was a decent shot at reviving the jazz-soul genre from the '40s, Back to Black loosens the jazz elements in order to explore a "vintage R&B-soul" sound, and Winehouse's powerful deep contralto vocals and sassy songwriting are a perfect fit. However, the talent really derives from her originality. The album's standout tracks are its singles: "Rehab" is the unforgettable firstWhile Frank was a decent shot at reviving the jazz-soul genre from the '40s, Back to Black loosens the jazz elements in order to explore a "vintage R&B-soul" sound, and Winehouse's powerful deep contralto vocals and sassy songwriting are a perfect fit. However, the talent really derives from her originality. The album's standout tracks are its singles: "Rehab" is the unforgettable first single that borrows heavily from R&B-pop and makes references to her daddy as well as Ray Charles. It could even be considered Winehouse's 'signature' track. The album's title track, "Back to Black", is beautifully written and composed and is as soothing as silk whilst "You Know I'm No Good" is remenesent of her previous "jazz-soul" studio album Frank and dances to a cliché, but classy jukebox beat. And last but not least, "Love Is a Losing Game" is Ronson's undeniable shout-out to the classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".… Expand
  8. monster-pow
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    This album turns out to be very beautiful. Her voice is extraordinary. But what carries this album are Winehouse's lyrics. They do it all on their own. The lyrics are very deep and completely emotional. You can't help but want to cry during some songs. For example, the sentimental Love Is A Losing Game and the breezy and weepy Wake Up Alone. Although, the album does get a littleThis album turns out to be very beautiful. Her voice is extraordinary. But what carries this album are Winehouse's lyrics. They do it all on their own. The lyrics are very deep and completely emotional. You can't help but want to cry during some songs. For example, the sentimental Love Is A Losing Game and the breezy and weepy Wake Up Alone. Although, the album does get a little repetitive. With the songs Some Unholy War and He Can Only Hold Her, the songs sound so similar it's as if you are listening to the same song over again. Some songs get a bit woozy at times, like the breakdown in Back to Black. But the songs are sang in such an emotive manner, that you feel like she is truly being sincere and is not faking the emotion. 'Back to Black' is an album that satisfies the listener and brings tears to the eyes at times. It is a beautiful lyrical masterpiece. HIGHLIGHTS: Rehab, Love Is A Losing Game, Me & Mr. Jones, Tears Dry On Their Own, Addicted.… Expand
  9. Ricko
    Oct 14, 2011
    8
    One of the great albums of the 00's - full of top class songs showing off Amy's brand of R&B motown type soul. It's one of those albums where you feel like you've known all the songs long before you've heard them. It's got that timeless flavour to it and could have come from any decade from the past 50 years. What a voice, what a talent, what a waste, what a shame there won't be a properOne of the great albums of the 00's - full of top class songs showing off Amy's brand of R&B motown type soul. It's one of those albums where you feel like you've known all the songs long before you've heard them. It's got that timeless flavour to it and could have come from any decade from the past 50 years. What a voice, what a talent, what a waste, what a shame there won't be a proper follow up now with her untimely passing. This record will be up there with Jeff Buckley's Grace in another 10 years as one of the great untimely swansongs.… Expand
  10. BWETMatangi
    Aug 16, 2013
    8
    I am so sad that Amy died, because now she can't make amazing albums like "Back To Black". "You Know I'm No Good" is a hit, but "Tears Dry On Their Own" is a home run.
  11. wl8291
    Aug 7, 2015
    8
    Granted, I am a little positively biased toward this album, as I listened to it for the first time in it's entirety after seeing the "Amy" documentary (because I apparently I am live in a back to black hole), but holy moly... this album wins for best "dramatic singing in traffic jam" award.... the people who were stuck around me were the real victims, sorry guys. "Back To Black" might oneGranted, I am a little positively biased toward this album, as I listened to it for the first time in it's entirety after seeing the "Amy" documentary (because I apparently I am live in a back to black hole), but holy moly... this album wins for best "dramatic singing in traffic jam" award.... the people who were stuck around me were the real victims, sorry guys. "Back To Black" might one of my new favorite songs of all time.… Expand
  12. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 7, 2022
    8
    Never will a voice like her's captivate so many. The same can be said for the self destructive breakthrough "rehab". Her sophomore album once again produced by Saalam Rem,gives a forboring potrait of a graceless fall. The iconic opener,"Rehab" is a heartbreaking omen which contemplates her depression, her father's influence and her frightening self awareness. Her prestine rough conaltroNever will a voice like her's captivate so many. The same can be said for the self destructive breakthrough "rehab". Her sophomore album once again produced by Saalam Rem,gives a forboring potrait of a graceless fall. The iconic opener,"Rehab" is a heartbreaking omen which contemplates her depression, her father's influence and her frightening self awareness. Her prestine rough conaltro covers "you know im no good" with a sharp sarcasm coupled with landmark lyrics. The entire project though sonically similar to the savant debut is stronger, more versatile & open. The album highlight"tears dry on their own "takes a break up and makes it hyperbolic whilst somehow avoiding cliché's. The tracklisting arrangement is precise and her art at It's career best . There is not a single skip. Favourites: rehab,tears dry on their own ,you know im no good, he can only hold her ,back to black,mr&mrs jones.… Expand
  13. petel
    Jun 2, 2007
    7
    the album peaks & dips in places, but when it peaks, it really peaks. You also can't deny that her voice is amazing and can make anything sound powerful. Best Songs: Rehab, You Know I'm No Good, Back To Black, Tears Dry On Their Own, Wake Up Alone, Addicted (odd, but good) And even the less good songs arent tragic.
  14. ab
    Jan 24, 2009
    7
    Her voice is beautiful, as are some of the songs ("Wake Up Alone" was on repeat for awhile), but some of the material was weak (the sample for "Tears Dry On Their Own" was obvious and made the song seem pale and kitschy in comparison to the original). Hopefully her next album will be filled with stronger, more original material.
  15. MattD.
    Mar 16, 2007
    7
    She has a good voice (the ruggedness of Billie Holiday combined with the soul of LaKisha from American Idol,) but unfortunately, the arrangements too often sound uninspired. The single "Rehab" is an exception. A good CD, but she deserves better.
  16. viniciuspotrich
    Jun 1, 2019
    7
    A performance dada por Amy para cada canção faz Back to Black tornar-se um clássico instantâneo.
  17. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    7
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  18. AndreasT
    Apr 16, 2007
    6
    A few good songs..
  19. JustinB.
    Jun 21, 2007
    6
    Interesting when taken in as single tracks, grating when taken as a whole. Winehouse's voice, while fascinating, is nevertheless hard to take for any great length of time. She has real talents as a soul singer, but needs to pull back on some of the harsher vocal inflections. And despite what the critics say, musically, there isn't truly anything new or fun here to really reward Interesting when taken in as single tracks, grating when taken as a whole. Winehouse's voice, while fascinating, is nevertheless hard to take for any great length of time. She has real talents as a soul singer, but needs to pull back on some of the harsher vocal inflections. And despite what the critics say, musically, there isn't truly anything new or fun here to really reward active listening. But it's okay. Just not the end all and be all.… Expand
  20. kat.
    Mar 13, 2007
    6
    actually, it's all rather boring... :P
  21. BlakeL
    May 16, 2007
    5
    The most overated album of the year!
  22. LJJ.
    Jun 5, 2007
    4
    Overhyped, overrated. I really dislike her voice, and I love R&B. Seems ppl are so desperate to hear something other than the slick dance R&B; that this is getting better reviews than it deserves on its own merit. I'd have forgotten all about this, if I didn't keep seeing the hype in so many places.
  23. Lucky
    May 22, 2007
    4
    Not my cup of tea.
  24. EC
    Jul 3, 2008
    4
    I know this is new and exciting for a lot of people, but am I the only one who has heard this done before, and done better? It's not an awful album. It just didn't strike me as unique or fresh, which is what so many have hailed it as. I was kind of bored, to be honest.
  25. MarkD
    Oct 21, 2007
    4
    Go to rehab. Don't go to rehab. I don't give one. I just wish i could go a day without hearing your whiney voice on the radio or your stupid horsey face in the papers, ya big weirdo!!!
  26. OthoS.
    Aug 18, 2007
    3
    Blah, blah, blah. I am so sick of bad girls promoting their badness. Get your ass inro the rehab that you disdain so that you can have a career, you little cunt.
  27. BreL.
    Jun 14, 2007
    3
    She has a pretty nice voice, but she lacks something. Sure, she's different, but different doesn't equal an automatic "wow that rulz".
  28. DuaneJ.
    Mar 15, 2008
    2
    A Grammy??? I know people go for the bad boy image but the but girl? Fell asleep through most of the songs.
  29. Edward
    May 16, 2007
    2
    Overated garbage!
  30. AnthonyB
    Jun 14, 2007
    2
    Nice eye candy but there's nothing new here. Imagine a drunk, british Fergie with worse beats. Come 2008 we'll be seeing Amy Winehouse in the 'One Hit Wonder' bin along with Rico Suave and The Vengaboys.
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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 »