Although Amy Winehouse was only 27 when she died, she left a legacy in the musical world.
Her 2006 album, “Back to Black” was a critically-acclaimed piece of R&B and soul perfection. The album earned Winehouse five Grammys in 2008 and helped her gain fame beyond her native England.
Winehouse’s public battles with substance abuse and addiction often overshadowed her music as she became a tabloid magnet. While her inner demons were on display for the world and were a major part of her public persona, they also helped her develop emotional, often heartbreakingly-relatable songs. Here are some of the standout songs Winehouse released during her career:
“In My Bed” — Don’t get too comfortable with Winehouse, as she assures a man that his place isn’t guaranteed by her side. This smooth, slinky tune uses the beat of Nas’ “Made You Look,” and features a flute solo that would make Ron Burgundy envious. (On “Frank,” her 2003 debut)
“You Know I’m No Good” — One of her well-known songs, Winehouse combines a jazzy horn section with a pulsing hip-hop beat to mourn a toxic relationship. “I told you I was trouble,” she sings to her lover, and possibly to the world at large. You can’t say she didn’t warn us of her demons. (On “Back to Black”)
“F*** Me Pumps” — An ode to attention-grabbing club girls, Winehouse uses cheeky lyrics (“At least your breasts cost more than hers”) to honor those who seek the spotlight. “Without girls like you, there’s no nightlife, all those men just go home to their wives,” she sings, bringing to light the entertaining, if seedy side of club life. (On “Frank”)
“Love Is A Losing Game” — This is the sound of heartbreak. A defeated Winehouse counts her losses with love and realizes it’s a game “laughed at by the gods” after a brutal breakup. (On “Back to Black”)
“Tears Dry On Their Own” — Winehouse takes a sample of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s Motown hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to create an amazingly catchy kiss-off to men. Her booming voice helps assure the listener that she is strong and that she will “be [her] own best friend, not f*** herself in the head with stupid men.” This song shows that she can craft a masterpiece that sounds both current and classic. (On “Back To Black”)