Amy Winehouse at the BBC

Winehouse undeniably left her mark as one of this generation’s most genuine and striking talents and this expansive body of work documents her frank, fresh and haunted musical style. 

Winehouse’s multi-genre compositions remain timeless. Often influenced and moulded by soul, jazz and blues greats, Winehouse brought these styles forward and into the modern era with a fresh and contemporary approach. The ‘At The BBC’ collection is a fitting tribute to Winehouse’s incomparable artistry, breathtaking talent and magnificent ability as a songwriter, a singer and a truly engaging performer. 

The first record consists of tracks handpicked by presenter, collaborator and much-loved musician, Jools Holland. Holland championed Winehouse massively throughout her career and his appreciation for her work remains an integral part of his reputation. Disc two is made up of tracks taken from various BBC sessions including performances at Jo Wiley’s Live Lounge, The Stables and T in the Park. The third record captures the 2007 show ‘Live At Porchester Hall’ where a 23-year-old Winehouse presented a bold, fiery performance.

In celebration of the release, we take a look at some of Amy Winehouse’s most adored and prized tracks.

1. Stronger Than Me
2. Take The Box
3. In My Bed
4. Pumps
5. Rehab
6. You Know I’m No Good
7. Valerie
8. Tears Dry On Their Own
9. Back To Black

Stronger Than Me

‘Stronger Than Me’ is the album opener for Winehouse’s debut album Frank. Fusing neo-soul with R&B, ‘Stronger Than Me’ remains the perfect introduction to where it all started for Winehouse. Despite ending up as the albums lowest-charting single, the track made waves throughout the music world and won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song Musically and Lyrically in 2004. 

Take The Box

‘Take The Box’ was released as the second single from Frank and the track presents a slick laid-back element to Winehouse’s vocal and songwriting ability. Driven by a powerful piano and organ backbone, the track’s instrumentation expands to consist of elegant brass sections, sweet guitar stabs and a mellow groove. 

In My Bed

Frank’s third single was the hip-hop and jazz fueled ‘In My Bed’. The track oozes confidence and features plenty of layered and soulful vocals and a searing saxophone line. 

Pumps

The playlful fourth single taken from Frank, ‘Pumps’, is a straight-up R&B charged classic. A crisp hip-hop drum section carries the track forward as Winehouse’s distinctive and captivating vocal bounces to the beat.

Frank peaked at number three in the UK Albums Chart following Winehouse’s passing. Today, the debut stands strong as a record rich with a range of musical styles and genres along with Winehouse’s ever sharp lyrics. 

Rehab

Everything changed for Winehouse with the release of Back To Black in 2006. The record elevated Winehouse to dizzying heights and the first single and album opener ‘Rehab’ perfectly set the tone for the artists new direction. The single’s poignant lyrics and slick rhythm and blues makeup are combined to create a truly sublime and mesmerzing lead single.

You Know I’m No Good

Back To Black’s second single followed suite with its soulful instrumentation blending jazz and blues elements with dashing brass sections. Winehouse’s lyrics are strikingly honest and her flawless vocal hits perfectly. 

Valerie

Originally recorded by English indie group The Zutons, ‘Valerie’ received some new-soul treatment when Winehouse collaborated with musician and producer Mark Ronson. The feel-good hit peaked at number two in the UK Singles Chart. 

Tears Dry On Their Own

Back To Black’s fourth single came in the form of ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’. Fiery, sincere and stunnigly produced, the track peaked at number 16 in the UK singles chart. 

Back To Black

Another collaboration with Mark Ronson resulted in the title track for Winehouse’s second and final studio album. The track is a heartwrenching depiction of Winehouse’s failed relationship and catches her in a bravely honest state. The track is made up of 1960s worthy soul instrumentation and remains one of Winehouse’s signature tunes.

Back To Black peaked at number one in the UK Albums Chart and number two in the Irish Albums Chart. Amy Winehouse produced two sensational records in her short but impactful career. She wowed audiences with her classic, timeless vocal and subsequently, she has influenced a whole new generation of soul artists. 

‘Amy Winehouse At The BBC’ is out now.