Amy Winehouse remains an unforgettable figure in music history, her raw talent and soulful voice leaving an indelible mark. Though her career was tragically short, she gifted the world with a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. From her jazz-infused early work to the groundbreaking Back to Black, her discography is a testament to her unique artistry. This list explores 20 essential Amy Winehouse songs, ranking them and delving into what makes each track so special.
20. Addicted (2006)
Concluding the emotionally charged Back to Black album, “Addicted” offers a lighter, almost whimsical take on a serious subject. This track, a playful ode to marijuana, reveals Winehouse’s mordant wit. While some might interpret it as a nod to jazz traditions with its lighthearted storytelling, reminiscent of artists like Fats Waller, it’s perhaps best enjoyed for its sheer irony and cheeky humor. It’s a candid glimpse into Winehouse’s world, delivered with a knowing wink.
19. Our Day Will Come (2011)
Released posthumously on the Lioness: Hidden Treasures compilation, “Our Day Will Come” is a surprising gem. This 2003 outtake transforms the classic Ruby & the Romantics hit into a softly rendered reggae tune. While Lioness sometimes felt like it was scraping the barrel for material, this track proves there were still treasures to be unearthed. Winehouse’s reggae inflection adds a unique layer to the familiar melody, showcasing her versatility even in unearthed tracks.
18. Help Yourself (2003)
“Help Yourself” from Frank initially feels breezy with its live-sounding drums, guitar, and delicate woodwind. However, time has cast a starkly ironic shadow over its lyrics. Reflecting on the same troubled relationship that inspired “Stronger Than Me,” the song’s advice, “I can’t help you if you won’t help yourself,” now carries a poignant, almost tragic weight when considered in the context of Winehouse’s own struggles.
17. I Heard Love Is Blind (2003)
Before her rise to fame, Amy Winehouse auditioned for her record label with just an acoustic guitar. Footage of this audition, featured in the documentary Amy, reveals the raw, nascent talent. The demo version of “I Heard Love Is Blind” from Frank captures this same intimate setting. It’s a powerful demonstration of her fully formed vocal prowess even in her early teens, stripped bare and undeniably captivating.
16. Wake Up Alone (2006)
The 2000s were awash with artists exploring retro soul, but Amy Winehouse distinguished herself beyond just her voice. Her deep dive into the genre’s history was evident in tracks like “Wake Up Alone” from Back to Black. This song, audibly influenced by the soul music of the 1950s, showcased a level of historical awareness and musical sophistication rarely found in her contemporaries, setting her apart in the retro-soul landscape.
15. Round Midnight (2003)
When Winehouse expressed the emotional toll of performing Back to Black songs live, her father suggested she consider singing jazz standards. Her rendition of Thelonious Monk’s iconic “Round Midnight,” reminiscent of Soul II Soul in its style, proves she could have effortlessly transitioned into a standards singer. This interpretation reveals another facet of her vocal talent and musical breadth, hinting at paths not fully explored.
14. Stronger Than Me (2003)
“Stronger Than Me,” the opening track of her debut album Frank, earned an Ivor Novello award. Released today, the song’s lyrics might spark controversy regarding gender stereotypes. However, beneath this surface lies a truly exceptional song. With its jazzy guitar chords laid over a stark, sampled backdrop, and Winehouse’s assertive vocal delivery, “Stronger Than Me” is a compelling introduction to her unique sound, even if its lyrical themes are now viewed through a different lens.
13. Just Friends (2006)
Amy Winehouse’s affection for reggae was clear, but her recorded reggae experiments sometimes lacked nuance. Her cover of Andy and Joey’s “You’re Wondering Now,” for example, missed the inherent darkness of the lyrics. In contrast, her original song “Just Friends” from Back to Black is a far more successful foray into reggae-infused territory. It’s an understated, lilting groove with lyrics that speak to ungovernable desire, demonstrating her ability to blend genres seamlessly within her own songwriting.
12. Fuck Me Pumps (2003)
Upon her arrival, Amy Winehouse was mistakenly grouped with the MOR female singers of the post-Norah Jones era. Looking back, this categorization seems absurd, especially considering tracks like “Fuck Me Pumps” from Frank. This song is anything but middle-of-the-road. It’s a scathing, wickedly witty, and unapologetically fierce critique of “Wag” culture, set against a deceptively sweet and catchy melody, showcasing her sharp social commentary.
11. Body and Soul (2011)
Video footage captures Amy Winehouse’s palpable nervousness before recording “Body and Soul” with Tony Bennett, a song beloved by her father. Yet, the finished recording, her last before her death months later, reveals no trace of hesitation. She sounds completely in control, vocally adventurous, and utterly unfazed by the legendary company she’s keeping. It’s a poignant final recording that underscores her enduring talent and fearless approach to music.
10. Me and Mr Jones (2006)
“Me and Mr Jones” stands out as one of the lighter moments on Back to Black, though a subtle undercurrent of darkness and emotional turmoil persists beneath its catchy exterior. The song, borrowing its title from Billy Paul and its sound from early 60s soul, poses the timeless question: “What kind of fuckery is this?” with a blend of humor and exasperation that is quintessentially Winehouse. Even in its levity, the song hints at deeper complexities.
9. In My Bed (2003)
A standout track from Frank, “In My Bed” is a sonic blend of blaxploitation soundtracks and lush Philly soul, filtered through a hip-hop sensibility. Comparing its lyrics to “You Know I’m No Good” reveals a study in contrasts. Both songs address infidelity, but “In My Bed” adopts a more defiant and less emotionally raw tone, showcasing the range of her lyrical and emotional expression.
8. Between the Cheats (2011)
“Between the Cheats,” released posthumously, offers a glimpse into what might have been for Amy Winehouse’s third album. This track, the only one completed for the unreleased project, suggests an artist delving deeper both musically and emotionally. Its unfashionable doo-wop influence and troubling lyrics, depicting a volatile relationship – “I’d take a thousand thumps for my love” – hint at a potentially powerful new direction.
7. Valerie (2007)
Her cover of The Zutons’ “Valerie” is arguably Amy Winehouse’s most universally recognized track. It serves as a prime example of her exceptional skill as a musical stylist. More than just Mark Ronson’s brilliant 60s soul arrangement, it’s Winehouse’s vocal performance that truly transforms the song. She elevates the lovelorn original into something charged with a palpable, almost dangerous, allure.
6. What Is It About Men? (2003)
Amy Winehouse’s debut album Frank offered hints of the depth to come, with “What Is It About Men?” being a prime example. This song is a brutally honest dissection of her father’s infidelity, her parents’ subsequent divorce, and the lasting impact it had on her. Beneath its smooth soul facade, the track is deeply unsettling, providing a raw and unflinching look at personal trauma.
5. Tears Dry On Their Own (2006)
Back to Black is largely successful because the music impeccably mirrors the lyrical mood. However, “Tears Dry On Their Own” works uniquely in opposition. The lyrics express dejection and anger, bordering on resignation rather than hope. Yet, the song’s melody soars, and the chorus feels unexpectedly exuberant, creating a compelling and complex emotional landscape.
4. Rehab (2006)
“Rehab” remains strangely ubiquitous years after Amy Winehouse’s passing. It’s essentially a three-and-a-half-minute insistence from someone battling addiction that they don’t have a problem. In light of subsequent events, “Rehab” should be difficult to listen to, but it isn’t. The irresistible tune, the masterful arrangement, and Winehouse’s defiantly powerful vocal performance make it perversely enjoyable despite its poignant context.
3. You Know I’m No Good (2006)
A gritty, guilt-ridden portrayal of a destructive relationship defined by mutual infidelity, “You Know I’m No Good” is lyrically sharp and hip-hop influenced. Filled with telling details and sudden shifts in emotional intensity – “I cried for you on the kitchen floor” – the song is both vulnerable and accusatory. Winehouse’s voice, coupled with the sleazy-sounding horns, amplifies the track’s dark and uneasy atmosphere.
2. Back to Black (2006)
“Back to Black” is the ultimate example of the creative synergy between Amy Winehouse and producer Mark Ronson. Her melody is seemingly effortless, and her lyrics oscillate between romantic despair and more grounded concerns – “you like blow and I like puff.” Ronson’s production is the ideal complement, a brilliant homage to 60s girl group melodrama that feels fresh and original, never derivative or pastiche.
1. Love Is a Losing Game (2006)
In the mid-2000s, covering or drawing inspiration from the Great American Songbook was commonplace. However, Amy Winehouse achieved something far rarer: she wrote an original song, “Love Is a Losing Game,” that genuinely sounded like it could be part of that very songbook. This track sounds timeless, as if it has existed for decades, despite being written by a 23-year-old. Covered by Prince and hailed by George Michael as his favorite song of all time, it’s the desolate heart of Back to Black, its most understated and profoundly heartbreaking moment. The live versions, stripped down to just guitar and Winehouse’s voice, are even more devastatingly beautiful.
