Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Remember when Macy Gray broke out? I feel like the same thing is happening with Amy Winehouse -- who's success so far seems to be rooted in her amazingly unique voice. Unlike Gray, there's an air of nostalgia that definitely players in her favor -- namely her rasp, which owes a debt to 1940-50s jazz singers like Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald. Time will tell how "sticky" this kind of retro can remain -- assuming that most of the listeners pushing her up the charts (so far peaking at #7 on the Top 200) are likely only casually familar with vocal Jazz.

Back to Black is an interesting listen nonetheless. For me it's exciting to see public support for an act so deeply rooted in the kind of rhythm & blues your grandma would probably dig.

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Amy Winehouse - Bank to Black