i don’t think i’ve discussed with anyone my love for amy winehouse’s sophomore album, “back to black.” i bought the CD in the early months of summer and have had it on repeat ever since. because ms. winehouse has recently gone to rehab (again) and has been nominated for 6 grammys, i’ve decided to discuss my thoughts on her album.

yes, i know she’s a bit bizarre. yes, i know she’s a druggie and a drunk; i know she’s pretty fucked up. and yes, i know that’s a wig. but man, she’s got some amazing stuff. the music itself is a mix of hip hop and 60’s soul…it’s very original and unique. the lyrics are my kind of words…they clearly come from a tortured soul. amy wrote many of these songs after her breakup with then-boyfriend blake fielder-civil, her crackhead, no-good now-husband.

“back to black” has been nominated for 6 grammys, including record of the year for “rehab” and album of the year. i’m really excited to see if she wins them or not; i absolutely believe she deserves to win in every single category for which she was nominated. however, her personal life, i fear, will ruin her career. between her bulimia and drug addiction, i see amy winehouse headed on a path to disaster, and i honestly fear she will wind up dead just as her career is kicking off…just another tragic episode of vh1’s behind the music. get well, amy. please get well.

now for my opinions on the best songs from the album. well, i’m sure you are all probably sick of “rehab” by now. i highly recommend the title track, “back to black,” which is my personal favorite. you should also download “you know i’m no good,” “he can only hold her,” “wake up alone,” “love is a losing game,” and “tears dry on their own.” oh, hell, download the whole album…that’s pretty much all of it, anyway. mika’s and amy winehouse’s cds are the two best albums i’ve heard all year, and probably the best albums and new artists i’ve heard in a very long time…since nellie mckay, at least, and that’s saying a lot, because gosh knows i love me some nellie.