Amy Winehouse Back to Black Cover
Amy Winehouse Back to Black cover by Lorraine Ashby
Written by English Songwriter and Singer Amy Winehouse with the help of Mark Ronson, Back to Black was released by Island Records on April 30th, 2007. The song was produced by Ronson and is the third single from Amy’s final studio album of the same name. Music critics showered the song with universal acclaim and praise for its throwback sound. In addition to being considered as Winehouse’s signature song, the single peaked at a solid number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song Back to Black tells a story of a bad romance where only one of the partners loves the other yet keeps getting her hopes dashed. When the other partner leaves, the songstress dies a bit every time and hence goes back to a dark place. The song has an old school soul feel to it with a sound that has been described akin to vintage girl groups from the 60’s. The video further portrays the message as it is in an artistic black and white shot in a cemetery known as Abney Park as well as other locations all through London. Complete with a hearse, coffin, funeral procession and even a burial ritual, the entire theme is centered on Winehouse mourning her dead relationship.
Amy Winehouse-Back to Black Song Meaning and Inspiration
Just like all the other songs in her entire album, Back to Black was also inspired by Amy’s relationship with Blake Fielder who ended their relationship and went back to his ex. As Amy explained to the Sun newspaper, Back to Black is when you are through with a relationship and you go back to what is most comfortable for you. While Blake went back to his ex-girlfriend, Amy Winehouse fell upon dark times, alcohol and drugs.
From the first stanza in her song, you can tell just how bitter and tormented Amy is.It’s not the first time that Blake used her and then left her again. And while she is ready to move on, the path ahead of her is dark and uncertain. Even after being left for another woman, Amy tries to move on but finds it almost impossible because of her love for Blake. To cope, she decides to go back to black and forget her pain and misery. Now, while listeners often interpret the black as depression, sorrow and drinking,it's possible that the real meaning could be Heroin which Amy was openly addicted to. Black is a common street name for heroin in L.A.
Achievements
Back to Black turned Amy into the highest debuting British female artist in US history when it made it into the Billboard Hot 100 album chart at a whopping number 7. The song also won both the MTV Europe Music Award and the Q Award for the 2007 album of the year. With over 5.5 million copies sold, Back to Black was the biggest-selling album globally in 2007.
• Amy Winehouse Back to Black Cover