Amy Winehouse was 27 years old when she passed on July 23rd 2011. To be fully honest, I did not know Amy Winehouse music well. I liked her Back to Black album and loved the runaway hit Rehab, but I can't say she was on the top of my playlist much. I think I might have been turned off by her public struggles with drugs and her image. Maybe I couldn't get around her being a "gimmick" a over produced misunderstood artist. But, like I have often learned in life, sometimes people really aren't appreciated until they are no longer with us. So with that in mind... I found this new release - Lioness: Hidden Treasures and gave it a try.
This album is is filled with various recordings of new and old songs that were packaged and released to the public after her death. This is not polished long lost hits album really, but it still showcases Amy's talent and voice when she was just messing around in the studio. I like this album, and it made me stop and recognized that she was a unique talent of this generation. Like Harry Connick Jr. was in the 80s/90s, but better than that Buble guy of today (not hating, just not a fan).
Track rundown...
1. Our Day Will Come: Reggae infused ska beat with great vocals. Great start!
2. Between the Cheats: Doo-wop style ballad.. different but nice song
3. Tears Dry: I really like this song. Won't be a hit really but classic.
4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow: Signature song of this album probably. She works it!
5. Like Smoke (Featuring Nas): Yes. That Nas makes appearance. And I like the collaboration. Different but it works.
6. Valerie: I think this could be a radio hit also. Catchy tune. Decent track.
7. The Girl from Ipanema: I like this take. Playful but more soulful. A possible radio hit... A little scatting. Nice.
8. Halftime: Wowser... She got a Eryka Badu sound going on this one. One of my favorites. Contemporary R&B slipped in on this album.
9. Wake Up Alone: Another okay track.
10. Best Friends, Right?: Okay track. Not my favorite.
11. Body & Soul (Duet with Tony Bennett): Already a radio hit. A really beautiful song. She completely matches (ahem...exceeds) Tony note for note.
12. A Song for You: Another decent track. Some may like the bluesy feel.
Pros
1. Amy's Voice is classic... soulful, powerful in a little frame. Impressive.
2. The music is classic. A good album for a drive or just relaxing on beach somewhere.
3. Favorites: Halftime, Like Smoke, Girl from Ipanema, Our time Will Come
Cons
1. Amy got some crazy in her... and it made her a bit special. There is no real crazy on this album. Felt it was missing.
2. Other than the Nas track, it would be interesting to see other artist of different styles working with her.
Body & Soul - Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse
Our Day Will Come - Amy Winehouse
Like Smoke (ft. Nas)
Lioness: Hidden Treasure Tribute Interview
http://www.russellbrand.tv/2011/07/for-amy/
What other young artist passed near the peak of the career you wish could have created more art?
S.F. Guru
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