Amy Winehouse was a once-in-a-generation talent whose music continues to resonate with fans around the world. From her soulful voice to her bare naked lyrics, Winehouse’s songs have a timeless quality that has solidified her as a legend in the music industry. That is why we at StudyFinds decided to take a look at some of the best Amy Winehouse songs of all time, based on our findings across eight expert reviews. While the singer’s life was sadly cut short before broadening her discography, there are still enough gems inside to celebrate her incredible talent and lasting legacy. So join us as we go “Back to Black” and travel through some of Amy Winehouse’s greatest contributions to the music industry. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
7. “Stronger Than Me” (2003)
Winehouse’s debut single is noted by NME as a “first-rate example of her fierce songwriting gift.” This track showcases Winehouse’s unique blend of genres. With its powerful vocals, “Stronger Than Me” introduces listeners to the bold and unapologetic attitude that would become a trademark of Winehouse’s music.
Described by Far Out to be an “unadulterated” version of what was to come from Winehouse, this song set the stage for her future success as an artist. The emotion and honesty in her lyrics, combined with her soulful voice, captivated audiences and solidified Winehouse as a force to be reckoned with in the world of music. “Stronger Than Me” serves as a reminder of the immense talent that Winehouse possessed and the impact she would have on the music industry for years to come, far past her death.
Time Out raves that “Stronger Than Me” is a “banger” on her album “Frank.” It is clear that she was destined for greatness from the very beginning. Winehouse’s legacy continues to live on through her timeless music, and this song will always be remembered as a true testament to her unparalleled artistry.
6. “Valerie” (2007)
Noted by Far Out as an “instant bop” that made Winehouse a bona fide “pop star,” her cover of The Zuton’s “Valerie” is number six! Winehouse’s infectious energy shines through in this rendition, capturing the essence of the original song while adding her own unique flair. The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout hit in her discography, beloved by fans and critics alike.
Described by The Guardian as crackling “with lubricious intent,” Winehouse’s “Valerie” is a cover that is the artist’s own. The way she effortlessly transitions from smooth crooning to powerful belting showcases her incredible vocal range and talent. It’s no wonder that this cover remains one of Winehouse’s most iconic songs. With “Valerie,” Winehouse proved that she could take any song and make it her own.
Watch Mojo adds that “Valerie” has even gone on to become one of Winehouse’s “best-selling singles” of her entire career. It’s a testament to her artistry and ability to connect with listeners on a deep, personal level.
5. “Tears Dry On Their Own” (2006)
Time Out describes the music video for “Tears Dry On Their Own” as “hinting at her real-life excesses” as she stumbles into an empty, bottle-filled motel room. The video perfectly complements the song’s themes of heartbreak and resilience, and Winehouse’s authentic artistry, of course. As she sings about moving on from a toxic relationship, her powerful vocals and emotive delivery leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Watch Mojo adds the sampling addition of the “Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell” classic duet “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as a brilliant move by Winehouse as she seamlessly blended old-school soul with her modern sound. This fusion of genres showcases Winehouse’s impeccable taste and musical prowess, solidifying her status as a true legend in the industry. The poignant lyrics and soulful melody of “Tears Dry On Their Own” resonate with audiences all over the world, making it a timeless classic that will forever be remembered as one of Winehouse’s greatest hits.
4. “You Know I’m No Good” (2006)
“You Know I’m No Good” is the next song up on our ranking, a song with themes of “infidelity and self-destructive behavior,” as noted by Straw Poll. This jazzy number is one of Amy Winehouse’s most iconic songs. The soulful vocals mixed with the catchy melody create a mesmerizing blend that draws listeners in. The raw emotion in Winehouse’s voice brings the lyrics to life, making “You Know I’m No Good” a standout track on the album.
The Guardian calls “You Know I’m No Good” a “grimy, guilt-ridden depiction” of a relationship. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous pair filled with regret and betrayal, showcasing Winehouse’s ability to capture complex emotions in her music. The quality of the melody combined with the raw vulnerability in her voice makes “You Know I’m No Good” a true masterpiece. It’s no wonder that this song continues to be a fan favorite among Amy Winehouse’s repertoire.
Far Out adds that “You Know I’m No Good” is simply a “piece of songwriting genius” by Winehouse. Her ability to convey the pain of a tough relationship is second to none, and the honesty in her lyrics is both refreshing and heartbreaking.
3. “Rehab” (2006)
“Rehab,” a prime example of Winehouse’s “unwavering candor,” as described by U Discover Music, is the next song to take up a spot on our list. With its defiant lyrics and poppy undertones, “Rehab” showcases Winehouse’s incredible vocal range and unique style. The song’s message about struggling with addiction and the pressure to conform to society’s expectations lands with many listeners on a deeper level.
With her “cruelly ironic” lyrics, Winehouse effortlessly captures the turmoil and vulnerability of her own experiences, making her music both relatable and haunting (NME). “Rehab” stands as a powerful statement in Winehouse’s discography, highlighting her fearless honesty. Her legacy as a groundbreaking artist is cemented with tracks like “Rehab.” It’s purely iconic.
Far Out comments on the fact that “Rehab” was the song that turned Winehouse into a household name, while simultaneously the song’s tones and success led to her downfall. “Rehab” may have been the song that catapulted her to fame, but it is her authenticity and vulnerability that truly solidify her as a legend. Winehouse’s legacy will surely continue to inspire artists and music lovers for generations to come.
2. “Love Is a Losing Game” (2006)
Described by The Guardian as a song that “could pass as part of the Great American Songbook,” “Love Is a Losing Game” gives off the essence that the writer has lived a thousand lives and not that of a 23-year-old tortured soul. Amy Winehouse’s striking vocals, paired with the melancholic melody, create a timeless piece of music that resonates with listeners of all ages. The emotion in her voice conveys a sense of heartbreak and wisdom beyond her years, making “Love Is a Losing Game” a standout track in her discography. Despite her struggles and personal demons, Winehouse’s talent shines through in this unforgettable song.
Noted by Smooth Radio as being a favorite of the late George Michael, this is a beautiful ballad that truly showcases Winehouse’s emotional depth. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of heartache and loss, while the soulful instrumentation adds another layer of depth to the song. It’s no wonder that this track continues to be celebrated and remembered as one of Winehouse’s most powerful and moving pieces of music.
Time Out reports the 2007 Mercury Awards live performance of this ballad as being the pinnacle version of this heartbreaking piece of music. The stripped-down arrangement allows her voice to take center stage, capturing the essence of the song in a way that is both powerful and poignant. It’s a testament to Winehouse’s immense talent and the lasting impact of her music that this performance is still remembered and revered over a decade later.
1. “Back to Black” (2006)
According to Straw Poll, this track is the “title track of Winehouse’s second and final studio album.” The song’s haunting lyrics and soulful melody captivate audiences around the world, solidifying Winehouse’s reputation as a talented and unique artist. “Back to Black” received numerous awards and accolades and remains one of Winehouse’s most iconic and beloved songs.
Described by The Guardian as the greatest example of the synergy that existed between Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, this agonizing song has truly stood the test of time as one of the greats. The raw emotion conveyed in Winehouse’s vocals, paired with Ronson’s retro-inspired production, creates a timeless piece of music that transcends genres. “Back to Black” not only showcases Winehouse’s incredible vocal range and depth, but also highlights her ability to craft deeply personal and relatable lyrics. It is no surprise that this song continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece in the music industry.
Far Out adds that Winehouse will be remembered as a “classic singer” with a tragic end. However, the music she was able to leave behind during her short time on Earth is a testament to her artistry. “Back to Black” will forever be remembered as a defining moment in her career and a standout track in music history. Winehouse’s legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation is solidified by this iconic song, leaving a lasting impact on music history as a whole.
