Amy Winehouse's 'Frank' and Why I still Think It's Relevant Today

Looking for a soul-inspired album to help soothe you after heartbreak? Look no further, as I delve into this sonic masterpiece!

Introduction

Amy Winehouse is a talented, Enfield-born artist and musician, who made her entrance into the music scene in 2003. Her work was heavily inspired by Jazz and Soul artists such as Erykah Badu and Sarah Vaughan.

I will discuss her debut album focusing on the themes portrayed in two of her most popular songs (Which are also my personal favourites!) Amy is definitely one of my favourite female artists of all time, from her early beginnings in her career to her later years, in which she developed her own style and image.

'Take The Box'

‘Take The Box’ was one of the initial singles released by Amy Winehouse in 2003. The song follows a breakup between Amy and her boyfriend, who has now become her ex. Amy has placed all of his belongings in a box, to not only get over him but signify that the relationship has come to an end. Amy is metaphorically suggesting to her ex, to take back the items they once shared and gifted; which could also be a sign of personal growth. Even though Amy has become extremely self-aware by the end of the song and comes to the realisation that leaving the relationship is the best option for her.

Amy is still very much reminded of her ex-boyfriend in the second verse of the song: “I came home this evening and nothing felt like how it should be.” Perhaps Amy was used to her partner being home when she returned from the outings but now the feeling of coming home to nobody feels foreign to her; as the spark and sense of happiness she once had in the relationship have come to an end. Leaving Amy feeling empty inside, after investing huge amounts of time and effort into the relationship. 

Her mother, Janis Winehouse, witnessed the breakup and published the recount of events in her memoir, ‘Loving Amy: A Mother’s Story.’ Whilst describing the chain of events that inspired this ballad, Winehouse’s mother stated that Amy asked to be escorted to the apartment belonging to her ex-boyfriend in Holloway, London to drop off some miscellaneous items: “I drove Amy back to the block of flats Chris lived and watched her press the buzzer to the security door,” her mother then goes onto say, “She couldn’t have been gone more than five minutes without the box.”

'I Heard Love Is Blind'

‘I Heard is Blind,’ is the fifth song on the album and was produced by a friend and long-time collaborator, Salaam Remi, who has worked with the likes of Miguel, Nas and Estelle. The song vividly describes Amy discussing a scenario where the female protagonist has cheated on her partner with a man who resembles him.

The notion of cheating on her partner has been presented as a compliment on role reversal. Amy questioned why the male partner is upset as there is this resemblance, so therefore, the female protagonist did not technically cheat. The wider message in this could suggest how socially acceptable it is for men to cheat, but if there is indeed a role reversal then she is condemned and therefore looked down upon.

The song ultimately shifts towards the end as Amy sings: “Yes he looked like you, But I heard love is blind.” Relating to the premise of the song, Amy is sarcastically mocking the idea of being in a relationship and again, creating a sense of flattery. Attempting to justify the encounter with this stranger with a sarcastic apology, whilst perfectly executing this acoustic song hitting her signature notes.

Final Thoughts

I particularly adore Amy's style of music as she is a multi-genre British icon, who has influenced the likes of Adele, who she also attended the Brit School with, alongside singer and 'Party In The USA' producer, Jessie J. Emerging in the early 2000s propelled her musical success and allowed her to be recognised by receiving accolades such as winning a Grammy for 'Best Solo Artist' back in 2007.

The album has real replay value and provides a relatable experience for listeners due to her raw, vivid lyrics. Amy allowed her listeners to feel, think and express their emotions freely without any restrictions.

I believe that music allows us to empathise with artists, as their words paint a picture and teach us more about them. Amy demonstrates this through her emotionally charged performances at festivals and award shows.