Lioness: Hidden Treasures (cd review)

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I listened to Winehouse's cd review and offered my opinion. This piece came easily: it's not hard to write about something you love. It's just a shame Winehouse died early and so tragically.

What Amy Did

CD review of Amy Winehouse’s Lioness: Hidden Treasures

By Jaymin Proulx

Rated: 4/5 stars

When Amy died, she left behind a following of fans and music critics alike that never would have guessed a young woman so musically gifted would be so troubled and a threat to herself. She was always a little left of centre, some complained brazen and dishevelled, but to others, a sheer joy to observe when she was at her best.

This album was released December 2011 and showcases the 27 year old who broke boundaries and let loose a fire of emotion, raw innocence and a fury of self-destructive tendencies that gave way to a fallible character: one that surely not to go away quietly and disappear into thin air. It hit number one on the UK charts and was warmly welcomed.

Winehouse was 27 when her body was discovered on July 23, 2011 in her own bed. Coroners stated alcohol poisoning was the cause a substance that she routinely battled day in and day out. People gathered at her funeral, remembered the lamentable event and wondered afterward, “what if?”

Winehouse’s cd is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Regardless, it showcases her ability to blend both blues, jazz with a twist of R&B that doesn’t come often enough in the music industry. She was unique, simply stated. No one can forget her beehive, her tattoos or her vigilance with the liquid eyeliner.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures is a very honest and gives away the issues that were dealt her way and her inability to manage her problems and success. “Tears Dry,” is a relentless cry for help, asking why she pushes men away, yet breaks in their presence. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” the original by Carol King, shows Winehouse’s vulnerability and her vocal reach.

“Like Smoke,” is a friendly duet with rapper Nas and exudes lyrical genius from both parts.

Unfortunately, at the point of the seventh song, “The Girl From Ipanema,” Winehouse loses organization and deliberation. The next song, “Half Time,” is equally poor and the underlying theme midway through is that love and rejection come expectantly to Winehouse.

Nevertheless, “Body and Soul” with Tony Bennett get her back on her toes and she delivers her sass with style.

Mark Ronson, an English DJ, guitarist, music producer, artist and co-founder of Allido Records, worked with Winehouse on Back to Black and helped her write the hook to “Rehab.” In the liner notes, he gravely questions why Winehouse fell off her path to success.

“I hate the fact that I will never get to make music with her. I feel like a part of my creative soul has been removed, never again to be recovered. But then I have to remind myself how lucky I am to have even got to work on one album with her.”

“I think of her all the time and how she never, ever compromised herself in her music and her everyday life,” he remarked.

For more information, visit amywinehouse.com