Op-Ed: Amy Winehouse is Not Crazy

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The voice sounded like Lauryn Hill and I never heard of Amy Winehouse before, so I blew it off. It has been rumored that Lauryn Hill has been undergoing major issues during her hiatus from the mainstream music scene. Therefore, I thought that this was a representation of yet another mental or emotional breakdown that was leaked to mainstream radio stations.

A correction to the “Rehab” single occurred while watching television one evening. This woman was performing the song that I heard once on the radio. It was a commercial for an electronics retailer, promoting a new sale on music CDs. One of those albums belonged to Amy Winehouse. I realized that the Rehab song belonged to her, not Lauryn Hill. That was all understood. However, the chorus of the song (which was all that I heard and knew) was still strange.

The sound was even difficult to receive. It was something new and definitely uncommon. This woman is talking about not going to rehab. What is so special about that? Why listen to an unknown psycho woman that might be on drugs? Every one of those thoughts regarding this new music was completely off base. After noticing more related web links, online features and TV clips, I developed more interest in Amy Winehouse.

British Invasion
One online search and trip to her website will cause any soul or jazz music fan to look into Amy Winehouse’s music and background. Her website is user-friendly, providing a nice escape from other sites that are more annoying than informative. Mainstream radio programs have put fans in touch with heavily promoted artists like Jay-Z, Rhianna and Chris Brown. Listeners are familiar with whoever is hot at the moment. Much like pop singer Shakira, Amy Winehouse has been popular way before “Rehab” came to America.

It is a shame that one has to make an extra effort to become familiar with this talented singer. However, it is a good that she finally has a place in our local music scene. I look forward to hearing more music from Amy Winehouse for years to come. After further listening, the “Rehab” song seems to be about an alcohol addiction. Now that I have become somewhat familiar with the artist, the song is quite likable.

Promising Female Star
There is no doubt that Amy Winehouse will become a great musical phenomenon in America. She has a different sound, which seems to be what many of the new music artists are currently offering. That is a great advantage to have for Amy Winehouse. Music fans who prefer more meaningful songs than the standard bubble gum hit will appreciate it. From the sample clips available online, her “Back to Black” album sounds promising.

This singer also has an attractive look which will appeal to the male demographic. Women may also enjoy her style as well. It seems to be a feminine and hardcore mixture. I have not seen many female singers wear a dress, makeup and sport a great manicure in addition to tattoos. Mary J. Blige has done it, but Monica covered up her body ink years ago to protect her image. With or without tattoos, Amy Winehouse’s music will keep her on the radar for a long time.