Frank

The clever mingling of programmed rhythms and live instruments has been a strength of British soul since Soul II Soul, so the phrase ‘vintage soul’ tells only part of this album’s story. Mention Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro, however, and another part of its character becomes clearer. Winehouse was only twenty when this debut appeared. Even younger than those earlier songwriters at the start of their careers, she already seemed to know far too much.

From the beginning, her distinctive nouns, her woven phrases and the colour of her singing reveal a person with an unmistakable identity. Even years after its release, the record can catch you emotionally off guard. Her interpretation of ‘Moody’s Mood for Love’, associated with James Moody and Georgie Fame, brings out the jazz within her, and bossa nova and reggae enter her world just as naturally.

There is an ease to her musical intelligence that never diminishes its emotional force. Listening to Frank, it is difficult not to think of her as one of the most remarkable British female artists to appear since Sade.