Back to Black: Amy Winehouse's Tragic Heartbreak

[@4stringjoe2]

Amy Winehouse is one of those rare artists who will become more appreciated and loved as time passes. Her two albums (and the recently released deep cuts) are timeless, brilliantly composed, and inarguably human. She had such an appreciation for music of all genres, and it shines through in her music. As the video mentions her work stood out in the early 2000's, and I think it will continue to.

[@edog4153]

The first time I've really heard something positive about Amy Winehouse. Rip Amy.

[@nedisahonkey]

Really? Shes widely seen as a brillant artist. She lived a tragic life and the terrible shit said about her in the tabloids only contributed to her early death.

[@edog4153]

@@nedisahonkey yeah I always heard jokes or people dressing up and doing crappy impressions of her but other than some family members, I never really heard anything positive about her.

[@nedisahonkey]

@@edog4153 That's fucked up. Making fun of someone for their addiction, especially when it took their life, is completley uncalled for.

[@edog4153]

@@nedisahonkey i agree. Looking back at it, it was just completely uncalled for.

[@rebekahp4083]

Watch the documentary “Amy” on Netflix. It won best documentary a few years ago, and shows the true artist under all the bad publicity and what a tragedy it was we lost her so early

[@Inimigor1]

This is truly a gut wrenching album, the familiarity of the tunes bring you in and the rawness keep you around. I get a bit sad because in Brazil a humour program made a sketch making fun of rage fits as a pulling an "Amy Winehouse moment" and it unfortunately reduced the "seriousness" of her music for most people. It's a great album and she's really a great singer!

[@Sunomis]

We were all unconsiderate back then. And what a loss her death was, because of this.

[@Inimigor1]

@Ramon S Yeah, what goes around comes around

[@ceejay1794]

Was gutted when she died, am still. It was horrific the jokes that came at he expense. She was so genuine, a vulnerable person. That my friends is not a weakness. When will we learn.

[@CrashfHackergames]

Oh, Pânico... Not even when "it used to be good" it actually used to be good.

[@junkiejackflash]

When I was younger, I remember finding "Rehab" to be just a funny song, and I would mockingingly sing it with my cousin, just as a joke, and little did I know, not too many years later, I'd be in the same situation. Addict of 8 or 9 years, but I never been to rehab. Methadone clinic, counselling, and intensive outpatient, but never rehab. Crazy how life goes.

[@SuperTigerTV]

Aint as glamorous as Hollywood and Amy had you thinking? What a shocker!

[@junkiejackflash]

@@SuperTigerTV did I say that? No, don't believe I did.

[@lasofi5510]

@@SuperTigerTV calm tf down

[@JennaLeigh]

@@SuperTigerTV not even remotely the point of what they were saying.

[@miked7295]

How are you now, after 4 years? Been to rehab yet or did you get clean/sober on your own?

[@thirty-sevenemptydietcokec9512]

You have no clue how happy I am you made this video. Amy Winehouse is damn amazing

[@coralfang12587]

Same! Long live queen Amy 🖤

[@caiscorner2675]

Being just a unaware kid in the 2000s I actually just kind of assumed Amy Whinehouses music was a lot older than it was. I remember realizing when it was actually from and being shocked. Songs like Back to Black and Rehab just seemed like those timeless, always been there in the cultural conscious kind of songs to me.

[@AngusStewart01]

The way you described her alcholism hit me hard Jesus

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Oh, by the way, I live on the same road that Amy is buried on. It's a looong road called Edgwarebury Lane, and she is at the very top of it, next to a field of horses. It's a rather beautiful and unusual part of North London. RIP Amy x

[@johnjohnson3709]

ChubbyChecker182 , and you can visit her anytime you want. I would love to be there. Thanks

[@makmart5298]

Amy's voice and lyrics were so raw and real. It's so amazing to think of what could have been and so sad it ended so quickly.

[@idontknow-ms8mc]

I loved Amy Winehouse's music. I was really sad when she passed. Also sad for the beautiful (and so so relatable) music that we won't ever get to hear.

[@mottahead6464]

I haven't heard people talking about her timbre/tone. Her voice sounds like a trumpet to me in many of her songs - it's like a jazz instrument played elegantly by a talented musician. Her phrasing choices and how her voice blends in with the other instruments - I think that's at least part of what makes her songs so great.

[@deankontos8097]

This did her so much justice. I loveeee Amy Whitehouse but no one ever talks about her that much anymore so this really open her back up to the world. Let’s not ever forget her. Thank youuuu

[@thedivalovesglitterandglam9428]

Tears Dry on Their Own is the best song that Amy ever wrote. I own all of her albums. That's her best song.

[@JorgeSanchez-kr3eb]

He didn’t mention the fact that “Black” is also a name to heroin (as in black tar heroin). In her case Black isn’t just about the darkness of depression and despair but also about her relationship with heroin.

[@simonchaddock3694]

Its brown not black

[@Solo-vh9fm]

@@simonchaddock3694 both are right. It depends on where you are too though as there are differences between British and American street slang

[@thisone1chick1]

she wasn’t doing heroin yet, she first did it after her and blake got married (which was after the album came out)

[@weaversongs]

this is false information :/

[@wickedfuckingwinehousebitchxox]

No fuck no it’s about her depression only her depression and the break up. With Blake she hadnt some drugs til late 2007 and got off hard drugs in 2008 so it was about a year so fuck you you have no idea wen you have legit no fucking clue

[@upperhandgaming9647]

Love Polyphonic. Love Winehouse. Love this

[@svenkobus4356]

I would love to hear you talk about Dirt from Alice in Chains. I think there is no better album about depression and substence abuse.

[@patromo]

Here! Here!

[@ragehead32089]

That album is DARK as FUCK!

[@DaveSP196]

Absolutely agree. That is such a dark album. One of my favourites ever.

[@willsmath]

Not when Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space exists

[@therideneverends1697]

An album so good at relaying a vibe that it gives you authentic suicidal ideation!

[@miked7295]

Every time I learn about a new tragic story in music, I check if you have a video on it. And you always do. Noah, never stop what you're doing.

[@coledixon4393]

This channel is so good! You put so much effort into these and it really shows.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Back to Black...That girl spoke to my soul. And she was so real about her soul, and what she went through. When you’re as honest as you’re living, it makes for great music

[@OsKarMike1306]

Since we're on the subject of the 27 Club members, I think we're well overdue for a Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin video. I'd love to see you tackle the poetry of The Doors and the incredible voice of Janis

[@leobelcolona4721]

YES!!!

[@caseywalker1714]

You think Janis had a great voice or was a great performer???

[@sindead28]

@@caseywalker1714 both. Sadly we only got a doors one. No Joplin. Yet

[@SuperTigerTV]

Its clear they were taken to facilitate glamorizing death.

[@joesimon2018]

That guy was poison. He got her hooked on crack and heroin. She'd be alive today if she hadn't ran into him.

[@crackerattacker2978]

And yet, if you think about it, Amy wouldn’t have wrote those songs. All the songs in Back to Black are basically about Blake and her addiction (which was started by Blake himself).

[@joesimon2018]

@@crackerattacker2978 Small compensation

[@rustyhornzinstrumentalist-7596]

I really dug her talent. I have all her music. Such a shame she was only around for such a short period of time, but the effect she had was much more than some artists who've been around much longer.

[@chaoticproductions3922]

The thing that got me interested into Amy Whinehouses music was something I find sorta strange but I imagine I’m not the only one who was introduced this way and this was by Green Day’s Amy a heartbreaking tune

[@vincenthunter1615]

I’d recommend the documentary “Amy” directed by Asif Capafia if anyone wants to discover more of this story. It’s built entirely from archival footage and really doesn’t feel like your average documentary.

[@HAZARDOUS88]

Yeah, that's a great watch. Very emotive stuff.

[@ylonmc2]

it's shit

[@HAZARDOUS88]

@@ylonmc2 Cool, thanks.

[@sierra3644]

it broke my heart in the best way possible

[@mariamihailik5310]

The documentary completely left out all the support and help that Amy's friends and family gave her, making it seem like no one around her cared about her, when that is simply not the reality. It also gave the impression that Amy was at her worst by the end of her life, when she had actually beaten drug addiction and was a recovering alcoholic, having longer and longer sober periods after every relapse. It never even mentioned that she was engaged at the end of her life, to Reg Travis, who had an excellent impact of her life. The film does showa lot of rare and precious footage of Amy that you can't find anywhere else, but those who want to watch it need to keep in mind that it is full of slander, word-twisting and unfair blaming from people who had never even met Amy.

[@lachlanorourke5421]

Amy Winehouse saves me and my heart during the summer of 2018

[@kittymamayyz]

Thank you for doing a quick breakdown on Back to Black. When I first heard Rehab, I was actually surprised to learn that Amy was not a Motown singer, but rather someone who captured that essence and vibe perfectly. I don't impress with 2000s pop easily. A lot of it (especially since about 2010 onward ) is overprocessed BS crap. I came across the song Back to Black and fell in love. Eventually I got her albums. I was blown away at how she really captured the older style jazz in Frank, and then turned around and did Motown in Back to Black. Extremely talented. I can't say this about a lot of other artists today (Adele is one who comes pretty damn close). Thank you for exposing the beauty of Back to Black. It was well done. I would love to hear your take on Frank. Amy, your fans miss you more than you will ever realize. RIP

[@nyxaria8557]

Whenever I listen to her songs. You can just feel the heartbreak in her voice and lyrics. A vunerable and beautiful soul indeed Amy was.. Still not over the fact she is gone.

[@mcopado]

She was an amazing talent. Brilliant songwriter with an amazing voice , and style. Such a tragic waste. I often thing about where should would be today, the body of work she would have created since back to black. She could have been this centuries Ella Fitzgerald or Nina Simone.

[@Missjunebugfreak]

In terms of her vocal style, she often said she was hugely influenced by Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. She even sings about Sarah in "October Song".

[@laggardly6201]

Maybe, I tend to feel she said what she wanted to say and then she split. Art can have a very short radioactive half life....Basquiat, Cobain, Joplin, Heath Ledger, Jim Morrison etc.....

[@paisleyprincess7996]

That album sums up the last 12 years of my life. No other album does it like Back to Black

[@lvlheadedrebel]

Thank you so much for doing this much needed video!! I have been an avid fan of Amy's since her Frank debut, and heck she even passed on my birthday which I always thought was eerie, anywho thank you for keeping her beautiful memory and ridiculously mesmerizing talent alive. It means a lot to me. New subscriber!

[@adonaiyah2196]

The Billie Holiday of our age

[@sierra3644]

adonai yah TRULY

[@Miggy_222]

Amy didnt like Billie Holiday ironically

[@remixdragon6156]

Guisamopa 101 why

[@Miggy_222]

Remix Dragon i dont know she just said "fuck her" in an interview where they were talking about jazz music and the reporter mentioned Billie Holiday.

[@remaininlight9269]

The Sierra SuTM the Aretha Franklin of our generation

[@pedroandre1997]

U should talk about "an american prayer" by the doors with Jim Morrison poems i never seen an álbum lime that

[@vaughnpitzel63]

Hey polyphonic, great video! Could you do a video in the future about Alistair Crowley and his influence on music? I feel like this would be quite an interesting topic, and would love to see where you take it!

[@tedkoppel4199]

Love Amy, just an absolute legend. Gone before her time.... But it always seemed like that song was already written, like she was destined to be in the 27 club. Along with many other greats

[@JonMDVisual]

One of my top 20 albums in music history. RIP Amy.

[@Snaily]

My mother actually went through a situation just like the album's story, (except it was the death of her husband and my father, not a breakup) especially in Rehab, a couple of years before and after the release, so this became her favourite album of all time and now I can't hear it without breaking down in tears.

[@rileyg3368]

PLEASE DO A VIDEO ON THE GILMAN STREET PROJECT IN BERKELEY. I LOVE 90s PUNK ROCK AND ITS SUCH A COOL THING. I love Green Day with my heart and 924 Gilman is such an incredible place. I’d love for you to look into it.

[@quacktac]

Back to Black is easily one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@DonkeyBoyVids]

I would love another punk video if you have any ideas with that

[@andrewbrook9042]

I support this

[@BongSalvador]

American and British punk.

[@artso1990]

He did talk about dead kennedys

[@DonkeyBoyVids]

@@artso1990 yeah I know, I meant to say "another punk video" but I didn't

[@rileyg3368]

924 GILMAN STREET!!!!

[@m17434]

Grace Jones and the Compass Point All-Stars studio (owned by Chris Blackwell) made some iconic albums: Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing, Living My Life, Slave to the Rhythm and Island Life. Could you make a documentary about this unappreciated talent?

[@twiklight]

I respect the accurate and poignant review of the album and amy's life. I am the self-proclaimed " biggest amy winehouse fan of all time" and it infurates me how the media and people's perspective on her and her legacy were so misinformed. This video was not only well written but educational and accurate and i am highly impressed.

[@HotStrange]

Such an incredible loss. Amy was such a talent. Always makes me sad to think about where she could’ve gone had she lived. Rip Amy.

[@Zillah82]

Still in the top 10 albums I listen to on a regular basis. It is by far one of the most honest and gut wrenching albums I have ever heard. Her songs and her vocals really make you feel it. I will always love her for it.

[@AngusStewart01]

Every song and album you talk about I downloaded after your anylsis your just great at breaking down artist your one of my favorite channels.

[@elloguvna6820]

Her music is sooo goooood. ♥️♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻👼🏼👼🏼😞😞

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

Incredible woman. My family love her songs - the piano in this song really gets me as well as her beautiful voice.

[@mtthwskdmr2]

Please, please please please, do something on Elton John's music. Whether it be the series of films found in the entirety of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the depressing heartbreak found in Blue Moves, or the story of the criminal in "Have Mercy On The Criminal" from the Don't Shoot Me album, his music is worthy of one of these videos.

[@bentcopper5054]

Thank GOD someone else has brain cells. Totally agree there is so much in his music

[@valentine4962]

I would love to see your take on the story of Sixto Rodriguez. I know Searching for the Sugar Man outlined it pretty well, but an analysis of some of the musical factors or his songs would be amazing.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Possibly the last great 'popular music' album ? On the surface it seemed very 'pop' but clearly very very dark underneath. (Since then what have we had ? Adele / Ed Sheeran / Taylor Swift ?). The documentary that came out a couple of years ago about her in the cinemas was excellent.

[@remixdragon6156]

ChubbyChecker182 I say Ed Sheehan and Adele are decent not winehouse good but decent.

[@amandagarcia4341]

Amy’s music changed my life. She was truly brilliant

[@caroletchison661]

Amy Winehouse:) I respect her!! in a lot of ways. She was before her time! her music was awesome classical jazz! she was loving caring and funny:) the videos that I've watched of amy the way she dances! is cute a lot of people go through this but they just don't know how to stop she was a good person unfortunately we lost her we just got to keep her our memories:) 2022 rest in peace Amy jade Winehouse:) ❤ happy belated birthday wishes ❤

[@unerevuese]

I love that album. Every song is amazing. I miss Amy so much.

[@spacesavage12]

Who wants to see a video on SADE... I do. Polyphonic make it happen...please

[@D1cko888]

These videos are unreal. I never liked Winehouse’s mainstream music, but thanks to you I think I went back and listened to the album and honestly, I like it. It was the same with the video on the Blue Oyster Cult. The way you can pick the tiny details completely changed my perception of the song. In fact, these videos have changed my thoughts on a lot of music.

[@remixdragon6156]

ItsDicko I know how you feel

[@rmeyer4948]

Please do a video on Lead Belly. Thanks for the amazing content!

[@theroughdraft5505]

I think you should make this a series about breaking down the best break up albums. Not only romantic relationships but band break-ups, etc. My first recommendation would be For Emma, For Ever Ago I’d love to here some other suggestions

[@Timmie1995]

The lyric 'I don't ever wanna drink again. I just, ooh just need a friend.' is always heartbreaking to hear.

[@ewmanley581]

Interesting how “Back to Black” could also be an allusion to blackout drinking or even black tar heroin.

[@farkas76ang82]

Frank is amazing too. Please, make a video about that album!!

[@user-fe8ms9ht7j]

,,So many breakup songs talk of being sad,but so few talk about the side effects of that" Jeez. That's why I love this channel

[@tedkoppel4199]

I think it may be time for a video on the original Chicago line up. Criminally underrated.

[@juststardust8103]

Raw and delicate. I am not like her but she sings as if she knows me. A remarkable singer and songwriter.

[@peachscreams]

I rarely get actually excited to see videos in my sub box, but this on really got me hyped. Keep up the good work, it's been great seeing your channel grow.

[@emmaharlie5684]

I really listen to and understand music so differently when I’ve watched your videos

[@Goatchild90]

The best album of 21st Century

[@strawberrystupid4738]

these videos are so well made 🙌🏾

[@MaxGalofre]

This channel is what KZbin quality looks and sounds like.

[@agirlnamedbrett.]

what an incredible talent we lost. RIP 💗 I'm hooked on this channel. so good

[@automaticthinker]

Fantastic dissection of a brilliant artist, her work, and her struggle. A+ Polyphonic, this is great. Wish you'd stayed a longer Amy. Doesn't always work that way I guess.

[@SardonicCheerio]

This channel is so good!! thank you for all you do! I was wondering if I could put up a suggestion - Tracy Chapman or Missy Elliot? Both super iconic imo

[@goldburnm]

Thanks for this deeper analysis into Back to Black. While I knew about the lyrics and the influences. Putting it all together with the chords and the 60s music was fascinating.

[@raptorjesus8635]

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard man, that would be perfect for this channel

[@jaxpink4555]

another fantastic Segway at the end my dude, never letting me down on those

[@elderly_gentleman9489]

Like IDHBTFM- mixing old and modern elements to create something timeless and new:)

[@apollion888]

If 'Rumors' is considered a breakup album, I don't see how it can be topped.

[@seanramsdell4172]

3:07 My favorite of all her songs

[@mbo3587]

This is one of your best videos in awhile...keep it up

[@caveguy22]

Would love to hear a talk about Alice In Chains self titled album :) Or Joy Division's Closer

[@medes5597]

Great video. While I personally cannot stand Amy Winehouse's voice, this gave me a whole new appreciation for her work. I wish I could get past that hang up but her voice just really really repels me.

[@adamjones4907]

Fantastic video! Keep up the great work, my man - your videos are always informative, directional and entertaining to me!

[@adamjones4907]

and this one is a gem... one of your best!

[@CantThinkofaCoolOne]

Outstanding work as always from this channel.

[@whyme3286]

Wow , that was a awesome video I’m glad I found you!

[@mirok509]

Amy is one of the few good artists of that era

[@fluf9941]

Was. :(

[@mirok509]

@@fluf9941 sadly

[@johnpae4796]

jeff there’s a lot of good artists today u know

[@mirok509]

@@johnpae4796 i know just not in 2006

[@nobodylistens5322]

It wasn't that bad of an era, honestly, I've been listening back to some stuff from back than and was surprised how much I liked. She was one of the greatest, though, era be damned. Hell, she would have shined in the hey-day of this style, probably (white privilege helps...)

[@Kringlelicious]

One of your best!

[@henryjensen2741]

I can't wait for this channel to rocket to the mainstream lime we know it's going to. This channel is amazing

[@coralfang12587]

My girl!!! Forever the best vocalist and musical genius ever. Her amazing writing ability to open herself up for every one to see is incredible. She felt like a best friend. I related to her that much. She will forever be my #1. Thank you for making this video. And go follow my Amy account on Instagram! @legendaryamywinehouse

[@rachelroseangel]

Analysis on the Frank album would be great

[@gavingee1042]

Great content as always, my dude. I need to revisit this album. On the topic of unfortunate ends of substance abuse, you ever think about doing a Mac Miller essay?

[@sierra3644]

YESSSSSSS WORDS AND EMOJIS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS ALBUM AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@Gnattilus]

Man I would love to hear you talk about either/or by Elliott Smith

[@ayelmao1224]

A positive video about Amy Winehouse? What… kind… of fuckery is this?

[@colefreer]

Could you do a video on the 27 Club?

[@bmoney2011]

her story is one of the few things in this world that completely breaks my heart. I mean it totally sunders it.

[@FavioWinehouse]

Simply Stunning, thank´s for this video. I have no more words to say, just outstanding. Regards mate

[@ThatOneGuy7550]

Love the Polyphonic channel so much

[@JoeDiMinicoZenithPhracker]

Your videos are great. Any thoughts on something like Lou Reed's Transformer?

[@rifatmasud]

Rehab has to be the best song of this millennium

[@switch5199]

Keep up the good work man, your work is amazing.

[@sierra3644]

me and mr. jones is so fudksnushding iconic.

[@רועישכטר-ה2ר]

Amy is just a genius