Winehouse always brought a particular kind of rawness and grit to a usually very welcoming and nostalgic sound, and then stabbed you in the heart with her writing and vocals.
No one does is like SOAD. Who else incorporates Armenian folk into rhythmic nu-metal? Writing and performances hit hard on all fronts too, some classic bangers!
A little more ordinary than it tries to make itself out to be, maybe a little scattered, but this was indeed a very cutting edge album and shot Ocean to stardom for a very good reason. This thing is soul bearing, and showcases what makes both old school and nu-skool/alternative R&B so evocative, and of course Frank’s lyrics and performances are well done obviously.