The passing of Amy Winehouse in July shocked everyone and made headlines across the globe. As one of the most talented artists of our generation, her music and voice touched the souls of everyone who heard it. Many would believe that after her passing, they would no longer here any new songs. This past week, however, two new tracks debuted off of Winehouse’s unreleased album, Lioness: Hidden Treasures, which is said to be released, December 5, 2011.
The most popular single is “Our Day Will Come” which premiered on BBC radio November 1, 2011. This track is a reggae cover of the Ruby & the Romantics original, and it shows off Winehouse’s signature sound, leaving behind a bittersweet memory of the artist for her fans.
The other track to preview Winehouse’s featured album is “Like Smoke,” a track featuring the rapper Nas, whose unique style truly adds to the message of the song. The nerve-wracking track drafted the rapper to complete his section of the song for the unfinished version after Winehouse’s death in July. Nas was never able to actually record the piece with Winehouse herself. His unique delivery pairs with Winehouse’s soulful and powerful message to make an unforgettable work of art that will no doubt be unforgotten.
The idea of an album debuting only months after a singer’s death is eerie and somewhat haunting, but it is important that Winehouse’s music still be shared and enjoyed as if it were just being written. For many of her fans, her music still being released after her passing leaves a memory of the artist that is irreplaceable.
During the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA), pop singer Jessie J made a speech about the late artist saying: “Once in a generation an artist comes along who takes the world by storm. It saddens me that I never got to thank Amy for breaking boundaries, as I genuinely believe that without her I wouldn’t be standing here today. She set a new standard for British female artists.”
Like Etta James, Ray Charles, Elton John, or the Beatles, Amy Whinehouse set a new standard of music for the time in which she lived. She transformed the world of pop-culture to make a more diverse music scene that incorporated more of the “basics” of music. Winehouse’s new release is said to be her best since her very first album, as the vibe stays more true to who she was as an artist. Her music is nothing of the past and is still alive today; therefore, so is her memory.
