Amy Winehouse - In My Bed / You Sent Me Flying (Island)
UK release date: 5 April 2004
Amy Winehouse's debut album Frank reads like the diary of a gobby scorned London lass, and In My Bed / You Sent Me Flying is an excerpt of just that. The first track launches into La Winehouse's fusion of R&B and beat-driven jazz, with a quiet orchestra and synth beats all a-whirl behind her brassy soulful singing. But it is the ballsy open-hearted lyrics that wag a finger in your face and demand you listen to what makes Winehouse tick. "You might have a familiar face but that don't make your place safe in my bed" says it all.
The upbeat You Sent Me Flying is another monologue akin to a furiously-written diary entry, and the third song, the acoustic Best Friend (not on the album) exposes Amy Winehouse's caustic observational lyrics in their purest natural form.
Her music is hypnotic; you hang on her every word. She is a fresh new talent who has clearly put a break-up to good use. Go girl!