Finally available on vinyl! Didn't think much of this album when we first saw it advertised - now it's heading for instant classic status. Retro sounds from Ms. Winehouse in that Mark Ronson meets the Dap Kings kinda way. Check out the big ones - "Rehab" and the Ghostface and non-Ghostface versions of "You Know I'm No Good" - and you'll see what I mean. This stuff is hard to resist, sweet and soulful with that super dark undercurrent. For reference, I went into my local comic shop the other day and even they were bumping this album. (And comic nerds HATE almost all music that's not from "the trilogy.") Also check the Salaam Remi-produced "Me & Mr. Jones," the Lauryn Hill-meets-The Supremes vibe on "He Can Only Hold Her" or the "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"-sampling "Tears Dry On Their Own." Forget the hype, this is just some well-crafted music. Mark Ronson = new school Phil Spector? 11 tracks total.

• music label: Universal Republic / 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 06/2007