Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Live Fast & Die Young, seems to be a common practise among the young, rich and talented these days. Fortunately for us their music has continued to live on.

Less than 5 months since Amy Winehouse's untimely death ( 23/07/2011) and she is in the race for the Christmas Number one for her latest album 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures'. Some of the songs on the album may date back to before 'Frank' and 2002, but this is ultimately an album of previously unreleased work from the amazingly talented Amy, brought to us by Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi et al.

'Back to Black' is probably Amy's biggest achievement during her short career, reaching sales of 3.3million, making it the highest selling album of the 21st Century, until recently when the deserving Adele took the top spot. 'Rehab', 'Tears Dry On Their Own', 'Back to Black' and 'Valerie' are all songs that we can sing along to, our parents can sing along to, and a few kewl grandparents. 'Back to Black' is an infectious album, often on repeat and rightly so.

She may have had a troubled personal life, but it can't be denied that she gave her everything to music. The fact that 'Lioness' is an album of unreleased/unused songs that hadn't previously made the grade goes to show the talent that was floating around. I'm thankful Ronson and Remi took the time to sift through her back catalogue and bring us an album worthy of great success.

After listening to 'Lioness: Hidden Treasure' it is clear the name sums up the album perfectly; a reworking of 'Valerie - '68 version', the original 'Tears Dry' remind me of how great she was, but also of the waste of  such a great talent. These really are hidden treasures and luckily for us they don't remain so. =]

Elvis Presely & Bob Marley are known to have sold more after they died at similarly young ages to Amy, is our Hidden Treasure heading in the same direction? Can she reclaim her spot on the top of the 21st Century Albums list? I hope she can (sorry Adele).

Track List:

1. Our Day Will Come

2. Between The Cheats

3. Tears Dry - Original Version

4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? - 2011

5. Like Smoke ft Nas

6. Valerie - '68 Version

7. The Girl from Ipanema

8. Half Time

9. Wake Up Alone - Original Recording

10. Best Friends, Right?

11. Body And Soul

12. A Song For You (The perfect song to finish on, I actually love this song)

This album is definitely £9.99 spent well, I urge you all to go out and buy it, you won't be disappointed. Lets pay homage to such a talented treasure.

Hint: Listen out for the sweeping in 'Wake Up Alone' really helps you imagine her in the recording studio with just the janitor sweeping up long after everyone has gone home, everyone except Amy.

                                            Amy Winehouse - Hidden Treasures Story