Music is an experience, a soulful connection. Amy Winehouse creates one of the most lasting and impactful musical experiences with her 2007 album, “Back to Black.” Some things will live on forever, and this is one of them.

Winehouse connects with everybody through this album. She crosses both genre and age lines across the board. Any time this happens, it is proof that the album consists of genuinely outstanding content.

The first single released from the album was “Rehab.” In the hit single, Winehouse talks about her struggle with alcohol addiction. She explains how she knows her addiction is wrong, but she just can’t seem to bring herself to get the rehabilitation that she needs. This is a prime example of the candidness that is present throughout the album.

Winehouse makes music about things that actually go in in her life. She invites the world to share her joys, sorrows, struggles and loves. Such candidness makes people feel close to her through her music. It’s as if she’s a distant friend. Candidness is one of the most special things about “Back to Black,” because it’s not common for many artists to be so bluntly honest in their music.

Not only does Winehouse make a strong connection to the audience through her lyrics, but the music and composition of the album also make it a unique and special musical experience. Winehouse’s music style for “Back to Black” is influenced by the style of girl groups of the 1950s and 1960s. How can such an older style of music make such an impact on younger generations? This mystery remains, but it is a truth that can be proven simply by listening to the album.

There is no other way to describe the feeling the album gives except a soulful connection. Even if it is just one song on “Back to Black” that speaks to the listener, that experience is impactful enough to appreciate and respect Winehouse as a musician.

Overall, her choice of bluntly candid lyrics paired with her decision to use musical styles from the 50s and 60s are what makes “Back to Black” such a special experience. Listening to the album is bittersweet, only for the fact that there will never be any music or musical experience like it again. Knowing that fans lost Winehouse to the struggles that she wrote about in her music hurts. It feels like we lost a friend, but she will forever live on through her music and through her last official album, “Back to Black.”