We’re in the homestretch of the Amy Winehouse Mix CD. Track 19 of 22. Today we visit a recurring theme in Amy’s music, but never done quite like this. The song is “I Heard Love Is Blind” and it’s brilliant. It’s the fifth track from Amy’s 2003 debut album Frank. It was never a single, yet based on my minimal internet research I believe it’s a fan favorite. I know it’s one of mine.
“I Heard Love Is Blind” clocks in at a mere 2:10. It was written by Amy Winehouse and produced by Salaam Remi. Remi’s job seems simple here, but it’s masterfully done. A big part of what makes this song work is that it feels light and lovely while Amy sings the most heartless, slap-in-the-face apology one can imagine. Amy plays acoustic guitar accompanied by a bass and full horn section including flutes. If you strain you can hear a snare drum quietly played with brush sticks, but if you’re not listening for it specifically you won’t even notice it.
If you take the arrangement, instrumentation, and the title of the song you think you’re in for a sweet little profession of Amy’s and that’s what it is…sort of? She starts singing:
I couldn’t resist him
His eyes were like yours
His hair was exactly the shade of brown
He’s just not as tall
But I couldn’t tell
It was dark and I was lying down
Damn. Can you imagine being on the receiving end of this? She was really easing this guy in before she dropped that “it was dark and I was lying down” bomb. Anyway, let’s continue because it’s hilarious:
You are everything
He means nothing to me
I can’t even remember his name
OK, the apology is coming. She messed up, but she is serious now and she sincerely feels bad about it…
Why you so upset?
Baby, you weren’t there
And I was thinking of you when I came
Oh shit. OK, this is bad. Is she seriously thinking this is a good apology or just trying to rub this dude’s face in it? I’m sincerely asking, because if she’s serious I think she’s a sociopath.
What do you expect?
You left me here alone
I drank so much and needed your touch
Now she’s actually flipping it around and blaming this dude. Incredible. OK, I’ll stop the commentary and finish the lyrics now.
Don’t overreact
I pretended he was you
You wouldn’t want me to be lonely
How can I put it so you understand?
I didn’t let him hold my hand
But he looked like you
I guess he looked like you
No, he wasn’t you
But you can still trust me
This ain’t infidelity
It’s not cheating
You were on my mind
Yes, he looked like you
But I heard love is blind
My award for Greatest Song About Infidelity goes to Amy Winehouse. The lyrics, her vocals, the arrangement are just…*chef’s kiss*. Fucking incredible. How can something that sounds so sweet be so hilarious and catastrophic? This song is funny enough to be a SNL Digital Short, but it’s so perfectly executed that the quality is much too good for a sketch comedy show. Instead it lives as a shining example of Amy’s unparalleled combination of musical talent and devastating wit. Five stars and an A+ to everyone involved. A perfect song.
I’m going to take a hard left turn and talk about box sets for a second. If you’re going to make a box set you need to give the hardcore fans a reason to buy it. You can’t just repackage the same shit people already have and expect them to buy it. Whoever curated the Amy Winehouse vinyl collection knew what they were doing because they threw in an LP title Rarities. I’m not going to break down every track individually, but I’ll say some of it is available elsewhere and some of it isn’t. Most importantly, there’s a version of “I Heard Love Is Blind” in Rarities that I can’t find on streaming services and it’s worth the price of the box set alone. The list of amazing Amy Winehouse live performances is long, but this 2004 version of “I Heard Love Is Blind” performed at the Stables Theatre is my single favorite Amy Winehouse live performance, period. It has a sexy mid-20th century lounge singer vibe. Amy’s vocals are flawless and the band is on point. It actually makes you forget how sadistic the lyrics are. A stunning performance and perfect vehicle for Amy’s voice. Also, shout out to YouTube user @simasf for being a reliable source for hard to find Amy content.
I know I’ve used the word ‘perfect’ a lot today, but that’s how I feel about this song. There are thousands – if not millions – of songs out there about unfaithful partners, but none of them sound quite like this one. I fear we’ll never see another performer with Amy’s combination of characteristics. Some might match, or even surpass her talent, songwriting, and wit, but I don’t think anyone can match all of them. Amy was one of a kind and there may be no better example than “I Heard Love Is Blind”.
Only three more songs on the mix CD. We wrap this thing up next week. Enjoy your weekend. I’ll be back with three more songs and a wrap-up next week. Peace.
mookiefantana 