The second volume of The Messenger Mixtape is now on its second track. This week, I asked the staff of The Messenger what their favorite song with a name as the title was and our social media manager, Grace Bellavia, submitted “Valerie” by Amy Whinehouse.
This track (which is actually a live recording of a Mark Ronson song that Whinehouse featured on) is featured on the deluxe version of her album “Back To Black.” The funk inspired guitar is accompanied by an ever present set of keys that make this song groove to an infectious rhythm, without the presence of drums.
Its minimalist, upbeat soundscape brings out the absolutely beautiful vocals from Whinehouse. The lyrics that sing of a love lost pull at the heartstrings, and in the chorus Whinehouse’s lonesome singing is layered to give a powerful, goosebump inducing feeling with so much soul.
“I picked Valerie because this song to me is nostalgic,” said Bellavia. “My mom was a fan of Amy Winehouse. I would always hear this song playing and it kind of got me into Whinehouse. It also got me into jazz and soul music. The song hits the heart a bit, but it’s a good hit.”
Anyone looking for a smooth jam to fit with the soon-to-be snowy weather, this is a perfect pick and a great addition to our mixtape.
