Amy Winehouse, Rehab | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 20^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we highlight “Rehab” performed by short-lived, Grammy-winning retro-soul singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse. 

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 20^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2025), we dive into “Rehab”, the one-hit wonder by Amy Winehouse.

It doesn’t sound right, but the late, great Amy Winehouse (1983 – 2011) was a one-hit wonder.  Say what?! The shock! The awe! Her 2006 album, Black to Black, is a masterpiece – one of the best albums of the 2000s.  I’m still shook that Herbie Hancock bested Kanye West and Winehouse for the Grammy for Album of the Year (The Joni Letters). The retro-soul set is filled with ‘hits’ that didn’t impact the pop charts.  Surprisingly, Winehouse only charted three songs on the pop charts, one of which was a duet with the late, great Tony Bennett. “Rehab” was Winehouse’s only top 40 hit. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified platinum in 2010 by the RIAA.  Notably, Winehouse’s other pop ‘hit,’ “Back in Black”, was also certified platinum. “Rehab” was written by Winehouse and produced by Mark Ronson.

There are so many reasons why “Rehab” is the sugar, honey iced tea.  First and foremost, Amy Winehouse was a once-in-a-generation talent.  Her voice was distinct; she sounded throaty yet oozed with soul.  The first time you heard Amy, you knew exactly who it was. Beyond the voice, the songwriting is authentic and honest.  Her substance abuse is front-and-center from the jump, the memorable yet troubling chorus:

“They tried to make me go to rehab, but I said, ‘No, no, no’

Yes, I’ve been black, but when I come back, you’ll know, know, know

I ain’t got the time and if my daddy thinks I’m fine

He’s tried to make me go to rehab, but I won’t go, go, go.”

Those lyrics and that infectious, tuneful melody still give chills.  Also, they sadden you knowing that ultimately, Winehouse died from alcohol poisoning at just 27 years old in 2011.  Throughout, Amy cries foul regarding getting clean via rehab.  “I’d rather be home with Ray,” she sings in the first verse, “I ain’t got seventy days.” In the second verse, she asserts, “I’m gonna, I’m gonna lose my baby / So, I always keep a bottle near.” Yikes! In the third and final verse, her drinking appears to be a coping mechanism.  She refuses to show the façade or illusion of betterment (“I’m not gonna spend ten weeks / Have everyone think I’m on the mend”).  Beyond the electrifying voice, and candid songwriting, the music fuels the excellence of “Rehab.”  The sounds are vintage – old-school to the nth degree.  Real instruments, not synthesized instruments, accompany Winehouse.  When “Rehab” arrived, it sounded like nothing else on the radio.  Sure, neo-soul was still impactful, but the retro-soul of “Rehab” ‘hit different.’ The rhythm section cooks while the horns bite, particularly the nostalgic sounds of baritone sax holding it down. Woo! Amy Winehouse is a one-hit wonder, but it almost feels reductive to label her that way.  Regardless, this song is a classic for the ages, and also a cautionary tale.

Amy Winehouse // Back to Black // Universal Island Records Ltd. // 2006

Amy Winehouse, Rehab: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 20 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Universal Island Records Ltd.; Antoni Shkraba, KoolShooters, Pavel Danilyuk, Photo By: Kaboompics.com, RDNE Stock project from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]