Amy Winehouse, Valerie | COVERS

In the ninth edition of COVERS (2026), Amy Winehouse delivers a compelling rendition of “Valerie,” originally performed by The Zutons.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established and lesser-known musicians. In the ninth edition of COVERS (2026), Amy Winehouse delivers a compelling rendition of “Valerie”, originally performed by The Zutons. 

For sure, Valerie! No, Amy Winehouse (1983 – 2011) did NOT originally record the song, “Valerie”, but man, it feels like it belongs to her. Instead, an English indie rock band, The Zutons, originally recorded it on their 2006 album, Tired of Hanging Around.  On Spotify, the track by The Zutons is no slouch, earning a robust 63 million plays and counting.  However, Winehouse earned more recognition for her covers. “Valerie (Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007)” has earned the most plays (716 million-plus via Spotify), while the version attributed to Mark Ronson featuring Winehouse has 845,000 plays itself.  Another version, “Valerie – ‘68 Version”, was my first introduction to “Valerie” from Winehouse, appearing on 2011’s  Lioness: Hidden Treasures.  It is unavailable on Spotify, but available on Apple Music, as well as for purchase, contingent on buying the entire album. The point is, Amy Winehouse owns various renditions of “Valerie,” written by Sean Payne, David McCabe, Abigail Harding, Bryan Chowdhury, and Russell Pritchard.

Amy Winehouse ate on various renditions of “Valerie” she covered.  Focusing on “Valerie (Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007),” her voice is marvelous; once-in-a-lifetime.  Like her lauded performances on her Back in Black album, Winehouse sings expressively, showing off her gritty, throaty pipes. The coarseness of her instrument is part of the charm. Beyond bringing the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies to life, she serves up some delightful ad-libs, upping the ante.  In the more stripped, loungey Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007, the musical accompaniment is a bit more laid-back.  Rather than pummeling drums, gentler, rhythmic percussion keeps the groove afloat. Filling in the production are soulful guitar, fat bass, and electric keys, often performing eighth note, ostinato chords.  The vibe is old-school – retro-pop and retro-soul.  Even if the lack of drums takes a bit of the edge away, this version still cooks.  Also amplifying the late, short-lived Grammy winner are soulful background vocals.

There is also another cover of “Valerie”, attributed to Mark Ronson (b. 1975), featuring Winehouse.  This version features full instrumentation (which includes drums) and a quicker tempo. Interestingly, this take begins with a blend of hard-hitting percussion and body percussion. Following a colorful rapped intro by rapper Wale, an undeniably funky groove settles in, beginning with bass and drums.  Eventually, the keys, horns, and strings get into the mix.  Of course, the most important piece of the pie is Amy Winehouse.  Simply put, she’s in her zone.  Whether it’s “Valerie (Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007)” or “Valerie”, where she collaborates with Ronson, Amy Winehouse made this her own song, and we will NEVER forget it.  Brilliant!

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Amy Winehouse » AMY (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) » Island Records » 2015

Amy Winehouse, Valerie: Covers No. 9 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Island Records; Alan Cordero, Flávia Vicentini from Pexels; Gordon Johnson, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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