Valerie

The song began as a garage-rock track by the British band The Zutons, appearing on their 2006 album Tired of Hanging Around. Written by Matthew McCabe and Simon Renshaw, the original version captured the high-energy sound of London's mid-2000s indie scene. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and became a staple on radio stations across Europe before producer Mark Ronson took notice.

Ronson reimagined the composition for his 2007 debut solo album Version, inviting Amy Winehouse to provide lead vocals. Her distinctive contralto transformed the driving guitar riff into a soulful ballad blending rhythm and blues with jazz influences. Released as a single in May 2007, this version topped the UK Singles Chart in July and peaked at number thirteen on the US Billboard Hot 100. Critics praised Winehouse's emotional delivery, noting how her performance added vulnerability that elevated the track beyond a simple cover.

The official music video directed by Sophie Muller featured a black-and-white aesthetic that highlighted Winehouse's vintage style. The recording earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. Although it lost to Beyoncé and Michael Bublé, the song achieved multi-platinum certifications worldwide and remains one of Winehouse's most recognized works. [edit]