"Frank" is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 20 October 2003 by Island Records. The album was produced by Winehouse, Salaam Remi, Commissioner Gordon, Jimmy Hogarth, and Matt Rowe, with production taking place from 2002 to 2003. The title references both the nature of Winehouse's lyrics and her influence, Frank Sinatra.
Upon release, Frank received generally positive reviews from critics and earned Winehouse several accolades, including an Ivor Novello Award. The album has sold over one million copies in the UK and has been certified triple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.
After learning to play guitar at 15, Winehouse began writing music a year later. She worked various jobs, including as an entertainment journalist, while also singing with a local band. In July 2000, she joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Her best friend, soul singer Tyler James, sent her demo tape to an A&R executive, leading to her signing with Simon Fuller’s 19 Management in 2002. During this time, she was developed as an artist while singing jazz standards at the Cobden Club.
Winehouse eventually caught the attention of Darcus Beese, an A&R representative at Island Records, who discovered her after hearing her as a key vocalist on a demo. Beese was instrumental in signing her to Island amidst growing interest from other labels. Winehouse expressed dissatisfaction with the album in a 2004 interview, criticizing its marketing and promotion.
Frank was first released in the UK and later in Europe and Canada. It saw further releases in Australia and the United States in 2007, with the latter handled by Universal Republic Records. In 2008, a deluxe edition was released, featuring a bonus disc of rare tracks and live performances. The album was reissued on vinyl in 2015 following the release of the documentary film about Winehouse.
