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2CD set 34-track anthology featuring the hits 'Lean On Me', 'Lovely Day' and 'Ain't No Sunshine'.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Bill Withers was a different type of Soul Man, his reflective singer songwriter style a counterpoint to the traditional "Sock It To Me" Soul shouters. His first album was an instant hit, yielding the giant "Ain't No Sunshine" as well as a variety of covers and originals in Withers' unique style. His second album was no less well received, again with a major hit singles, and Bill had become a major star.
He went on to a career which would last into the '80's, however this set focuses in on the '70's and the 2 first albums in particular. In fact the first 3 tracks of this are the first 3 from "Just As I Am" albeit in a different order - and what a start it is, with "Aint No Sunshine" sandwiched between the wonderful stomper "Harlem", and the beautiful Grandma's Hands (catch the live version from the Carnegie Hall album for the best version though). Other stand out tracks include the singles, "Use Me", and "Lean on Me" and "Lovely Day", as well as the album tracks you may not be so familiar with. Bill Withers' approach to songwriting saw him focus on some very original topics and I would pick out "Better Off Dead", "I Can't Write Left Handed" and "Hope She'll Be Happier" as examples of Withers' superb talent. Throughout the set though, you will encounter a huge variety of styles, from the Blues of "Don't Want You On My Mind" to the (almost) Funk of "Kissing My Love".
If you are a fan of the man, you may well welcome this as a chance to get those album tracks, as the albums are in short supply. This set should also appeal to those who have encountered Bill as a singles artist, because they are all here. I hope, though, that the sheer quality of the less familiar material will be a pleasant surprise. Give it a chance.
He went on to a career which would last into the '80's, however this set focuses in on the '70's and the 2 first albums in particular. In fact the first 3 tracks of this are the first 3 from "Just As I Am" albeit in a different order - and what a start it is, with "Aint No Sunshine" sandwiched between the wonderful stomper "Harlem", and the beautiful Grandma's Hands (catch the live version from the Carnegie Hall album for the best version though). Other stand out tracks include the singles, "Use Me", and "Lean on Me" and "Lovely Day", as well as the album tracks you may not be so familiar with. Bill Withers' approach to songwriting saw him focus on some very original topics and I would pick out "Better Off Dead", "I Can't Write Left Handed" and "Hope She'll Be Happier" as examples of Withers' superb talent. Throughout the set though, you will encounter a huge variety of styles, from the Blues of "Don't Want You On My Mind" to the (almost) Funk of "Kissing My Love".
If you are a fan of the man, you may well welcome this as a chance to get those album tracks, as the albums are in short supply. This set should also appeal to those who have encountered Bill as a singles artist, because they are all here. I hope, though, that the sheer quality of the less familiar material will be a pleasant surprise. Give it a chance.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
There are several Bill Withers compilations around. This one looks as good as any, and a great price for a new release. A double like this is justified to cover a lot of less known album tracks, as well as the hits.
Bill sings tenderly and with real emotion, but keeps it very masculine somehow. In my opinion, he was ahead of the game in doing so. He sings with a simple emotional honesty, that commands respect.
Many younger people may only know 'Lovely Day', done to death on the radio whenever the sun comes out (not too often then), but don't let that put you off. Bill is a gifted songwriter, and a very good singer.
The music varies in soul styles, often with driven Southern rhythms. Check out the growing funky paranoia of 'Who Is He And What Is He To You'
Well worth a few quid of any true soul fan's money.
Bill sings tenderly and with real emotion, but keeps it very masculine somehow. In my opinion, he was ahead of the game in doing so. He sings with a simple emotional honesty, that commands respect.
Many younger people may only know 'Lovely Day', done to death on the radio whenever the sun comes out (not too often then), but don't let that put you off. Bill is a gifted songwriter, and a very good singer.
The music varies in soul styles, often with driven Southern rhythms. Check out the growing funky paranoia of 'Who Is He And What Is He To You'
Well worth a few quid of any true soul fan's money.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I bought this item for the title song, used in the film 'Notting Hill', and was not disappointed. I didn't really know this artist and enjoyed the tracks on the CDs.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good compilation
Always liked his music...and this provides a catch-up to some great songs by a very good songwriter. Classy, jazzy, and funky...can't stop movin' my feet. A value for money, honey
Published 12 months ago by G. Campbell
The Sun shines with Bill Withers
Wonderful album which brings you back to the glory of the good old days... Mind you my 6 years old and 3 years old sons like him too!
Published 19 months ago by M. So
Some Great Songs - But Not a Great Collection
IMHO there are better Withers collections around than this. How can you have such a collection without (just for one example) "Oh Yeah"?. Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2009 by AlanMusicMan
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