Bill Withers - Still Bill (1972)

Bill Withers' debut album, "Just As I Am," was a huge success, and expectations were justifiably high for the self-produced follow up, "Still Bill." Withers delivered, and then some, with a cohesive effort that expounded on all varieties of love, from purely romantic on "Kissing My Love," to jealous paranoia on "Who Is He (And What Is He To You)," to one-sided love on "Use Me," to supportive friendship on "Lean On Me," and everything in between. The music is sometimes laid back, sometimes gritty and funky, with able back up from friends and ex-Charles Wright band members James Gadson, Benorce Blackmon, Ray Jackson and Melvin Dunlap. "Lean On Me," number 205 on Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time, went to #1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts, and "Use Me" hit #2. "Who Is He..." has been covered numerous times, including a 12-minute stunner by Creative Source in 1973, and versions by Gladys Knight and Meshell N'degeocello. The album is available on CD, both as a standalone and as a 2-for-1 with "Just As I Am." Either disc makes a welcome addition to any collection.

Album info from Discogs:

Still Bill

CD available on Amazon:

(amazon.com) Still Bill

(amazon.ca) Still Bill

(amazon.co.uk) Still Bill

Bill Withers - Just As I Am (1971)

Best known for the classics "Lean On Me" and "Just The Two Of Us," Bill Withers entered the music business relatively late in life. "Just As I Am," his first album, was released when the singer-songwriter was already in his 30's. Perhaps that is why this work seems so mature for a debut. Withers' voice is throaty, bluesy and buttery soft, his guitar work soulful, and lyrics gripping. He tells stories - little nuggets - that hold you from start to finish. "Harlem," "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Grandma's Hands" are true highlights of this work. The album is not available as a standalone disk, but is available on CD as a "two-fer" along with "the follow-up, "Still Bill."

Disk info. at Discogs:

Just As I Am

Two-fer CD at Amazon:

(amazon.com) Just As I Am & Still Bill

(amazon.ca) Just as I Am & Still Bill