Customer Reviews

Bill Withers - Greatest Hits

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Bill Withers has quietly written and recorded some of the most beloved songs of the last 30 years. He's been covered by everyone from Barbra Streisand ("Grandma's Hands") to Will Smith to Mick Jagger ("Use Me"). He has collaborated with first-class jazz and rock musicians such as Booker T. Jones, the Crusaders, and the late Grover Washington, Jr. His music has been a constant in films and TV commercials, never failing to rouse a romantic, nostalgic mood.

The chilled elegance displayed on the cover (caviar, champagne, even shrimp) tells but part of the warm, subtle musical story within. Withers almost out-Al Greens Al Green on "What Is He," and beautifully expresses a combination of sadness and embarassment on "Hello Like Before." He extends still-remarkable long notes on "Lovely Day," sings around a circular buzzsaw guitar-organ riff in "Use Me" (still can't resist clapping along), and trills "IknowIknowIknow..." in the most memorable part of his most memorable first hit, "Ain't No Sunshine." This excellent, underused singer is well appreciated by music people in the know, and well-represented on this greatest hits album.

I heard "Ain't no sunshine" on the radio, I had heard it many times before but this time for some reason I had to own it. A little research and I found the artist, Bill Withers; I never heard the name, so I figured ok, a one hit wonder. When I read the tracks, I was astounded. All these songs I loved but never knew who they were by. Two of us, Use Me, Ain't no Sunshine, Lovely day, and Lean on Me, were all songs I loved back in the 70's and Still sound great (honestly great, not just nostalgic) today. Why couldn't I remeber the name of such a supreme talent.

Bill Withers isn't one of the more profilic songwriters around, but you'd never guess it from listening to his "Greatest Hits" compilation, a collection bursting at the seams with classic soul compositions. "Lean on Me" is one of the all-time great pop chestnuts. "Just the Two of Us" is a cut so smooth it still enjoys regular rotation on jazz and adult contemporary radio stations. "Ain't No Sunshine" ranks among the classic ballads of the 70's, and "Lovely Day," recently featured in Gap commercials, is one of the sunniest singles of any decade. Throw in lesser-known but no less-deserving gems (like the bittersweet ballad "Hello Like Before" and the funk workouts "Use Me" and "Who is He and What is He to You") and this low-priced, classics-filled package is a must for anyone's collection.

This great little CD doesn't have it all, but like the title says it's got the greatest, plus some nice extras like "Grandma's Hands." (I fell in love with that tune the first time it played). Close your eyes and get lost in "Lean on Me," "Just the Two of Us" and "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone." Nobody has imitated the sweet, smooth groove of Bill Withers. You won't regret adding this to your collection and I guarantee you'll play it over and over - even repeating songs!

I guess I don't watch very much TV because I never saw (or heard) "the GAP" commercial. I work in a wedding chapel where people bring in special music to play at their wedding. One bride brought in Bill Withers and wanted "Lovely Day" played as the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Not only was the song so up lifting and gloriously moving but the ambiance of the moment was so emotional. I always liked Bill Withers' music but now that I have "Greatest Hits" I can elicit the mood whenever I want. Great Stuff! Great Songs! Truly enjoyable.

I use to listen to Bill Withers quite a bit during my teen years and when his "Ain't no Sunshine" was featured in the movie "Notting Hill", I knew it was time to break out the old vinyl once again. While I was groovin' around the house being nostalgic, I went into labor with my baby. This classic album now has an even better set of memories for me since songs like "lean on me" and "lovely day" are great songs to labor to. Thanks Bill! '

perfect for sitting down and just turning the lights down low. this is one of the cd's i have and yet i own on a record. i have two for each. one for playing and another for collecting. thats how wonderful this album is. the tracks here are arranged in a way for you to appreciate its uniqueness without falling asleep. you can enjoy this like a good cigar. well, if you smoke one this would be a perfect companion. simply put, an essential for any audiophile.

When I first saw the Gap commercial, I knew the song 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers was very familiar. With a little investigating, I found this album and listened. My mom used to play it all the time!! With songs like 'Ain't no Sunshine' and 'Lean on Me', this album is amaizing!! It's perfect for R&B, Soul, and Hip-hop fans such as myself. If you like Sly and the Family Stone or other such acts, check this out!! It's right up your ally!!

A very well balanced collection of his more popular songs. It would be a welcome addition to anyone's library. But he does have other songs out there...If you've never heard anything but "Lean On Me," try this collection and maybe it will whet your appetite for more of this gifted artist's material...

If you don't know Bill Withers...shame on you! This is simplicity, heartfelt and smooth....Thank goodness the Gap has exposed an entirely new generation to this artist. But for those of us who remember these tunes as current hits, this is part of the Boomer soundtrack. Yes, there are more tunes on "Lean on Me," but if you're new to Bill Withers, you won't regret this purchase.