The Essential Bill Withers
Bill Withers · 2013
135 min · 34 tracks · R&B · soul
Soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine, echoing universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Why this album works
This album showcases Withers' significant contribution to the soul and R&B genres, featuring tracks that have influenced countless artists. It reached notable positions on various charts, including Billboard's Top R&B Albums list, further solidifying his legacy. The critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, recognizing Withers as a master storyteller through music.
- Best for
- wave-like pacing with emotional peaks heartfelt melodies for reflective moments cathartic sing-alongs with friends
- Context
- Released in 2013, 'The Essential Bill Withers' serves as a retrospective of Withers' influential career. By this time, Withers had already established himself as a key figure in soul music, with classics like 'Lean on Me' and 'Ain't No Sunshine' resonating across generations. This compilation highlights both his chart-topping hits and lesser-known gems, reminding listeners of his enduring impact.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Christina Aguilera· No Doubt· Nancy Sinatra· Harry Nilsson· MC Hammer· Kelly Rowland· Sparks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Better Days (Theme From Man and Boy) 3:28
- 2 Ain't No Sunshine Standout 2:06
- 3 Harlem 3:23
- 4 Grandma's Hands 2:02
- 5 Hope She'll Be Happier 3:50
- 6 Better Off Dead 2:16
- 7 Lonely Town, Lonely Street 3:41
- 8 Let Me in Your Life 2:42
- 9 Who Is He (And What Is He to You)? 3:14
- 10 Use Me 3:43
- 11 Friend of Mine (live) 4:29
- 12 I Can't Write Left-Handed (live) 6:46
- 13 Lean on Me Standout 4:18
- 14 Make a Smile for Me 3:16
- 15 The Same Love That Made Me Laugh 3:25
- 16 Heartbreak Road 3:10
- 17 Railroad Man 6:28
Disc 2
- 1 Family Table 3:13
- 2 The Best You Can 2:24
- 3 Hello Like Before 5:30
- 4 I Wish You Well 3:58
- 5 Don't You Want to Stay? 4:05
- 6 I'll Be With You 3:11
- 7 My Imagination 4:53
- 8 Lovely Day Standout 4:16
- 9 I Want to Spend the Night 3:42
- 10 Tender Things 5:01
- 11 Let Me Be the One You Need 4:45
- 12 Memories Are That Way 5:04
- 13 Soul Shadows 6:24
- 14 Just the Two of Us 3:58
- 15 In the Name of Love 5:01
- 16 We Could Be Sweet Lovers 3:28
- 17 Something That Turns You On 4:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.