I always thought “Use Me” was a cool song with a neat groove. I also used to consider “Lean On Me” a bit of pop fluff. And “Lovely Day” was always a pleasant song. I’d never connected the three songs up until I bought a CD several years ago, The Best of Bill Withers–Lean on Me, whereupon I became enlightened. And I learned, for myself, what all the fuss was about.

Bill Withers has been around since the early 70s, and can only list a handful of albums to his credit. Most say that his prime material was during his original tenure with Sussex Records. But I still find something to enjoy about all of his recordings. In fact, I just located an LP copy of his final album from 1985, Watching You Watching Me, which is rare on CD. Even on that album, I’m finding a lot to like even with its more modern production techniques. 21 years later, everyone is still hoping Withers will give us a new recording. And I’m on that list myself.

Bill Withers is one of those quiet, unassuming personalities whose lyrics hit you with their honesty and simplicity. Likewise, his vocal style is relaxed and conversational–he’s no soul belter or jazz stylist, but his style is perfectly suited to his lyrics. I like hearing cover versions of his compositions, but I still gravitate to the originals as being the definitive versions. There are a few influences buried in his music–I hear hints of soul and R&B, jazz, even folk. His appeal is universal, in my opinion, and I think that those who give his music the slightest chance would be very pleased to like what they are hearing, and very rewarded for having found something so lyrically rich and satisfying. As simple as some of these songs are at face value, they’ll haunt you and linger in your mind for quite awhile.

Some of his best songs are the simplest, and tap into what I feel is his “folkish” side. I never really connected with “Lean On Me” since I actually first paid attention to it when the pop group Club Nouveau made a hit out of it. No big deal. But then I “got” the song after hearing Withers’ own version–it’s nothing more than a song about friends helping friends. “Lean on me when you’re not strong, I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on, For it won’t be long ‘til I’m gonna need, Somebody to lean on.” “Harlem” is a picturesque portrait of life in that particular borough, and “Grandma’s Hands” tells of all the good his grandmother had done for everyone–soothing the local unwed mother, picking someone up when they fell, giving someone a piece of candy. Very touching.

A lot of his songs are about relationships. “Use me” is a bit of a sardonic look at being “used” in a relationship…and liking it. This song grew out of a lengthy half-hour jam, which would have made an excellent bonus track if it were still intact today. (The excellent Carnegie Hall version is extended, however.) “Lovely Day” is a warm, heartfelt love song, conveying the simple feeling of waking up in the morning, seeing your lover’s face, and realizing that life is good. The opposite is a heart-wrenching song from 1985 called “You Just Can’t Smile It Away”, which is a plea to save a relationship that seems close to being carelessly thrown away. “Hello Like Before” is the chance encounter with a past lover…”things are much different now”.

I don’t have everything Withers has recorded, but I have some of the favorites in my collection. I’ve managed to pick up his debut album, Just As I Am, on DualDisc, where the DVD side has a surround presentation of the music, plus a good interview segment with Withers from a couple of years ago. On CD, Still Bill (which features “Use Me” and “Lean On Me”) is one of his best albums. Menagerie came about in the late 70s amidst the “disco” era, so there’s an obligatory dance track or two (which are still good tunes), along with the aformenentioned “Lovely Day” and “Let Me Be The One You Need”. Live at Carnegie Hall is regarded as one of the high points of his career, and is a fantastic live recording.

On vinyl, I’ve managed to find +Justments a few years ago, and two days ago, finally located a nice clean copy of Watching You Watching Me which, as mentioned, was his last album in 1985.

Where could a casual user start with Withers’ catalog? I highly recommend the CD The Best of Bill Withers–Lean on Me, which is pictured here. I would also recommend the excellent Carnegie Hall to get a feel for his live performances, and I’d personally start with Still Bill and Menagerie if getting into his actual studio albums. They are well-remastered and sound quite nice. If you ever happen to come across Watching You Watching Me for a fair price, don’t hesitate to grab it!