Search - Bill Withers :: Still Bill

Bill Withers' 2nd LP

T. C Lane | Marina, CA USA | 02/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Withers' 2nd LP was also his highest charting album, reaching #4 in 1972. Amazingly enough, this is the first time this album has been available in the U.S. on CD. Besides the big hits, "Use Me" and "Lean on Me" it also includes the much covered album cut "Who Is He" and the minor Top 40 hit "Kissing My Love." These are 10 strong songs that show Withers reaching a peak in his songwriting. Also, check out album tracks "Lonely Town, Lonely Street" and "Another Day To Run". This CD includes liner notes by Withers himself. The 2 Bonus tracks are taken from the 1973 album "Live At Carnegie Hall" which is a superb CD in itself. If you only know Withers music from his numerous Hits collections, than dip in to his catalog. "Still Bill" is not only one of Bill Withers best albums, but an overlooked classic from the 70's."

Still soulful, still brilliant

Jeffrey Harris | South San Francisco, CA United States | 03/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As great as Bill Withers 1971 debut album "Just As I Am" was, Bill showed exactly what he was capable of with the follow up album. Taking the production reins himself when Booker T. Jones was unavailable, and enlisting rhythmic and co-production assistance from ex-Charles Wright band members James Gadson, Benorce Blackmon, Ray Jackson, and Melvin Dunlap, he surpassed everyone's expectations. Led by the #1 Pop and R&B smash "Lean On Me" and the follow up "Use Me"(#2 Pop and R&B)the whole album has a great laid back, funky feel. My personal faves besides the two big hits are "Who Is He, And What Is He To You" recently covered by Meshell N'degeocello, also the touching "Let Me In Your Life, and the groove "Kissing My Love" whose beat was lifted by Dr. Dre on "Let Me Ride" and on Tara Kemp's "Hold Me Tight". This new reissue is nicely filled out with two tracks from the live album recorded at Carnegie Hall. After being out of print on CD for a number of years, it's great to see this classic album available once again."

Great Music

Jeffrey Harris | 02/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years, Bill Withers fans have had to be satisficed ("satisfied", but "sacrificed") with "best of" and compilation albums that, although well intentioned, have not reflected this artist's complete vision at the time the album was produced. Finally -- now that these original recordings have been re-mastered, we have a second chance to hear the work as Bill and his producers meant for them to be heard.This is a great album -- Lyrical, emotional, funky, blue-zy ... Still Bill."