Bill Withers hasn't recorded a note since 1985 when, tired of the record business, he hung up his microphone. But the soul legend from West Virginia can quite happily rest on his laurels thanks to his output between 1970 and 1977, when he fashioned some of the greatest and most timeless soul tracks ever.
Re-released as part of Sony's Nice Price range, this is a bargain two CD compilation of the master's finest moments, most of which have either been sampled, covered, or soundtracked films and adverts. From the glorious lust-for-life of 'Lovely Day' to the pure heartbreak of 'Ain't No Sunshine', Withers conveyed each emotion with passion and the sweetest of voices.
The jealous paranoia of 'Who Is He (And What Is He To You)', the tearjerking love and nostalgia of 'Grandma's Hands', the uplifting gospel feel of 'Lean On Me' and the wilful, bittersweet vulnerability of 'Use Me' are all classic tunes. Even the original version of 'Just The Two Of Us' (with Grover Washington Jr) still sounds great, despite its recent mauling by Dr Evil and Mini Me in Mike Myers' Austin Powers sequel The Spy Who Shagged Me.
The voice never faltered but some of the 1985 material featured here is clearly overshadowed by Withers' earlier work. Indeed some songs could have been weeded out from this 35-track collection. That said this is an essential purchase for any as yet uninitiated soul fan.
