You might not know it, but you know who Bill Withers is. He wrote and originally performed the song “Lean On Me” which was a big hit when it was released back in the 70’s and then again in the 80’s when it was re-recorded for the movie that starred Morgan Freeman.
Anyway, Just As I Am was Bill Withers’ first solo album and it is rightly regarded as a soul classic. The album is fairly scattered thematically; he goes from heartbreak (’Ain’t No Sunshine’) to lovey dovey (’Sweet Wanomi’) to bouncing soul (’Harlem’) and finally to mortal depression (’Better Off Dead’). But somehow, the honesty in his voice and the easy hook of the music that keep all of these disparate songs from becoming a mess. It’s quite a feat.
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Sweet Wanomi‘ is a great little love song. Warm organ, lightly strummed guitar, and the silky smooth voice practically compel you to get close to your lady. Mmm hmmmm.
‘Better Off Dead‘ comes from the opposite end of the scale. I’m not going to lie, this song is a downer, but its raw honesty makes up for it in my mind. It can’t all be puppy dogs and pony tails, right? Oh, and it doesn’t end well, just a heads up.
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