Although the Amazon.com reviewer incorrectly indicates that Bill only had two huge hits, "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me", he/she must have not have done his/her due diligence as "Use Me" and "Lovely Day" also were smashes, but Bill is not about his "hits" but about his amazing ability to sing songs that are sexy, smooth, spiritual and does it in an understated manner that does not come off as generic, but serves as an example of a true original.

Listening to this amazing release (which should be the only one to buy if you are in the market as there are at least 3 out there) you get a feeling of all being well with the world. The remastering is amazing and the songs sound even more effortless than ever yet they stick with you for days.

I am amazed at not having discovered a fuller spectrum of Bill's work until now, as all the non-hits sound at catchy and lovely as the hits. Again, I have to express my surprise at how a seemingly low key performer manages to put together songs that stay with you longer than any of the "anthems" or even better known songs and/or performers.

Buy this at once if you love melody and music that is as relevant today as when it was first released. In my opinion, this greatest hits package should appeal to those who are seeking every "neo-soul" artist that puts something out there but, with some exeptions, nothing is better than the real thing.

There is not a dud in this 18-song collection and I can't remember the last time that I have experienced that.

22 of 22 found the following review helpful:


Best Compilation Out There and Remastered for a Great Sound!  Aug 21, 2005 By Frederick Baptist
This has to be the best compilation of Bill Withers' life's work that's out there. Not only has the sound been very well remastered for a great sounding cd but the choice of tracks are also very good. "Lovely Day" is what made me want to know more about the artist and "Just the Two of Us" and "Lean On Me" among many others have made me a great fan.

BW's voice is really good and how he sustains that looong note at the end of "Lovely Day" I'll never know. Just great music and great heartfelt soul from a curiously relatively unknown musician. A worthy addition to any cd collection and a lasting classic. If you are into great soul singing and well-written tracks, then this is the cd to get.

23 of 24 found the following review helpful:


The most underrated R & B artist of all time.  Oct 28, 1999 By Captain Opinionated
Bill Withers? You probably already love a lot of his songs and don't even know it yet. The funk classic "Use Me," heard in the film "American Beauty?" Bill Withers. The pretty "Lovely Day" from the Gap Soul commercial? Our man, Bill. "Lean On Me," which you've undoubtedly heard and loved countless times? Thank, Mr. Withers. "Just the Two of Us," which is so popular, Mike Myers did a take off on it in "Austin Powers: the Spy Who Shagged Me?" Courtesy, Bill W. Why more people don't realize all these great songs - as well as such lesser-known gold nuggets like "Grandma's Hands," "When I'm Kissin' My Love," and "Ain't No Sunshine" - are the work of one enormously talented R & B singer/songwriter is beyond me. If you like classic soul/R & B, you gotta add this CD to your collection.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


What a great collection!  Mar 13, 2006 By Kevin Stanton "stanke36"
I have know most of these songs for a long time. But it is nice to hear them remastered and all in one place for a change!

The front and back cover art is very tastefully done! Nice photos. The liner and it's notes are really well done... nice work guys! The case itself is very nice also... somewhat typical, but a little stronger built than most crystal cases.

Now for the songs. Lovely Day, Ain't No Sunshine, The Same Love That Made Me Laugh, Use Me and Just The Two Of Us are all headliners! And wow do they sound good here, remastered!

A few suprises are 'I Want To Spend The Night', 'Let Me Be The One You Need' and 'My Imagination'. I haven't heard those in years. Once again, wonderfully remastered.

I would give this collection 10 stars, but that isn't possible. This is a fantastic collection of 60's-70's soul. Soul music that has lived well beyond those years. Very polished, heartfelt songs that have a life of their own.

I encourage anyone who likes meaninful, well-done ballads and funky soul to buy this collection... you honestly couldn't get any better.

10 of 12 found the following review helpful:


Great without the later stuff  Dec 26, 2001
A comprehensive overview perhaps of Bill Withers' recording career but for my money, I'd stick to any greatest hits compilation that focusses on his sterling early 70s material. His mid to late 70s and 80s recordings pale badly by comparison. It's not his fault. The soul music scene had changed, so he had to adapt or die. You should start with Track 7 ("Ain't No Sunshine") and work your way right through Track 13 ("Who is He and What Is He To You"), then jump back to the opening track ("Lovely Day") and end on Track 6 ("I Wish You Well"), and you'd have experienced pure aural bliss. Forget about the rest if you want to avoid a let down after listening to classics and gems like "Grandma's Hands", "Lean On Me", "Harlem" and "Use Me". The earlier "Greatest Hits" compilation which stops at his late 70s releases may be preferred for this reason alone. Whichever you prefer, Bill Withers made timeless music during his heyday, so it's essential we have a "best of" compilation to remind us of his genius.

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