The 10 best Bill Withers songs of all time

Bill Withers was a famous American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the 1970s with his soulful and emotional music. Born on July 4, 1938, in Slab Fork, West Virginia, Withers left a lasting impression on the music world with his distinctive voice, introspective lyrics, and ability to blend soul, R&B, and folk influences.

Withers’ career began relatively late compared to many other musicians, as he was in his thirties when he released his debut album *Just As I Am* in 1971. The album included his breakthrough hit “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which showcased his soulful vocals and soulful style. This song and others such as “Lean on Me,” “Lovely Day,” and “Use Me” became career-defining classics.

Known for his gentle voice and sensitive songwriting, Withers has received three Grammy Awards throughout his career. His songs often dealt with themes such as love, friendship and everyday life and resonated with audiences for their authenticity and emotional depth. Withers’ music continues to be celebrated for its timeless quality and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Although he retired from music in the mid-1980s, Bill Withers’ legacy remains strong, with his songs frequently appearing in films, television shows and commercials, further cementing his place as a soul icon. He died on March 30, 2020, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire and move listeners worldwide.

1. Beautiful day

“Lovely Day” is a soulful and uplifting song by Bill Withers, released on his 1977 album *Menagerie*. Known for its positive message and infectious groove, the song has become one of Withers’ most popular tracks.

“Lovely Day” is celebrated for its smooth vocals and catchy chorus, with Withers’ warm voice delivering lyrics that celebrate the simple joys of life and love. The song is particularly known for its extended note at the end of the chorus, where Withers holds a single note for an impressive duration, giving the song charm and unforgettable impact.

Over the years, “Lovely Day” has remained popular and has been covered and sampled by numerous artists across multiple genres. Its timeless message of optimism and happiness continues to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved classic of soul and pop music.

2. Use me

“Use Me” is a funky and soulful song by Bill Withers, released on his 1972 album *Still Bill*. Known for its infectious groove and candid lyrics, the song showcases Withers’ unique ability to blend soul, funk and R&B influences into a captivating story.

In “Use Me,” Withers explores themes of love, desire, and vulnerability. The lyrics describe a complex relationship dynamic in which the narrator expresses his willingness to be used by his partner despite being aware of the situation. Withers’ smooth vocals and the song’s tight instrumentation create a captivating musical backdrop that underscores the emotional depth of the lyrics.

“Use Me” became one of Bill Withers’ best-known hits, topping the Billboard R&B charts and becoming a crossover success on the pop charts. Its infectious rhythm and Withers’ soulful delivery have made it a timeless classic, celebrated for its blend of honesty, groove and musical innovation.

3. Just the two of us

“Just the Two of Us” is a smooth and soulful R&B song written by Bill Withers and featuring Grover Washington Jr. It was released as a single from Withers’ 1981 album Watching You Watching Me. The song, written by Withers, Ralph MacDonald and William Salter, celebrates love and togetherness. Withers’ expressive vocals blend seamlessly with Washington’s saxophone melodies, creating a romantic and gentle atmosphere. “Just the Two of Us” became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and receiving critical acclaim for its timeless appeal and musical craftsmanship.

4. There is no sunshine

“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a soulful and melancholic song by Bill Withers, released on his 1971 debut album *Just As I Am*. Written by Withers himself, the song became an instant classic, showcasing his soulful vocals and introspective songwriting style.

The song’s minimalist arrangement, with its repetitive and haunting guitar riff, allows Withers’ deep, resonant voice to take center stage. The lyrics express the pain and longing of someone missing their lover, with the repeated refrain “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone, and she’s always gone too long” capturing the feeling of emptiness and longing.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” was widely praised and a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and earning Withers a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. It remains one of his most iconic songs, admired for its raw emotion, stirring lyrics, and timeless appeal in the realm of soul and R&B music.

5. Lean on me

“Lean on Me” is a soulful and uplifting song by Bill Withers, released on his 1972 album of the same name. Written by Withers himself, the song has become a timeless anthem of friendship, support and solidarity. Withers’ warm and resonant voice delivers soulful lyrics about being there for each other in difficult times. The song’s simple yet powerful melody and message have resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of Withers’ most iconic and enduring hits. “Lean on Me” has been covered and performed by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a pop music classic.

6. Three Nights and a Morning

“Three Nights and a Morning” is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album Just As I Am. Withers is known for his soulful voice and introspective lyrics, and his song lyrics often delve into personal experiences and emotions. Although “Three Nights and a Morning” is not a specific Withers song, his albums typically contain a mix of soul, R&B, and blues elements combined with thoughtful storytelling and musical depth. Each song on his albums reflects his ability to connect with listeners through his distinctive style and heartfelt delivery.

7. Beautiful night for dancing

“Lovely Night for Dancing” is a disco track by Bill Withers, released on his 1979 album “Bout Love”. Known for his soulful and smooth vocals, Withers lends his distinctive style to this upbeat and danceable song. “Lovely Night for Dancing” captures the lively spirit of the disco era with its infectious groove and energetic rhythm. Withers’ lyrics reflect the joy and freedom of dancing the night away, making it a favorite among disco fans. The song showcases Withers’ versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending soul, funk and disco influences into a catchy and entertaining track.

8. The same love that made me laugh

“The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” is a soulful ballad by Bill Withers, released on his 1974 album *+’Justments*. Known for its gentle melody and soulful lyrics, the song explores the complexities of love and relationships.

Withers’ soulful voice conveys a mix of vulnerability and introspection as he sings about the bittersweet nature of love. The lyrics reflect that love can bring both joy and pain, with lines like “The same love that made me laugh now makes me cry” reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of romantic relationships.

The song’s smooth groove and Withers’ haunting performance make it a standout in his discography and showcase his ability to capture deep emotions with his music. “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” remains a popular track among fans of soul and R&B music, celebrated for its timeless themes and Withers’ poignant performance.

9. Oh yes

“Oh Yeah” is a song by Yello, a Swiss electronic music duo consisting of Boris Blank and Dieter Meier. Released in 1985 as a single from their album “Stella”, “Oh Yeah” is characterized by Dieter Meier’s distinctive deep vocals of “Oh yeah!” accompanied by a catchy synthesizer melody and rhythmic percussion instruments. The song gained widespread popularity through its use in various films, television shows and commercials, and became a signature track for Yello. “Oh Yeah” embodies the playful and eccentric style of Yello’s music, blending elements of the electronic, pop and dance genres into an unforgettable and iconic hit.

10. Lonely town, lonely road

“Lonely Town, Lonely Street” is a soulful song by Bill Withers, released on his 1972 album Still Bill. Known for his introspective lyrics and smooth vocals, Withers tackles themes of urban isolation and longing in this poignant song. With a smooth groove and understated instrumentation, “Lonely Town, Lonely Street” showcases Withers’ ability to convey deep emotions and stories through his music. The song reflects Withers’ signature blend of soul, blues, and R&B influences, and resonates with listeners through its relatable lyrics and heartfelt delivery. It remains a standout song in Withers’ discography, admired for its soulful authenticity and musical craftsmanship.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.