The Essential Bill Withers

"The Essential Bill Withers" is an anthology album by the American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. Released in 2013, it is a comprehensive collection that spans his career from 1971 to 1985, featuring some of his most captivating songs. It comprises two CDs with a total of thirty-four tracks from across his nine studio albums.

Bill Withers, a West Virginia native, began his career in the music industry relatively late. He was serving in the U.S. Navy when he first took an interest in singing and songwriting. His debut album "Just As I Am" was released in 1971, and he continued to produce soulful music until his retirement in the mid-1980s.

The album, "The Essential Bill Withers", is seen as a celebration of Withers’ unique musical style, drawing upon soul, R&B, and pop genres. It showcases his profound lyrics and warm baritone voice. The collection features his classic hits like "Ain’t No Sunshine," "Lean on Me," "Lovely Day," and "Just the Two of Us." Also, it includes less ubiquitous gems from his discography, providing a well-rounded look at his musical impact and legacy.

This anthology serves as a testament to Bill Withers' contribution to the music world and captures the essence of his style, making it a must-have for anyone interested in his timeless soul music. The album's universal themes and Withers' remarkable ability to convey deep emotion make it a standout even many years after these songs were first released.