Bill Withers was a legendary singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of soulful and poignant hits. With a career spanning over three decades, Withers created a timeless and enduring body of work that has left an indelible mark on music history. His songs, which blended elements of soul, R&B, funk, and folk, were known for their raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and infectious grooves.
It is no easy task to rank the top 10 best Bill Withers songs of all time, given the sheer quality and diversity of his discography. From his early hits like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me” to his later gems like “Lovely Day” and “Just the Two of Us,” Withers left an unparalleled legacy of soulful and timeless music.
This list includes some of Withers’ most iconic and beloved tracks, each of which showcases his talent as a songwriter and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level. These songs capture the full range of human emotion, from the pain of heartbreak and loneliness to the joy of love and connection. Each of these tracks has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and move listeners today, more than 50 years after Withers first burst onto the scene.
1. “Lean on Me”
“Lean on Me” is a timeless classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1972. The song’s uplifting and soulful melody, combined with its poignant lyrics, make it a powerful anthem of hope and support. Withers’ warm and smooth vocals, accompanied by a gospel-inspired choir, create a sense of unity and community that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
The song’s message is simple yet profound: in times of trouble or hardship, we can rely on each other for strength and comfort. Withers urges us to “lean on me when you’re not strong” and reminds us that “we all need somebody to lean on.” Through its universal message of love and compassion, “Lean on Me” has become an enduring classic and a source of inspiration for generations. Its positive and uplifting spirit has made it a popular choice for graduations, weddings, and other celebratory occasions, cementing its place as one of the most beloved songs of all time.
2. “Just the Two of Us”
“Just the Two of Us” is a soulful R&B classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1981. The song’s smooth groove and catchy hook, combined with Withers’ rich and velvety vocals, make it an irresistible love song that has stood the test of time. The track’s playful and romantic lyrics, which depict a couple’s journey through life together, have become a staple at weddings and other romantic occasions.
Through its timeless message of love and commitment, “Just the Two of Us” continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Its catchy melody and infectious energy have made it a favorite among music lovers for over four decades, cementing its place as one of Bill Withers’ most enduring and beloved songs.
3. “Ain’t No Sunshine”
“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1971. The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring just a guitar and drum arrangement, perfectly complements Withers’ raw and emotional vocals, creating an intimate and hauntingly beautiful sound. The song’s powerful lyrics, which express the pain of heartbreak and loneliness, have resonated with listeners for decades.
The song’s memorable opening line, “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone,” has become one of the most iconic lyrics in pop music history. Withers’ impassioned delivery and the song’s stripped-down arrangement create a sense of vulnerability and honesty that is rare in modern music. The song’s universal message of heartache and longing has made it a favorite among music fans of all ages and backgrounds.
4. “Lovely Day”
“Lovely Day” is a joyful and upbeat classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1977. The song’s infectious groove, which blends elements of funk and R&B, is guaranteed to get listeners moving and grooving. Withers’ smooth and soulful vocals, combined with a lively horn section and a driving bassline, create a celebratory sound that perfectly captures the joy and happiness of a beautiful day.
The song’s lyrics, which describe a perfect day filled with love and sunshine, are optimistic and uplifting. Withers’ soaring vocals on the chorus, which repeat the phrase “lovely day” over and over, are an anthem of positivity and joy. The song’s feel-good energy has made it a popular choice for movies, TV shows, and commercials, as well as a staple on radio playlists.
5. “Kissing My Love”
“Kissing My Love” is a funky and soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1972. The song’s driving bassline, jazzy guitar riff, and horn section create a lively and energetic groove that is impossible to resist. Withers’ smooth and soulful vocals, which effortlessly glide over the instrumentation, add a touch of sensuality and romance to the track.
The song’s lyrics, which describe the thrill of falling in love and the passion of physical intimacy, are both playful and romantic. Withers’ lyrics evoke a sense of joy and excitement that perfectly matches the upbeat and funky sound of the track. The song’s infectious energy has made it a popular choice for movies, TV shows, and commercials, as well as a favorite among fans of funk and soul music.
6. “I Can’t Write Left-Handed”
“I Can’t Write Left-Handed” is a powerful and poignant ballad by the late Bill Withers, released in 1973. The song’s haunting melody, which features Withers’ raw and emotional vocals, creates a sense of sadness and desperation that is impossible to ignore. The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring just a guitar and a mournful trumpet, perfectly complements Withers’ powerful lyrics.
The song tells the story of a soldier who has been wounded in battle, and who is struggling to come to terms with his injuries and the horrors of war. Withers’ lyrics are both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, offering a searing indictment of the human cost of war. The song’s powerful message has resonated with listeners for decades, and it remains a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
7. “Grandma’s Hands”
“Grandma’s Hands” is a soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1971. The song’s stripped-down instrumentation, featuring just a guitar and a tambourine, creates an intimate and nostalgic sound that perfectly matches Withers’ warm and soulful vocals. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics, which pay tribute to the strength and wisdom of Withers’ grandmother, have resonated with listeners for decades.
Withers’ lyrics describe the physical and emotional comfort he found in his grandmother’s hands, which were always there to support him and guide him through life’s challenges. The song’s message of love and gratitude is both universal and deeply personal, and it has made “Grandma’s Hands” a beloved classic among fans of soul and R&B music.
8. “Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?”
“Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?” is a soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1972. The song’s funky and groovy sound, featuring a driving bassline and a jazzy guitar riff, perfectly complements Withers’ smooth and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics, which describe the suspicion and jealousy of a romantic relationship, are both playful and provocative.
Withers’ lyrics tell the story of a man who suspects that his partner is cheating on him, and who is determined to find out the truth. The song’s catchy chorus, which asks “who is he and what is he to you?”, has become an iconic part of Withers’ discography. The song’s infectious groove and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of funk and soul music.
9.”Use Me”
“Use Me” is a funky and soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1972. The song’s driving bassline, groovy guitar riff, and horn section create a lively and energetic sound that is impossible to resist. Withers’ smooth and soulful vocals, which effortlessly glide over the instrumentation, add a touch of sensuality and swagger to the track.
The song’s lyrics, which describe a relationship in which one partner is using the other for their own gain, are both playful and provocative. Withers’ lyrics evoke a sense of defiance and empowerment, as he declares that he is willing to be used as long as he gets something in return. The song’s infectious energy has made it a popular choice for movies, TV shows, and commercials, as well as a favorite among fans of funk and soul music.
10. “Lonely Town, Lonely Street”
“Lonely Town, Lonely Street” is a soulful classic by the late Bill Withers, released in 1972. The song’s melancholic melody, which features Withers’ raw and emotional vocals, creates a sense of sadness and isolation that is impossible to ignore. The song’s sparse instrumentation, featuring just a guitar and a mournful horn section, perfectly complements Withers’ powerful lyrics.
The song tells the story of a person who feels lost and alone in the world, struggling to find their place and connect with others. Withers’ lyrics are both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, offering a searing indictment of the isolation and disconnection that many people experience in modern society. The song’s powerful message has resonated with listeners for decades, and it remains a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.