Bill Withers – Just As I Am – Vinyl LP

In a career laden with highlights and hallmarks in the annals of soul history, Just As I Am is rather overlooked as one of the best soul debuts ever issued. Beautifully remastered, Just As I Am is presented to a new generation of listeners who may have missed out the first time.

With this remastering comes an intimacy, warmth, and immediacy to the recordings that was only hinted at with previous versions; it’s almost as if Withers is in a living room singing to a small group of people, rather than making a record.

Of course, the instantly recognizable anthem “Ain’t No Sunshine” gets all of the acclaim it so richly deserves, but also in tracks like “Harlem”, “Grandma’s Hands” and “Better Off Dead” you can hear the intensity and maturity of Bill’s performances. Even when he’s doing covers, Withers makes them sound as if they are his own compositions.

Side A
1. Harlem
2. Ain’t No Sunshine
3. Grandma’s Hands
4. Sweet Wanomi
5. Everybody’s Talkin’
6. Do It Good

Side B
1. Hope She’ll Be Happier
2. Let It Be
3. I’m Her Daddy
4. In My Heart
5. Moanin’ And Groanin’
6. Better Off Dead