Bill Withers is a smooth soul man, and was a hard-worker up to this debut record - he refused to quit his job as an assembler even after hitting it big with "Ain't No Sunshine," believing music was a fickle industry (not necessarily untrue). Even still, clearly Withers had an undeniable songwriting talent, a good grasp at guitar, and a more than ideal voice for smooth, rich soul. All of these elements, plus some elements of folk, meld together on Just as I Am, an impressively realized and rich debut record. Excellently produced by Booker T. Jones and hardly skipping a beat, it's a confident, catchy, and certainly lovely soul experience from start to finish, and it's largely carried by Withers' excellent musicianship. A great first showing.
One of the key distinguishing factors in Bill Withers' brand of soul is the element of folk - this added influence not only gives a fresh sound and style on many songs, but it can also make for a decisively more laid-back effort which permeates the lovely feel of the record. This feel is even present in his breakout single of "Ain't No Sunshine," a beautiful-yet-somber piece about the loss of love, smoothly sung and produced, and with that memorable bridge of 26 "I knows" sung as smoothly as Withers can manage - you'd be surprised at how catchy it is. This melding of folk with soul makes for the album's most distinct aspect, and quite possibly its strongest factor, too, as it makes for a very singular sound. I'm not sure is a song like the hushed "Grandma's Hands" or his thumping rendition of "Everybody's Talkin'" would have the same impact as a pure soul song, but melded with folk aspirations they become powerful and memorable moments. Other moments like "In My Heart" are pure folk, and showcase the humility and loveliness of Bill Withers' songwriting in their smaller scale.
Withers' soul side also results in some galvanizing and energetic soul music, immediately evident from the soaring opening track "Harlem," filled with lush strings and a straight, tight beat under the instrumental that leaves Withers' singing feeling like slick narration for the scenes around him. His rendition of The Beatles' "Let It Be" is an incredibly interesting and rich take on McCartney classic, and I may even prefer it to the original recording - it's upbeat and soaring, bringing the song to another level in what is probably the better cover of the two on the album. This energy carries through the record, and by the final track "Better Off Dead," you've been fully moved and experienced by Bill Withers, and he ends things off on what is probably my favorite song on the record - his vocal performance soars and careens throughout, up to the climactic final declaration of "She's better off without me and I'm better off dead." An incredibly memorable and catchy way to end.
Bill Withers' debut is a wonderful approximation of folk, soul, and a lot of heart. Withers is a gifted songwriter, musician, and singer, and all of his talents get ample room to stretch and show their face on Just as I Am, and he even shows some remarkable skill as a re-inventor with his fresh and creative covers on this album. It's a great debut that began a lovely and long career from Withers - not bad for a factory worker.
RATING: ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Listen to Just as I Am.
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