Music Review

Just as I Am (2005)

Bill Withers
Reviewed by Michael Endelman | Dec 05, 2005
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Release Date: Oct 11, 2005; Lead Performance: Bill Withers; Genre: R&B

When Bill Withers released Just as I Am in 1971, he was a thirtysomething factory worker who sang sweet, vulnerable soul narratives backed by tasteful acoustic guitar strumming. Released on CD for the first time, Just as I Am is still wonderful sun-kissed California soul, highlighted by the heartbreaking ''Ain't No Sunshine'' and the thumbnail portrait ''Harlem.'' The DualDisc DVD has some welcome content, including excellent live clips and an interview with a surprisingly caustic Withers.

Originally posted Dec 02, 2005 Published in issue #853 Dec 09, 2005 Order article reprints

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