Essential listening

I had only ever heard of Bill's most obvious tracks before i bought this album, and they alone were the only reason i needed to make, what at the time was an impulse buy. From the joyfully smile inducing "Sweet Wanomi", to the reverberating melancholy lyrics of "Hope she'll be happier with him" sung live, this is truely an awesome compilation and one that im extremely proud to have in my collection, i will now try and find other albums by the great Bill Withers whilst still enormously enjoying this album, buy it now and dont wait to have this Soul Genius in your life any longer.

Excellent, Highly Recommended Compilation

It seems that Bill Withers is one of those artists whose compilations always seems to be missing consequential items. "Lovely Day" cures that problem. Every one of Withers's Top 40 songs from the 70's and 80's is here, as well as a nice selection of lesser charting singles and album cuts. If you're a Hot 100 completist, wanting every charted single regardless of position, or if you are an album explorer, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a high quality review of Bill Withers best known work, this is it.

Mellow but funky soul music

Bill is actually remembered for very few hits of his own, but his songs are popular among other singers, who record cover versions and sometimes have hits with them. This is one of several compilations that allow you to hear Bill sing his own songs in his own particular style.

Of Bill's songs, Lean on me is the one that is most frequently covered. It is a classic, anthemic song that can be interpreted as a love song or as a gospel song, while its basic simplicity allows it to be adapted to many different musical styles. Nevertheless, among Bill's own hits, the first one that comes to mind is actually Lovely day, partly because others have had a hit with Lean on me (so people who know the song don't always associate it with Bill) and partly because Lovely day is such a fantastic song anyway.

But Bill's great songs don't end with Lean on me and Lovely day - Ain't no sunshine, Just the two of us, Use me and Grandma's hands are just a few of the other great songs here and on other Bill Withers compilations.