STILL BILL

First Released: 1972

Commentary: Fueled by a pimp-strut organ riff, “Use Me” contains the best of Withers: It’s both deeply soulful and catchy. “Lean on Me” is a classic singalong — but not just because of the arm-swaying chorus; Withers sets up the anthem with a heartfelt, gritty vocal performance. “Who Is He (and What Is He to You)?” is one of the coolest expressions of jealousy you’ll ever hear, which doesn’t make the song any less painful. Withers hasn’t made a new album in twenty years, but Still Bill is still a stone-soul masterpiece.

~David Wild from Rolling Stone, 2003