Top 10 Best Songs by Bill Withers

Only just over two minutes long, but a monumental masterpiece. Withers sings about the icy emptiness when his lover leaves, marked by the iconic 'I know, I know...' repeated twenty-six times. Pure, unfiltered soul history.

Inspired by his childhood in a close-knit mining community in West Virginia, Withers wrote this universal hymn to friendship and solidarity. The simple piano notes and gospel-like build have comforted millions of people in hard times for decades.

The ultimate musical medicine against gloom. The relaxed bass run, sparkling guitars and that legendary sustained note of about eighteen seconds make Lovely Day one of the sunniest anthems of all time.

One of the most refined and relaxed jazz-pop classics ever made. Over Grover Washington Jr.'s virtuoso saxophone, Withers delivers a velvety, comforting vocal about weathering every storm together.

A masterclass in funky bass and clavinet grooves. Withers sings with a wink about a relationship in which he willingly lets himself be used by his partner; musically incredibly tight and rhythmically hypnotic.

The rousing opener of his debut album Just As I Am. The racing percussion, pumping rhythm and Withers' vivid observations capture the dynamic soul and struggles of life in the famous New York neighborhood.

A profound reflection on the fickleness of love: the same emotions that once brought you joy can later make you cry. Beautifully arranged with lush strings and warm electric piano.

A moving tribute to his grandmother's unconditional love. With just finger snaps, a sparse blues guitar and his warm voice, Withers paints an intimate portrait that later formed the basis of Blackstreet's mega-hit No Diggity.

A brooding, suspenseful soul song about jealousy and suspicion after a meaningful glance between his lover and a stranger. The ticking percussion and ominous strings create cinematic tension.

A thick slab of funk driven by an irresistible bassline and the bone-dry breakbeats of drummer James Gadson. Withers sings about the intoxicating physical power of being in love with raw passion.