Recorded - 1971 or 1972
Released - April 21, 1972
#1 for weeks of July 8, 15 and 22, 1972.
"Ain't no sunshine when she's gone..." - Not a bad way to start your music carreer eh?
Bill Withers is not just an acclaimed 1970's soul singer, he also wrote all of his own music. Bill's 1971 debut album, Just As I Am has garnered critical acclaim, and it included the #3 pop hit, "Ain't No Sunshine". So how do you follow up a successful album, and a hit record? In Bill's case, you release an even better album with an even stronger lead single. In this case, his first and only #1.
"Lean On Me" features a simple, yet instantly catchy piano-based melody. The song alternates between the reflective verses and choruses, and the uplifting handclap-driven bridges. Bill's vocal performance comes across as heavily rooted in gospel. So naturally, it becomes hard not to want to sing along, especially during the song's bridges.
Lyrically, "Lean On Me" delivers a simple yet powerful universal message: There is always someone who will be there to look out for you and help you up when you are down. Whether the listener chooses to take these lyrics literally, or on a deeper spiritual level, it is hard not to feel just a little bit happier after giving the song a listen.
After the massive success of "Lean On Me" as well as several high charting 1970's singles, Bill retired from the music industry in the mid 1980's. Considering how much his music still continues to move us, and especially considering all the hardships the States have endured for the last 25 years, I'd say a Bill Withers comeback would be more than welcome.
Final Verdict - "Lean On Me" remains a timeless classic that is still cherished today. The song is musically extremely catchy and the lyrics are uplifting and relatable to just about everyone. A well-deserved #1 hit, and certainly among the finest soul ballads of all time.
Coming Up Next - "Alone Again (Naturally)" by Gilbert O' Sullivan.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and you can lean on me -
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