Soul charts

Review: The bossa nova remake of Bill Withers' classic 'Lovely Day' by Studio Rio is a masterful mood lifter. Reissued by Mr Bongo, this track was a game-changer at the Shapes festival, transforming a snowy Alpine setting into a feel-good dancefloor. Originating from Studio Rio's 2014 release The Brazil Connection, the Grammy-winning Berman Brothers collaborated with Brazilian legends like Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal. They used original multitracks to seamlessly blend Withers' soulful vocals with bossa nova rhythms. Joyful horns, a bouncing double bass, and Pretinho da Serrinha's cavaquinho playing create an end-of-night anthem that radiates warmth and positivity.

Review: Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' is a quintessential soul masterpiece that radiates warmth and positivity. The track stands out as a magical single, encapsulating the essence of a perfect, sunny day with its beautiful strings, uplifting background vocals and a delightful horn arrangement that adds depth to its feel-good vibe. This song effortlessly lifts the spirits, making it a timeless anthem of joy. On the flip side, 'It Ain't Because Of Me Baby' shows a funkier side of Withers' artistry. Its rhythmic groove and engaging melodies provide a captivating contrast to the uplifting nature of the title track, demonstrating Withers' versatility as a songwriter and performer. Together, these tracks create a delightful listening experience that highlights the genius of Bill Withers.

Review: Even posthumously, Bill Withers is 'Still Bill'. Because he's still got it; Mobile Fidelity here reissue the album on its 50th Anniversary, doing thorough justice to the soul crooner's original album first released on the landmark Sussex Records in 1972. Following up the familial, sunned and simple subject matter of his debut 'Just As I Am', Still Bill opted more specifically for a sultrier and more romantic lyrical affair, and like its cover, saw Withers express his many-angled take on love.

Review: For anyone Withering away at the lack of good music in their lives, wilt no more - this latest collection of Bill Withers' greatest hits captures some of the Virginian songster's earliest and best moments. 'Grandma's Hands', 'Harlem' and 'Lean On Me' all feature on the A (exploring early Withers, largely centred on his first album Just As I Am), while the B explores later Withers, leading with the undeniable classic 'Lovely Day'.