Harlem / Ain't No Sunshine

Bill Withers' Sussex debut pairs two soul standards that would define his legacy—“Harlem” showcases his weathered baritone over gentle strings, while “Ain’t No Sunshine” became an instant classic with its spare, hypnotic groove and existential melancholy. Released on the independent soul imprint Sussex, this single captures Withers at his most economical and affecting, proving that restraint and emotional authenticity could outpace the era’s orchestral excess.