Menagerie (1977)

Menagerie is the sixth studio album by American R&B singer Bill Withers, released on October 29, 1977, through the Columbia label.

Background

Menagerie is more uptempo and less introspective in feel than Withers' previous albums. None of the songs tackle intensely personal emotions of the kind which lent a dark edge to earlier Withers tracks such as "Use Me", "Better Off Dead" or "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)". The arrangements are also generally upbeat and breezy, with "I Want to Spend the Night" and "Tender Things" having a distinct Latin feel, and "Lovely Night for Dancing" and "She Wants To (Get On Down)" showing disco influences. The lead single "Lovely Day" has gone on to become one of Withers' signature songs, particularly in the UK, where it was a top 10 hit both on its original release and again in a remixed version in 1988.

Release

Menagerie was released on October 29, 1977. The album peaked at No. 16 on the R&B chart and No. 39 on the Billboard 200, and is tied with his first album, Just as I Am as his second highest-charting album. It would later be certified gold by the RIAA, one of two albums by Withers to be certified gold. Additionally, it was Withers' biggest-selling album in the UK, where it reached No. 27.

Reception

The album received mixed-to-positive reviews upon release. Robert Christgau noted, "'It's a Lovely Day' is his biggest hit since changing labels, and this compromise between the mush of Making Music and the muscle of Naked and Warm his biggest album. The compromise is an honest one, the success earned. I wish I could say they made me happier."

Personnel

Bill Withers – lead vocals (1–9), backing vocals (1–4, 6–9), guitar (2), keyboards (3)

Ray Parker Jr. – guitar (1, 4–7)

Clarence McDonald – keyboards (1, 4, 6, 7, 9), string arrangements (1, 6, 8), horn arrangements (6, 8), arrangements (7)

Dean Gant – keyboards (2)

Clifford Coulter – keyboards (5, 8), synthesizer solo (8)

Mike Jones – synthesizers (6)

Jerry Knight – bass (1, 4, 6)

Keni Burke – bass (2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9)

Russ Kunkel – drums (1, 2, 7, 8, 9), shaker (1)

Alvin Taylor – drums (3–6)

Ralph MacDonald – percussion (1–4, 6–9)

Paul Riser – horn arrangements (2–4, 9) string arrangements (2–5, 9)

Charles Veal – concertmaster (1–4, 6–9)

Pat Hodges – backing vocals (5)

Denita James – backing vocals (5)

Jessica Smith – backing vocals (5)

Production

Bill Withers – producer (1–9)

Clarence McDonald – producer (1, 4, 6, 7, 9)

Keni Burke – producer (2, 3, 5)

Clifford Coulter – producer (8)

• Bob Merritt – engineer
• Phil Jantaas – assistant engineer
• Roger Carpenter – design
• Lou Beach – illustration
• Elliot Gilbert – photography