'Bout Love is Bill Withers' seventh studio album, released in 1979. This record continued the line of its predecessor, with a focus on soul and pop, but with a more romantic and reflective tone. It was recorded during a period of change in the music industry, with the rise of disco and funk. Reception was moderate, and although it didn't produce major hits, it maintained Withers' characteristic quality.
The sound of 'Bout Love is smooth and melodic, with string arrangements and backing vocals that enhance the romantic ballads. Notable tracks include 'Don't You Know' and 'I'll Be with You', showcasing Withers' ability to convey deep emotions. Songs like 'You Got the Stuff' have a livelier rhythm, incorporating funk elements. The production is clean and careful, highlighting Withers' voice in the foreground.
Although 'Bout Love didn't achieve the commercial success of Menagerie, it is appreciated by Withers' followers as a coherent and sincere album. Its focus on love and relationships gives it a thematic unity that sets it apart. Over time, it has been considered an underrated work in his discography. Its legacy is that of an album capturing Withers' artistic maturity at the end of the 1970s.