Chris Stapleton really is one of the true unicorns of the music industry. He’s achieved success through a band (The Steel Drivers), as a songwriter for other artists like George Strait, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert and as a solo artist since the release of his acclaimed debut album, ‘Traveller’, back in 2015.
Stapleton’s live performances are nothing short of electrifying either. Whether he’s performing solo with just his guitar or backed by a band, his raw energy and genuine connection with the audience leave a lasting impression. His concerts are a testament to his dedication to the craft and his desire to create meaningful experiences for his fans. This multiple award winning artist shows no signs of atrophy or complacency on new album, ‘Higher’ as he continues to push his craft and explore the limits of where his passionate, soulful writing can take his vocals. Ably backed by wife and creative partner-in-crime Morgane, Stapleton has produced another intense, fervent slice of Country-Rock-Blues that will no doubt lead to a fecund awards season in 2024.
Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton, and Stapleton, ‘Higher’ was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. Across its 14 songs, Stapleton showcases his supernatural voice and musical versatility with songs that span genres and defy easy categorization. Alongside Stapleton (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide electric guitar), the album features Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine), and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).
The album kicks off with ‘What Am I Gonna Do,’ a bluesy acoustic gem that showcases Stapleton and his wife Morgane’s harmonies. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a hauntingly beautiful ode to resilience and moving on from heartbreak. It sets the tone for what is a very simple, restrained and tasteful album that often puts the emphasis on Stapleton’s vocals and melodies as opposed to his guitar playing prowess. Songs like ‘Trust,’ ‘Weight of the World,’ and ‘Mountains of My Mind,’ feature delicate acoustic melodies and heartfelt harmonies. Intentional simplicity allows Stapleton’s emotional delivery to shine through, making them all an intimate, thoughtful and poignant listen.
Elsewhere we get the Blues, pure and simple. ‘It Takes a Woman’ is a big blues number that pays homage to trust, loyalty, and the healing power of love. Stapleton’s passionate vocals, coupled with Morgane’s harmonies, create a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of a late-night blues bar whilst title track, ‘Higher,’ keeps things intimate with plaintive, bluesy licks and heartfelt lyrics about love, loyalty and resilience, showcasing Stapleton’s mastery of the genre and his ability to exude passion and emotion.
‘The Fire’ and ‘Think I’m in Love With You’ bring a touch of funk and soul to the album, infusing classic vibes with modern energy. On the former, the bass goes to work big time: think Earth, Wind and Fire jamming with Clapton and Canadian blues hero Jeff Healey. The song builds to a terrific scream of ‘WOMAN!’ in the chorus as Stapleton’s vocal prowess shines. On ‘Loving You on My Mind,’ meanwhile, Stapleton exudes a Barry White-esque charm, delivering a seductive and soulful performance, channeling his inner love-god on a song that feels like it was recorded in 1976 in the same studio that Donna Summer and Diana Ross would be recording in!
‘Higher’ is, for the most part, a slick, mature and restrained piece of work but where it really shines is when Stapleton adds a little bit of muscle and grit into the mix. The raw energy of ‘South Dakota’ stands out as a highlight, channeling the spirit of blues legends like Robert Johnson. Stapleton’s powerful vocals, as he sings about being somewhere where ‘trouble ain’t hard to find,’ added to a captivating repeating guitar riff, make this track a standout moment whilst ‘Crosswind’ adds a touch of urgency with its driving rhythm and bluesy guitar work, paying tribute to truckers and their nomadic existence.
The two best songs on ‘Higher,’ however, showcase just what a versatile artist Chris Stapleton is. ‘White Horse’ stands out as a rare moment of rock-infused intensity on the album. This track channels Americana and Rock influences, creating an adrenaline-filled experience evoking comparisons with Bon Jovi’s ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ whilst ‘The Bottom’ takes a departure, channeling Bruce Springsteen with its acoustic-driven rock and Americana sound. Stapleton’s storytelling prowess shines through as he explores themes of lonesomeness and regret on a song where he and Morgane sing together about the past, women and the bottom of a glass. ‘I don’t have a problem, if I don’t see the bottom,’ they explain, on the most melodic and unique chorus on the album.
In ‘Higher,’ Chris Stapleton has crafted a musical journey that transcends genres, inviting listeners into a world of raw emotion, soulful melodies, and powerful storytelling. Each track on this album is a testament to Stapleton’s artistry and his ability to evoke profound emotions through his music. Whilst I personally prefer the slightly rockier songs and would have liked to see one or two more of those on this album, ‘Higher’ is a triumph, showcasing Stapleton’s versatility and his ability to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens to his intimate, powerful and thought-provoking songs.
Tracklist: 1. What Am I Gonna Do 2. South Dakota 3. Trust 4. It Takes a Woman 5. The Fire 6. Think I’m in Love With You 7. Loving You on My Mind 8. White Horse 9. Higher 10. The Bottom 11. The Day I Die 12. Crosswind 13. Weight of Your World 14. Mountains on My Mind Record Label: Universal Music Group Release Date: November 10th Buy ‘Higher’ right here
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