Higher Studio Album
Chris Stapleton's fifth studio album, released November 10, 2023, on Mercury Nashville.
Higher is the fifth studio album by American musician Chris Stapleton, released through Mercury Nashville on November 10, 2023. The album was produced by Dave Cobb, Stapleton and his wife Morgane. It was preceded by the lead single "White Horse." The album was recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Artist
- Chris Stapleton
- Release Year
- 2023
- Label
- Mercury Nashville
- Producer
- Dave Cobb
- Album Type
- Studio Album
Lore & Background
Recorded at the historic RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee, Higher features producer Dave Cobb on acoustic and electric guitar and Stapleton's wife Morgane on backing vocals, synthesizer and tambourine. Members of Stapleton's touring band, J.T. Cure and Derek Mixon, also contributed, along with Paul Franklin and Lee Pardini. A press release stated that the album "span[s] genres and def[ies] easy categorization," while Uproxx described the album and lead single "White Horse" as "emotionally raw and brutally honest." The track "Loving You on My Mind" was previously recorded by Josh Turner on his 2010 album Haywire.
In Their Own Story
Higher received a score of 76 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on five critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Exclaim!'s Dylan Barnabe wrote that while the album "may not muster the same anthemic thunder of singles like 'Might as Well Get Stoned' (though 'White Horse' comes close), [...] it illustrates Stapleton's range and willingness to colour outside the lines." Alyssa Goldberg of Paste stated, "musically, Higher maintains the same high-caliber energy as Stapleton's previous work [...] However, lyrically Higher is more reserved." Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic felt that "the heart of Higher resides in stark, intimate ballads and, especially, simmering soul numbers." John Amen of No Depression wrote, "Stapleton is at once adventurous and a proponent of the tried and true. With Higher, he navigates an array of intriguing sonics." Slant Magazine's Thomas Bedenbaugh found "White Horse" to be "the best of the album's uptempo cuts, and largely due to its relative lyrical subtlety."
Reader's Guide
The album's personnel includes Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, and Dave Cobb on production. Pete Lyman handled mastering, Vance Powell worked on mixing, engineering, immersive mix engineering, and recording, and Gena Johnson contributed recording and additional engineering. Koehn Terry and Michael Fahey provided additional engineering and mixing assistance, Daniel Bacigalupi offered mastering assistance, and Philip Smith gave recording assistance. The album was preceded by the lead single "White Horse."
Did You Know?
- Higher is Chris Stapleton's fifth studio album.
- The album was released on November 10, 2023.
- It was recorded at RCA Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee.
- The track "Loving You on My Mind" was previously recorded by Josh Turner on his 2010 album Haywire.
- The album received a score of 76 out of 100 on Metacritic based on five critics' reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Higher?
Higher is Chris Stapleton's fifth major studio album, released by Mercury Nashville in the spring of 2023. It follows his previous record, Starting Over, and continues his exploration of soul, blues, and traditional country music.
Who produced the album?
The project was produced by Dave Cobb, a longtime collaborator who has helped shape Stapleton's signature sound throughout his career. Their partnership ensures the record maintains the warmth and grit characteristic of the artist's work.
What themes does Higher explore?
This soulful journey delves deeply into themes of faith and family while reinforcing Stapleton's reputation for authentic storytelling. The lyrics reflect a mature perspective on life's challenges, delivered through his powerful vocal performances.
How does this album fit into Chris Stapleton's discography?
As the fifth entry in his studio catalog, Higher stands as a significant milestone that builds upon the critical acclaim of his earlier releases. It solidifies his artistic identity by blending deep Southern roots with modern songwriting sensibilities.
Is Higher considered a concept album?
While not strictly a narrative concept album, Higher functions as a cohesive collection centered on spiritual and familial connections. The tracks work together to create an immersive experience that highlights the intersection of gospel influences and country traditions.
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