"Higher" - Chris Stapleton Album review

Where does Chris Stapleton go now?

The Lexington, Kentucky native, now 45, has one of the most accomplished country careers of the 21st century. The eight-time Grammy winner stole the show last February, performing a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl LVII. He had won the award for Best Country Album at the Grammy’s a year before for “Starting Over.” Stapleton's All-American Road Show Tour, which just got extended, is his biggest to date.

Since releasing his first solo record in 2015, “Traveller,” Stapleton has seen inexhaustible acclaim from critics and fans alike. It is almost unimaginable how much success he has seen in less than a decade, but a careful analysis can break it down.

He is exceptionally likable and radiates energy full of love and compassion. He is a skillful songwriter and producer. His talent is unmatched, from his guitar-playing ability to his voice which captures the essence of what it means to be a human being in the first place.

All of these qualities and more are delivered on Stapleton’s sixth studio album, “Higher,” which employs the beauty of his previous efforts but elevates it to a greater level making for his best record to date.

With 14 songs and a runtime of 54 minutes, Stapleton examines some of his most mature topics to date. Romance, grief, and compassion for others are at the forefront here. The record is dedicated to his wife, Morgane, who also co-produced each track.

The album is structured almost identically to its predecessor but is improved on in almost all aspects. The pacing is upgraded, and while slower, it provides a more cohesive experience throughout. Each track utilizes its instrumental elements to its fullest, providing a full-sounding mix.

Most verses are kept short and sweet. Stapleton’s writing has been fine-tuned to where he only sings in poetics. While some rhymes and phrases may be kept simple, however, it’s more important how he sings them.

Most singers but Stapleton’s age would see a major decline in vocal quality, however, this is far from the opposite here. Each performance demonstrates his impressive range, hitting new octaves.

Notable standouts include the lead single, “White Horse.” The dynamics that help transition the verses into the chorus lead to a greater impact and turn the song into an anthem. It is easily the most explosive moment on the album and is guaranteed to get any crowd pumped up.

The album’s title track features the pinnacle of the record. It could make any listener have a similar reaction to Philidelphia Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirriani during Stapleton’s Super Bowl Performance. Just plain waterworks.

“Higher” may be one of Stapleton’s best songs to date. His soothing vocal tones and heartfelt lyrics combined with an instrumental masterpiece help to paint pictures of a sunrise, mountains that stretch miles wide, or seeing the love of your life for the first time. It encapsulates the very spirit of all that is truly heavenly.

Even when “Higher” has its melancholic moments, it still kindles a blanket of warmth and comfort. The album could work as a perfect wedding soundtrack.

The record also features a handful of pop cuts. “Think I’m In Love With You” has the catchiest chorus on the album, and easily rivals “You Should Probably Leave,” from 2020. The added strings make the mix seem bigger and add to the dramatization.

Tracks like “What Am I Gonna Do,” “Trust,” and “The Day I Die,” are classic acoustic cuts from Stapleton, but his songwriting and singing help keep them interesting. On “The Day I Die,” he sings: “I don’t understand the reasons why / Was every 'I love you' a lover’s lie?” Brutal.

“The Bottom,” and “Crosswind,” feature the most county influence. Both tracks bring a much-needed change of pace that keeps things lively.

“Higher” is also the first album to feature zero covers. Audiences have seen by now how Stapleton can transform a song, so this isn’t necessarily a bad or good thing.

Only “The Fire” is a little lackluster as it does not share the emotional depth the other tracks do. This is the only time that Stapleton feels one note.

The closing track, “Mountains Of My Mind,” is a compelling and somber finish. While not the most emotionally intense track, it offers a fitting conclusion to the record. It tells listeners that things will be okay, and to look ahead.

“Higher” effortlessly navigates through country, southern rock, blues, pop, and through emotions as well. It has endless replayability from start to finish and is a candidate for album of the year. Everything that has made Stapleton so good so far has culminated at this point and leaves nothing left to be desired.

On this record, Chris Stapleton has gone higher than ever before.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewers' Favorite Tracks: “It Takes a Woman,” “Think I’m In Love With You,” “Higher”

Reviewers' Least Favorite Track: “The Fire”

Caelan Chevrier is a fourth-year majoring in marketing. To contact him, email cjc6789@psu.edu.