Album Review: Chris Stapleton's 'Higher' Reaches New Emotional Heights
Chris Stapleton has never been interested in following trends, and his fifth studio album 'Higher' continues that tradition with a collection of songs that feel timeless in the most literal sense. Working once again with producer Dave Cobb at Nashville's RCA Studio A, Stapleton delivers twelve tracks of soul-drenched country blues that could have been recorded in 1975 or 2035 and would sound equally relevant. His voice, one of the most distinctive instruments in popular music, has never been captured with more warmth or clarity.
The album opens with 'Barnburner,' a rollicking Southern rock track that establishes the record's confident tone within its first thirty seconds. From there, Stapleton moves through a series of mood shifts that showcase his extraordinary range as a vocalist and songwriter. 'White Horse Down' is a devastating ballad about watching a friend succumb to addiction, while 'Kentucky Summer' captures the languid beauty of a childhood memory with painterly detail. Each song stands alone as a complete artistic statement.
Stapleton's guitar work throughout 'Higher' deserves special recognition. His Les Paul tone on tracks like 'Devil's Backbone' and 'Crossfire' is thick, searing, and immediately recognizable, sitting perfectly alongside Cobb's vintage-flavored production. The interplay between Stapleton and his longtime backing vocalist and wife Morgane remains one of music's great partnerships, their harmonies creating a warmth that no studio technology could replicate. The couple's vocal blend on the album's closing track 'Homeward' is genuinely breathtaking.
'Higher' is not a reinvention, and it does not need to be. Stapleton has found a creative space that allows him to explore the full depth of his artistry without compromise, and each album deepens that exploration. While some may wish for greater sonic experimentation, the counterargument is that Stapleton is perfecting something rather than chasing novelty. In an era of algorithmic playlists and three-minute attention spans, 'Higher' is a reminder that some music is built to last. Rating: eight point five out of ten.