Chris Stapleton Arranges a Mosaic of Country Soul on Higher
The Kentucky singer/songwriter’s charming, gravelly voice and authentic roots shine through on his highly anticipated fifth LP—and his first since winning three Grammy Awards for his 2020 album Starting Over.

Driving down I-93, Chris Stapleton’s Higher filled my car, soundtracking a scenic route to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Recognized as one of today’s most beloved country musicians, Stapleton’s versatility transcends modern country and pulls from classic heart and soul, making his sound compelling to any ear. Crafted through the collaborative efforts of Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris himself, Higher was recorded within the walls of Nashville’s RCA Studio A. A Kentucky native, Stapleton’s southern influences bleed through his music, yet his songs still feel like the perfect fit for a fall drive up north.
While I used to steer away from country music, Stapleton was one of the first artists to change my perspective with his 2015 hit, “Tennessee Whiskey.” My appreciation for his music and the greater country genre was solidified with his impeccable album Starting Over, which went on to win Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) at the 2022 Grammy Awards. Since its release, Stapleton has performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVII and was even featured on Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version). Starting Over proved to be a hard act to follow, making his newest release highly anticipated.
Musically, Higher maintains the same high-caliber energy as Stapleton’s previous work. His vocals are at his best while belting on tracks like “White Horse” and “The Bottom”; he explores his daunting, meticulous side on “Think I’m In Love With You,” the beat of which is reminiscent of his hit single “You Should Probably Leave.” Elsewhere, Stapleton explores drinking culture in rural areas of the United States beyond the traditional beer-guzzling, country music stereotype. On the album’s opening track, “What Am I Gonna Do,” he contemplates where his mind will take him when moves on from an ex-lover and turns to alcohol, singing “Been drinkin’ everything on that shelf / Feels like I’m killin’ myself / You’re gone and it hurts like hell / Wishin’ I was anybody else.”