Okay, let’s talk about a song that’s pure vibe.
It’s got this uplifting, almost spiritual feeling, with a killer groove that makes you want to move.
It’s also very different to “Jessie’s Girl”, which is all about unrequited love and teenage angst.
Or, maybe you know the more recent Whitney Houston/Kygo version, which brought it to a whole new generation!
Many classic rock artists created songs that have great emotional feelings.
I’m talking, of course, about “Higher Love”.
The song title itself hints at something bigger, something transcendent, and that’s exactly what the song delivers.
- Writers: Steve Winwood and Will Jennings
- Performed by: Steve Winwood
- Album: Back in the High Life (1986)
- Producer: Russ Titelman
📝 Background & Meaning:
“Higher Love” was written by Steve Winwood and Will Jennings and released as the lead single from Winwood’s fourth solo album, Back in the High Life in 1986.
The song became Winwood’s first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him two Grammy Awards in 1987: Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s core message revolves around the universal longing for a deeper, spiritual connection and a higher sense of purpose in love and life.
Winwood and Jennings drew inspiration from their reflections on human relationships, spirituality, and the need for something transcendent in our lives.
“Higher Love” addresses a world that feels disconnected and superficial, suggesting that a “higher love”—whether spiritual, emotional, or universal—can heal, inspire, and bring meaning to life.
The soulful backing vocals by Chaka Khan added another layer of emotional depth and gave the track a dynamic energy that resonated with listeners.
🎤 Key Themes:
- Spiritual Love: The song reflects the idea of love as something divine and transcendent.
- Yearning for Connection: Explores the human longing for a deeper emotional and spiritual connection.
- Optimism and Hope: It carries an uplifting message about finding fulfillment and meaning in love.
- Faith and Purpose: The lyrics imply a belief in a higher power or guiding force in life.
🎧 Notable Lyrics:
“Bring me a higher love / Bring me a higher love / Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?”
- The refrain encapsulates the song’s central plea for something greater and more meaningful.
“I could rise above on a higher love.”
- Suggests that true love can elevate us above life’s struggles and hardships.
“Think about it, there must be higher love / Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above.”
- Reflects a philosophical exploration of love as a divine and universal force.
🎸 Musical Highlights:
- Soulful Vocals: Steve Winwood’s smooth and expressive voice delivers the song’s hopeful message with sincerity.
- Backing Vocals by Chaka Khan: Her powerful and soulful harmonies elevate the chorus and bring vibrant energy.
- Synthesizer and Keyboards: The track features Winwood’s signature keyboard arrangements, creating a polished 80s sound.
- Rhythmic Drive: The upbeat percussion and groove keep the song danceable and engaging.
- Catchy Chorus: The chorus is instantly memorable and emotionally resonant.
🌍 Cultural Impact:
- “Higher Love” became one of Steve Winwood’s most iconic songs and a defining anthem of the 1980s.
- It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned two Grammy Awards in 1987.
- The song remains a staple of classic rock and adult contemporary radio stations.
- In 2019, Kygo remixed “Higher Love,” featuring Whitney Houston’s previously recorded vocals, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners.
- The track is frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, symbolizing hope, love, and spiritual connection.
🎤 “Higher Love” Fun Fact:
- Steve Winwood recorded the song with Chaka Khan providing the unforgettable backing vocals, and she later performed it live with him on several occasions.
- Will Jennings, the co-writer, also wrote the lyrics for hits like “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion and “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes.
- The song’s Grammy wins solidified Steve Winwood’s status as one of the defining artists of the 1980s.
🔑 What It Represents:
“Higher Love” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem of hope, spiritual connection, and the transformative power of love.
It represents:
- The search for a deeper, transcendent love.
- Spiritual and emotional connection as a guiding force in life.
- An optimistic outlook on love’s ability to heal and inspire.
- One of the most memorable hits of the 1980s, blending rock, soul, and pop seamlessly.
With its soaring vocals, uplifting message, and infectious groove, “Higher Love” remains one of Steve Winwood’s most beloved and enduring hits, reminding listeners of the profound power of love to elevate and transform. 🎶🔥🎹
The Timeless Appeal 🕰️✨
So, why does “Higher Love” still resonate with people, decades after its release?
It’s all about that search for something more.
Like some inspirational work of classic rock artists, it touches people.
The song title explains it all.
The lyrics talk about wanting a “higher love,” a deeper connection, something that lifts you up and gives your life meaning.
It’s not just about romantic love; it’s about something spiritual, something universal, and that’s a feeling that people of all ages can connect with.
The Final Note 🔚🎶🔥
“Higher Love” isn’t just a pop song; it’s an anthem of hope, inspiration, and the enduring human search for connection.
It’s a reminder that even in a world that can feel chaotic and disconnected, there’s always the possibility of finding something deeper, something that elevates us and brings us closer together.
A few songs from classic rock artists had this kind of message. The song title is memorable. So crank it up, sing along, and let that “higher love” lift you up!
