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Nov 9, 2023Although his sound is more varied than ever, the collection of songs feels cohesive. He’s never been an artist too confined by genre lines, but Higher lets Stapleton roam free creatively.
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Nov 20, 2023There are a couple of songs on here – like the dull "Crosswind" – which play it too safe, but for Stapleton, a more succinct record is no bad thing because his talent is pretty direct in the first place. In short, as the country scene gets more crowded, Stapleton remains its finest voice.
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Nov 14, 2023Though Higher isn’t Stapleton’s most significant work, it still shows off a remarkable and distinct talent. The album is also a prime example of mainstream country rock at its finest.
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Nov 10, 2023Stapleton is looser, bolder and surer of himself, a recipe making this his best project yet.
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Nov 9, 2023Despite Higher’s lyrical shortcomings, Chris Stapleton still reigns high in the country genre and has delivered another admirable album.
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UncutNov 13, 2023"White Horse" and the chest-thumping "South Dakota" recall the redneck drama of a Skynyrd show closer, and standout "Think I'm In Love With You" is a simmering mirrorball-country slow jam. [Review of the Year 2023, p.32]
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Nov 10, 2023At times, Stapleton’s latest feels like a more mature, seasoned sequel to his multi-platinum 2015 debut Traveller
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Nov 9, 2023Once again working with co-producer Dave Cobb, Stapleton also has his wife Morgane behind the boards in addition to singing harmony and playing keyboards, a tight, familial group of collaborators that gives Higher a relaxed, familiar feel that keeps things buoyant even in its darkest moments.
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Nov 9, 2023Sure, the usual country tropes appear in the form of drinking whiskey, diminishing horizon lines and the "devil [who] don't give a damn" — but Stapleton has long cracked the code of authenticity. Country isn't for everyone, but Chris Stapleton should be.
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Nov 9, 2023Stapleton knows that his vocals don’t need to be forceful to make an impact, a point driven home on the beautiful closer “Mountains of My Mind,” on which his intimate voice is paired with just an acoustic guitar. But while tracks like that are evidence of Stapleton’s singing and storytelling abilities, more often than not, the songs on Higher struggle to take off.