Where's That Higher Love I've Been Thinking Of?

Higher Love by Steve Winwood is peak 80s. This blue-eyed soul synth-pop gospel fusion is a shimmering example of meticulous studio craft meeting spiritual yearning.

Steve Winwood's 1986 "Back in the High life" album was produced by the legendary Russ Titelman and features powerhouse vocals from funk royalty Chaka Khan. Lush synths and gated reverb percussion punches bring the drama without being cheesy. Winwood’s voice floats above it all with earnest clarity that makes for an urgent and uplifting affair. Lyrically, it's gospel vibe reaching for transcendence without being preachy.

The song won Record of the Year at the 1987 Grammys. It has an emotional sincerity that resonates, expert production, and the groove anchored by a conga-inflected rhythm section had no quit. Higher Love holds up beautifully on a radio and has plenty of ceiling to really shine when run through a good hi-fi system. Run it through yours.

Data

Song: Higher Love
Album: Back in the High Life
Artist: Steve Winwood
Genre: Pop, Soul
Year: 1986
Length: 5:52
Composer: Steve Winwood, Will Jennings
Producer: Russ Titelman, Steve Winwood