Steve Winwood – Higher Love
A soaring plea wrapped in synths, soul, and skyward hope
In June 1986, Steve Winwood took a leap—literally and musically—with “Higher Love,” the lead single from his fourth solo album Back in the High Life. Already a veteran from his days in Traffic and Blind Faith, Winwood reemerged not as a legacy act but as a master of shimmering, modern soul-pop. The track didn’t just chart—it climbed all the way to No. 1, carried by radiant production, spiritual energy, and one of the finest vocal performances of the decade.
Sound: polished pop with a heartbeat of hope
“Higher Love” kicks off with that unmistakable Latin-inflected drum intro, courtesy of John “JR” Robinson—a spontaneous moment captured in studio and polished to perfection. Add layers of lush synths, Nile Rodgers’s guitar chops, shimmering keys, and tight grooves, and you’ve got a track that manages to feel both grand and intimate.
Winwood handled a ton himself—synth programming, DMX drum sequencing, and even the overall vibe—but the secret sauce was the collaboration. Chaka Khan’s backing vocals add soul and gospel fire, elevating the chorus into something truly ecstatic.
Lyrics & vocals: searching for something higher
Winwood’s vocals are full of heart and urgency—delivered with that expressive tenor that radiates sincerity.
“Think about it / There must be a higher love / Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above…”
Written with Will Jennings, the song captures a yearning not just for romantic connection but for something deeper—a spiritual kind of love, purpose, and fulfillment. Jennings later called it a “modern hymn,” and it shows. There’s gospel in its bones, wrapped in polished pop shine.
Chart success: higher, indeed
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1986 and took No. 1 spots on rock and adult contemporary charts too. In the UK, it peaked at No. 13, marking Winwood’s biggest solo hit there. Globally, it was a winner: Canada (No. 1), Australia (No. 8), Ireland (No. 11), New Zealand (No. 11), and Finland (No. 13). Back in the High Life went triple platinum, and Winwood found himself back in the spotlight.
Grammy gold and visual gloss
“Higher Love” won Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 1987 Grammy Awards—well-earned for a song this emotionally rich and musically sharp. The music video, directed by Peter Kagan and Paula Greif, shows Winwood performing in a shadowy soundstage, surrounded by dancers, lights, and stylized visuals. Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers pop in briefly, adding even more star power.
Legacy: covered, sampled, and reborn
Over the years, “Higher Love” has remained a go-to anthem for uplift and longing. It’s been featured in films, commercials, and even Joe Biden’s 2020 victory speech. Whitney Houston recorded her own version in 1990, released only in Japan, but it found new life when Kygo remixed it in 2019, sparking viral success and giving the track a tropical house twist.
Whether in its original form or updated remix, “Higher Love” continues to resonate with anyone searching for connection and meaning. It’s not just an ’80s classic—it’s a soundtrack for seeking the divine in everyday life.