At a relatively small concert, Creed boldly declared to an audience of fifty that they would compose a song on the spot, which later emerged as a significant part of their chart-topping success.
In the late '90s, a powerful anthem emerged that would soon become synonymous with stadium rock and sporting events. That song was "Higher" by Creed, a band that made a significant impact on the American music scene.
Written primarily by guitarist Mark Tremonti and vocalist Scott Stapp, the songwriting process for "Higher" was a collaborative effort. Tremonti, known for his focus on chord progressions, feel, and dissonance, would often start with a riff, as he did for "Higher." He would then work with his bandmates to flesh out the song, refining it together in the studio.
One of Tremonti's most notable contributions to "Higher" was a Drop-D major riff, played using open position, seventh, and fifth frets, with some embellishments on the G-string. The recording of the song likely employed Tremonti's preferred guitars, Gibson Les Pauls, and amplifiers, Mesa Boogie, although the exact equipment used is not definitively known.
"Higher" was ready for inclusion in Creed's 1999 follow-up album, "Human Clay." Released as the lead single from the album on 31 August 1999, "Watch On" peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending a total of 57 weeks on the chart.
Since then, "Watch On" has taken on a life of its own. It has become a sporting anthem, with Texas Rangers pitcher Andrew Heaney revealing that his team listened to Creed before big games during their 2023 playoff run.
As for Tremonti, he believes that writing "Higher" on stage benefited its live performance, and he loves to see grown men and women cry when they play old songs that they've grown up with. Writing at soundchecks can be beneficial, he explains, as musicians know how it will feel with the whole band in an arena, theatre, or where they've been booked to play.
In the years since its release, "Higher" has become a timeless classic, a testament to the power of music and the collaborative spirit that drives its creation. As Tremonti so eloquently puts it, "Music is the most magical thing in the world, as it is an intangible thing that means so much to people, and the closest thing we have to magic is music."
In the years since its release, "Higher" has not only been a timeless classic in the music industry but has also transcended to become a popular anthem in the arena of sports entertainment. The Texas Rangers pitcher, Andrew Heaney, confirms that his team frequently listened to Creed's "Higher" before significant games during their 2023 playoff run.
