At the small concert, Creed's lead vocalist announced impromptu song composition, later contributing significantly to their chart-topping hit live on stage.
In the embryonic years of the American rock band Creed, the members found themselves in a predicament - they didn't have enough songs to fill out their set. This predicament led to the birth of one of their most iconic tracks, "Higher."
Released as the lead single from the album Human Clay on 31 August 1999, "Higher" set the stage for Creed's mainstream success. The song's creation began with a simple 4/4 beat by drummer Scott Phillips, around 155bpm. Guitarist Mark Tremonti joined in with a Drop-D major riff, based around the open position, seventh, and fifth frets, with some embellishments on the G-string.
The writing process behind "Higher" was a deliberate and authentic one, with a focus on creating guitar-driven rock, uplifting and emotional lyrics, and a structure that builds momentum and emotional intensity. The song starts with finger-picking guitar, then layers in drums, bass, and distorted guitar, a hallmark of Creed's style that "Higher" exemplifies.
Singer Scott Stapp encouraged his bandmates to improvise in real-time during performances, a practice that benefited "Higher" as it gave a sense of how it would sound live. Tremonti also expressed his belief that writing new records should aim to make the songs more of a challenge or more of a fun experience for live performances.
"Higher" wasn't finished in time for inclusion on Creed's 1997 debut album My Own Prison, but it was ready for 1999 follow-up Human Clay. The album featured more clean guitar parts, requiring a fingerstyle approach during quieter verses and powerful power chords later. Tremonti isn't certain about the specific gear used during the Human Clay sessions, but it could have been a Hughes & Kettner Attax 100, Mesa/Boogie Rectifier, or Fender Twins.
The song's lyrics, sung by Stapp, are about reflecting on and achieving a lifelong dream, as well as creating an idealistic ambition to create heaven on earth. Since Creed reunited in 2009, "Higher" has continued to have a powerful effect on audiences, with fans crying during live performances.
In 2023, "Higher" became a sporting anthem for the Texas Rangers during their playoff run, with fans encouraged to sing along and the band members making an appearance during a game against the Houston Astros. "Higher" peaked at No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent a total of 57 weeks on the chart.
Mark Tremonti, in an interview in 2024, expressed his belief that music is the most magical thing in the world, as it has a profound impact on people. This belief is evident in the enduring popularity of "Higher," a song that turned Creed into a household name in America and continues to resonate with audiences today.
The addition of "Higher" to their repertoire, initiated by the band's need to fill their set during the embryonic years, marked a turning point, setting the stage for Creed's mainstream success in music. In contemporary times, "Higher" has transcended the realm of music, serving as a sporting anthem for the Texas Rangers, demonstrating its multifaceted appeal in entertainment and sports.
