"Higher" | ||||
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Single by The Naked and Famous | ||||
from the album Simple Forms | ||||
Released | 8 July 2016 | |||
Recorded | 2015–2016[1][2] | |||
Length | 3:50 | |||
Label | Somewhat Damaged | |||
Songwriter(s) | The Naked and Famous | |||
Producer(s) |
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The Naked and Famous singles chronology | ||||
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"Higher" is a song by New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous from their third studio album, Simple Forms. It was released on 8 July 2016 as the album's lead single.[3][4]
After touring in support of their second studio album, In Rolling Waves (2013), the band began a sabbatical in mid-2014 from touring. Their third studio album, Simple Forms, was recorded at Powers' home studio in Echo Park, Los Angeles, amidst the end of an eight-year romantic relationship between lead vocalists Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers. Xayalith stated, "It's been two years since we came off the road and a lot of life has happened in and all around us. We've been broken here and picked ourselves up again—so maybe this chorus talk a little to that experience...love, grief, time passing and returning to a place where we are lucky to have each other."[2]
According to keyboardist Aaron Short, "Higher" was planned for inclusion on In Rolling Waves, and was originally "a lot more of a down-tempo, minimal electronic form", with Powers on vocals. The song was ultimately included on Simple Forms.[5]
In early July 2016, the group signed with Kobalt Label Services in North America for the release of the single, as well as their third studio album.[4]
Consequence of Sound described the track as dealing with both passion and pain in great quantities, with "razor synths buzzsaw and grind before being uplifted by Xayalith's skyscraper vocals".[2] The New Zealand Herald stated that "The Auckland five-piece are known for making synth-drenched festival singalongs, and Higher's shimmering hooks and shouted chorus is no different."[3]
The song was used in a commercial for Comcast Xfinity.[citation needed]
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Simple Forms.[6]
Chart (2016) | Peak position |
---|---|
Canada Rock (Billboard)[7] | 47 |
New Zealand Heatseeker Singles (RMNZ)[8] | 2 |
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[9] | 39 |
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[10] | 45 |
Region | Date | Format | Version | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Various | 8 July 2016 | Digital download | Original | Somewhat Damaged | [11][12] |
United States | 2 August 2016 | Alternative radio |
|
[13] | |
Various | 10 April 2017 | Digital download | FKYA remix | Somewhat Damaged | [14][15] |
19 May 2017 | RAC remix | [16][17] | |||
28 July 2017 | Stripped | [18][19] |
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