Steve Winwood – Back In The High Life

Steve Winwood – Back In The High Life

A landmark of 1980s pop-rock, Back In The High Life captures Steve Winwood at the height of his creative and commercial powers. Originally released in June 1986 on Island Records, this acclaimed solo album blends blue-eyed soul, melodic rock, contemporary R&B and sophisticated pop production into one of the decade's most memorable musical statements.

By this stage, Winwood had already established an extraordinary musical career, from his early success with The Spencer Davis Group and the psychedelic experimentation of Traffic to his acclaimed solo recordings. His distinctive voice, accomplished keyboard playing and ability to draw from blues, soul, rock and electronic music gave him a musical identity that stood apart from many of his contemporaries.

Produced by Russ Titelman and Steve Winwood, Back In The High Life combines Winwood's soulful songwriting with the polished, expansive production that characterised some of the finest mainstream music of the mid-1980s. Layered keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, electric guitars, horns and rich backing vocals create a sound that is both radio-friendly and musically detailed.

The album opens with "Higher Love", one of Winwood's signature recordings and a major international hit. Featuring Chaka Khan on backing vocals, its infectious rhythm, uplifting melody and sophisticated arrangement helped take the track to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. It subsequently earned Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Other highlights include the energetic "Freedom Overspill", the uplifting title track "Back In The High Life Again" and the beautifully melodic "The Finer Things". "Wake Me Up On Judgment Day" brings a gospel-influenced feel to the record, while "Split Decision", co-written with Joe Walsh, adds a stronger rock edge. The album closes with "My Love's Leavin'", co-written with the legendary Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band musician Vivian Stanshall.

The record also features contributions from an impressive group of musicians, including Nile Rodgers, Joe Walsh, Chaka Khan and James Taylor, adding further depth to its blend of soul, pop and rock influences.

A significant commercial success, Back In The High Life reached the top ten of the US album chart and won three Grammy Awards in 1987. It remains an outstanding example of the meeting point between classic songwriting, soulful musicianship and the ambitious studio production of 1980s popular music.

An essential addition for fans of Steve Winwood, Traffic, sophisticated 1980s pop-rock, blue-eyed soul and classic Island Records releases. Featuring eight consistently strong tracks, this is an album that combines memorable melodies, superb musicianship and timeless production.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Higher Love – 5:45
A2. Take It As It Comes – 5:20
A3. Freedom Overspill – 5:33
A4. Back In The High Life Again – 5:33

Side B
B1. The Finer Things – 5:47
B2. Wake Me Up On Judgment Day – 5:48
B3. Split Decision – 5:58
B4. My Love's Leavin' – 5:19