The 1967 album from the legendary R&B pioneer Jackie Wilson, Higher And Higher spotlights Wilson at a career apex, where his songs embrace much soul, funk, rhythm and blues and feature one of his biggest hits among the 50 singles that he charted.

“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher,” perhaps the tune Wilson is most known for, opens the listen with soulful backing vocals, crisp drumming and bouncy bass lines populating the r&b classic. “I Don't Need You Around” follows with warm piano and Wilson's impressive range making for a powerful, slow burning anthem that welcomes strings, while the dreamy “Those Heartaches” finds a very heartfelt and soulful place to reside, as Wilson sings with much emotion.

The back half of the listen leads with the bright horns and fluid melodies of the agile “Open The Door To Your Heart,” which is textured with a very lush delivery. “You Can Count On Me”, a quicker tune, then illustrates speedy drumming, precise strings and Wilson’s very adaptable pipes amid the upbeat climate. “When Will Our Day Come” exits the listen and has Wilson hitting some high notes alongside pretty backing vocals and plenty of rhythm from the band.

Long out of print, this reissue was mastered from the original Brunswick tapes and pressed at Furnace Record Pressing, which gives this version a much enhanced sound quality. Wilson had a very tumultuous life, and it ended far too early; he passed away at 49. He made so much influential music and inspired plenty of others, such as Michael Jackson, Van Morrison, the Commodores, and Smokey Robinson to name a few. Keeping his legacy alive is absolutely important, and the ORG label is certainly doing so with much care and attention present, and appreciated.

Rating: B

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