ROCK MOMENT – Creed ‘Higher”

I remember the first time I saw Creed. It was in 1999. The same year that ‘Higher’, one of the signature songs of Creed and a defining anthem of late-1990s post-grunge rock came out. Released as the lead single from the band’s second album, Human Clay, the song marked a turning point that launched Creed from a successful rock act into one of the biggest bands in the world.

The song was written by vocalist Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti, drawing heavily on themes of faith, dreams, and spiritual searching. Stapp has said the lyrics were inspired by a vivid dream he had about a world beyond the one we know, a place of peace and understanding that contrasted with the chaos and conflict of everyday life. Lines like “Can you take me higher, to a place where blind men see” reflect a longing for enlightenment and transcendence, blending religious imagery with a more universal desire to rise above fear, doubt, and limitation.

Musically, ‘Higher’ showcases the elements that became Creed’s trademark: Tremonti’s thick, melodic guitar riffs, a steady, powerful rhythm section from bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips, and Stapp’s deep, dramatic baritone voice. The song builds gradually, starting with a restrained, almost hypnotic verse before exploding into a massive, soaring chorus that was tailor-made for radio and arena crowds.

‘Higher’ quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending weeks at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. Its success helped Human Clay sell millions of copies and established Creed as one of the dominant rock bands of the era, alongside groups like Nickelback and 3 Doors Down. The music video, featuring surreal dreamlike imagery and a desert setting, reinforced the song’s themes of escape and spiritual ascent.

Over the years, ‘Higher’ has remained a staple of rock radio and one of Creed’s most recognizable songs. It represents a moment when mainstream rock embraced big emotions, spiritual questions, and anthemic hooks, all wrapped in a sound that was both heavy and accessible. For many fans, ‘Higher’ is more than just a hit single—it’s a reminder of a time when rock music openly reached for something beyond the ordinary and invited listeners to dream of something greater.