Memory Spells and Jordan Whitlock’s “Higher” is a masterclass in how much atmosphere and emotion can be packed into just 3 minutes and 23 seconds. From the very first note, the song sweeps listeners into a luminous dreamscape, where airy synths, minimalist guitar, and subtle strings intertwine to create a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Whitlock’s crystalline vocals glide effortlessly above the production, delicate yet commanding, guiding the listener through every nuance of the track with effortless poise.
Lyrically and sonically, “Higher” thrives on tension between distance and closeness. The song captures longing without being overwrought, evoking the ache of connection through absence. Every element — from the vintage drum machines to the cinematic swells — feels meticulously placed, allowing the emotional core to breathe. The track demonstrates that restraint can be just as powerful as grandeur, as the spaces between notes carry as much weight as the notes themselves.
Despite its concise runtime, the song is cinematic in scope. It’s the kind of track that feels larger than itself, with layers of sound that reward repeated listens. By the time it reaches its gentle crescendo, the listener is left suspended in a moment that is both dreamlike and emotionally grounded — a rare balance in modern dream pop.
In 3:23, “Higher” achieves what many longer tracks struggle to do: it transports, resonates, and lingers. It’s a perfectly distilled glimpse of the forthcoming album This Is What It Feels Like, showcasing a collaboration that is both deeply personal and expansively cinematic. For anyone seeking music that floats, stirs, and stays with you long after it ends, “Higher” is a mesmerizing journey worth taking.
“This project began as an exchange of demos and became a deeply personal dialogue. Here’s a sense of longing and possibility in every track, songs about connection, vulnerability, and hope,” says Jordan Whitlock.
Jordan Whitlock: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Spotify | Memory Spells: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Spotify
