Mercury Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Although he's not made much of an impact this side of the Atlantic, Chris Stapleton is massive news in the United States. Higher, his first studio album for three years, is therefore hotly anticipated back home. Whether you're already a fan or not, the album is well worth a listen - not least because Stapleton's distinctive style (which leans heavily on the richness of his Joe Cocker-esque voice) draws as much on Southern Soul, blue-eyed soul and Americana, as folk, bluegrass and traditional country. When he gets it right - which he does on 'Higher' - the resultant music is magical. For proof, see the bluesy soul simmer of 'Think I'm In Love With You', the slow-motion love jam 'It Takes a Woman', and the frazzled, lighters-up country-rock anthem that is 'White Horse'.