"Higher" is the fifth single from English singer-songwriter Taio Cruz's second studio album, Rokstarr. It was written and produced by Cruz and Sandy Vee, and was initially released on 10 November 2010.
Background and release[]
"Higher" was originally written for Kylie Minogue's album tenth studio album Aphrodite (2010), but the sing did not fit the direction the album was going in; Cruz kept the song for his album Rokstarr. Cruz and Kylie recorded a version of the song for the European release, while American rapper Travie McCoy recorded guest raps for the American release. The Brazilian and United Kingdom versions have parts of McCoy's rap mixed into the Kylie version. The version on Cruz's albums feature a solo vocal by Cruz with no guest vocalist and an edited version of the solo version was added to Radio Disney's playlist.
Music video[]
The European video, featuring Cruz and Kylie, was directed by Alex Herron and released 19 November 2010. The United States version, featuring McCoy, was released the same day. Both versions feature Cruz and either Kylie or McCoy in an underground warehouse with a live band. With over 51 million views, the video featuring Kylie is her most watched YouTube video to date.
Chart performance[]
"Higher" debuted on the ARIA Singles Chart at number 77, where after several weeks on the chart reached a peak position of number 25. The single debuted on the RIANZ Singles Chart on 30 November 2010 at number 32, eventually climbing to a peak of number 5. On the week ending 1 January 2011, the Travie McCoy version of "Higher" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at #80, jumping 39 places to #41 the following week. Five weeks later, the single reached a new peak of #24. The single also managed to debut on the UK Singles Chart at number 60 on 16 January 2011; climbing to number 37 the following week, based entirely on downloads of the album version alone. Following its full physical release, it ascended to its peak position of number 8. In the United Kingdom, the United States version of the song made Radio 1's B-Playlist while the single version (with Kylie Minogue) has made Radio 2's B-Playlist.
Charts[]
Weekly charts[]
| Chart (2001) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 25 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 3 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 12 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) | 9 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 13 |
| CIS (TopHit) | 1 |
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 10 |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) | 7 |
| France (SNEP) | 7 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) | 3 |
| Global Dance Tracks (Billboard) | 8 |
| Hungary (Rádiós Top 40) | 4 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 7 |
| Luxembourg Digital Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 7 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 15 |
| Mexico Ingles Airplay (Billboard) | 10 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | 1 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 1 |
| Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100) | 2 |
| Poland (Dance Top 50) | 31 |
| Romania (Romanian Top 100) | 49 |
| Russia Airplay (TopHit) | 10 |
| Scotland (OCC) | 6 |
| Slovakia (Rádio Top 100) | 5 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE) | 16 |
| Spain (Airplay Chart) | 8 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 18 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 4 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 8 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 24 |
| US Dance Club Songs (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard) | 6 |
| US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard) | 13 |
| US Rhythmic (Billboard) | 24 |
Live performances[]
Lyrics[]
Now I know how to get down on the floor (floor)
Experienced in moves you can't ignore ('Nore)
But something 'bout this beat that's got me hooked (Hooked)
Come over here and take a closer look (Look)
'Cause I can't get enough, I can't get enough
I can't stay on the ground
Whoa, I can't get enough, I can't get enough
This is taking me now
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
I do this just for kicks, just for the thrill (Thrill)
I got this high without takin' a pill (Pill)
This groove has got me way over the sun (Sun)
I'm dancin' like I am the only one (One)
'Cause I can't get enough, I can't get enough
I can't stay on the ground
Whoa, I can't get enough, I can't get enough
This is taking me now
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
The music's got me going higher
I feel like I can touch the sky
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
It's taking me higher, higher
Higher off the ground
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