"Higher" by Toby Lightman

Toby Lightman's return with "Higher," her first release in three years and lead single from her forthcoming album, delivers precisely what its title promises—an uplifting, empowering anthem that showcases her distinctive vocal prowess and evolving artistic vision.

Released on April 11th, "Higher" serves as a perfect reintroduction to Lightman's work, blending the soulful vocals that have earned her comparisons to Lauryn Hill and Sheryl Crow with a more polished, Pink-adjacent production style. The track's anthemic quality feels authentic rather than manufactured, built around Lightman's raw emotional delivery and thoughtful songwriting.

What makes "Higher" particularly compelling is how it reflects Lightman's personal journey. Written during a period when she needed to "empower herself and those around her," the song celebrates authenticity and self-belief with conviction. Lightman's assertion that "as we get older, I truly believe we keep getting better" resonates through every note, making this more than just another empowerment anthem—it's a testament to her artistic growth.

The song takes on additional significance knowing Lightman self-produced the track, continuing her commitment to creative independence that began with her 2022 album "AFTER ALL." As one of the relatively few female producers in the industry, Lightman's decision to take complete creative control adds another layer of authenticity to the song's message of self-empowerment.

For fans of Pink, Brandi Carlile, or Sara Bareilles, "Higher" offers a familiar yet fresh take on the female empowerment anthem. However, what distinguishes Lightman's work is her classically trained background (evident in her precise vocal control) combined with her self-taught approach to guitar and production.

As a preview of her upcoming album, "Higher" suggests Lightman has crafted a collection of songs that explore vulnerability, perseverance, and triumph—themes that have long defined her work but now seem to reflect a new level of artistic maturity and confidence. Based on this lead single, Lightman's forthcoming album promises to be worth the three-year wait.