1967 Classic No. 1 Hit Ranked Among ‘Best Inspirational Songs' of All Time
Nearly six decades after its release, (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson is still capturing pure, unfiltered joy.
The timeless tune, referred to as "possibly the greatest feel-good song of all time" by Time Out, was ranked No. 7 on the publication's roundup of the 37 best inspirational songs of all time, and it's clear to see why.
Landing in the Top 10 on the list published in May 2025, Wilson's nostalgic anthem is receiving fresh recognition, and Time Out agrees it is a fitting honor for a track that practically radiates optimism. "Possibly the greatest feelgood song of all time, this tune is three minutes of pure happiness and will fling you straight into summer. There are loads of cover versions knocking around, but – surprise surprise – the joyous original still wins hands down," the article noted of the song's inclusion.
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Released in August 1967, "Higher and Higher" arrived during a pivotal moment in Wilson's career, and helped spark a late-'60s comeback. Written by Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl Smith, the song blended Chicago soul polish with Wilson's electrifying vocal delivery, per Michigan Rock and Roll Legends.
Backed by top-tier session musicians-including members of Motown's famed Funk Brothers-the recording carried a fullness and urgency that matched its uplifting message.
From its opening horns to its soaring chorus, the song doesn't just suggest happiness-it insists on it. And audiences responded immediately.
On the charts, the track became one of Wilson's biggest crossover hits. It climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's R&B chart and surged to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as both a soul staple and a pop favorite. Its success didn't stop there, either: the song later found new life internationally, reaching the Top 20 in the UK during its 1969 release and again during a 1987 revival.
But chart numbers only tell part of the story. Over time, "Higher and Higher" has become shorthand for feel-good resilience-featured in films, commercials, and countless celebratory moments. Its enduring legacy was further cemented with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Its staying power is also attributed to several covers, including Rita Coolidge's 1977 pop-country rendition-another Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at No. 2-and Alabama Shakes leader Brittany Howard's version for Amazon Originals.
Overall, Wilson's career accolades included a stunning 54 US Hot 100 and 49 R&B singles chart entries, according to uDiscover Music.
Related: 1967 Classic No. 1 Hit Ranked Ultimate 'Greatest Song' of All Time Turns 59 Years Old Today
Best Inspirational Songs of All Time, According to Time Out
Time Out‘s list spans a variety of decades and genres-from soul, pop, and rock to hip-hop, rap, and funk. The wide-ranging roundup is the perfect example that people view "inspiration" as many different things. From inspiring love songs to vibrant hits meant to help you work yourself out of a rut, there's bound to be a track that appeals to every type of music lover.
Check out the Top 10 below, and the rest of the list on the publication's website.
10. "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen, 1975
9. "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish, 2024
8. "***Flawless" by Beyoncé, 2013
7. "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson, 1967
6. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk, 2007
5. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, 2001
4. "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John, 1983
3. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem, 2002
2. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, 1978
1. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, 1967
Next, 1963 Classic Rock Hit Ranked ‘Greatest Beach Song' of All Time
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 10:15 AM.