What makes Higher Than Hope by Daryl Braithwaite notable?

This album features the iconic track 'The Horses', which became one of Braithwaite's signature songs and remains a staple of Australian music. Higher Than Hope received significant radio play and positive critical reception, contributing to Braithwaite's recognition as a leading figure in Australian pop music throughout the early '90s. Higher Than Hope was Daryl Braithwaite's fourth studio album, released after his successful third album, Edge. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a former member of the band Sherbet into a solo artist with a growing reputation. This release followed his hit single 'The Horses', solidifying his place in the Australian music scene.

How many songs are on Higher Than Hope?

Higher Than Hope has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Higher Than Hope

Daryl Braithwaite · 1991

42 min · 10 tracks

A blend of soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate the essence of early '90s Australian pop-rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Horses — This track showcases Braithwaite's powerful vocals and emotional delivery, becoming an anthem that resonates with audiences even decades later.
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Higher Than Hope — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of aspiration and resilience, featuring uplifting instrumentation that complements its hopeful lyrics.
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One Summer — This song evokes nostalgia with its warm melodies and vivid storytelling, representing both a personal and universal connection to fleeting moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and structures but lacks the depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a gradual build-up, establishing a soaring melodic theme.
Several tracks employ a verse-chorus structure, with the choruses often featuring anthemic hooks that invite sing-alongs.
The tempo varies throughout, with the first half maintaining a more upbeat pace before transitioning to slower ballads in the latter half.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Higher Than Hope 4:55
2 Nothing to Lose 4:08
3 As the Days Go By 4:03
4 Waters Rising 4:30
5 All I Do 4:05
6 One Summer 3:44
7 Don’t Hold Back Your Love 5:09
8 The Horses 4:16
9 I Can See Higher Than Before 3:50
10 Goodbye Blue Sky 3:53

What to play next

Listen next

Taste the Salt

1993

Go back to

Rise

1990

Full Daryl Braithwaite discography Artists like Daryl Braithwaite

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata