The Finer Things
Steve Winwood · 1995
312 min · 63 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of blue-eyed soul and rock, showcasing infectious grooves and Winwood's soulful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dimples Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Higher Love — This track became one of Winwood's signature hits, blending pop sensibilities with deep spiritual themes that resonate throughout the album. Its catchy melody and uplifting message exemplify his ability to merge introspection with broad appeal.
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The Finer Things — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, celebrating life's simple pleasures through smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics. It showcases Winwood's knack for creating anthems that feel both personal and universal.
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Roll With It — This upbeat track captures the carefree spirit of the album, encouraging listeners to embrace life's journey. Its infectious groove makes it a standout moment that highlights Winwood’s playful songwriting style.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- nostalgic vibes for reflective moments
- for long, leisurely afternoons
- engaging sing-alongs with friends
- headphone detail hunting throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone single experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its blend of genres and soulful sound, though not the most accessible.
- Career context
- Released in 1995, The Finer Things marked a significant moment in Steve Winwood's career as it came after his commercial peak in the late '80s. This album reflects a return to his roots, featuring tracks that echo the spirit of his earlier work with Traffic and Blind Faith while also embracing contemporary sounds. It was an opportunity for Winwood to reconnect with his artistic identity after years of mainstream pop success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Cocker· Traffic· Eric Clapton
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Higher Love
The chorus shifts into a hopeful plea for connection amidst life's chaos, invoking feelings of longing yet optimism.
This lyrical pivot emphasizes vulnerability in seeking deeper connections, contrasting its upbeat arrangement with profound emotional depth.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Dimples Start here 2:21
- 2 I Can’t Stand It 2:11
- 3 Every Little Bit Hurts 3:31
- 4 Strong Love 2:15
- 5 Keep On Running 2:49
- 6 Somebody Help Me 2:04
- 7 When I Come Home 1:59
- 8 I Want to Know 2:17
- 9 Crossroads 2:19
- 10 Gimme Some Lovin’ 2:58
- 11 I’m a Man 2:58
- 12 Paper Sun 4:16
- 13 Dealer 3:12
- 14 Coloured Rain 2:45
- 15 No Face, No Name, No Number 3:35
- 16 Heaven Is in Your Mind 4:19
- 17 Smiling Phases 2:43
- 18 Dear Mr. Fantasy 5:39
- 19 Pearly Queen 4:20
- 20 Forty Thousand Headmen 3:16
- 21 No Time to Live 5:22
- 22 Shanghai Noodle Factory 5:06
- 23 Medicated Goo 3:36
- 24 Withering Tree 3:03
Disc 2
- 1 Had to Cry Today 8:48
- 2 Can’t Find My Way Home (electric version) 5:43
- 3 Sea of Joy 5:25
- 4 Sleeping in the Ground (live) 4:33
- 5 Under My Thumb (live) 5:53
- 6 Stranger to Himself 3:54
- 7 John Barleycorn 6:24
- 8 Glad 6:59
- 9 Freedom Rider 5:29
- 10 Empty Pages 4:38
- 11 Low Spark of High Heeled Boys 11:43
- 12 Rainmaker 7:51
Disc 3
- 1 Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory 6:02
- 2 (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired (live) 10:33
- 3 Happy Vibes 4:56
- 4 Something New 3:17
- 5 Dream Gerrard 11:05
- 6 Walking in the Wind 6:56
- 7 When the Eagle Flies 4:27
- 8 Winner 4:20
- 9 Crossing the Line (live) 7:50
- 10 Hold On 4:34
- 11 Time Is Running Out 6:31
- 12 Vacant Chair 6:54
Disc 4
- 1 While You See a Chance 5:15
- 2 Arc of a Diver 5:30
- 3 Spanish Dancer 6:01
- 4 Night Train 7:52
- 5 Dust 6:22
- 6 Valerie 4:08
- 7 Talking Back to the Night 5:47
- 8 Your Silence Is Your Song 5:16
- 9 Higher Love 5:51
- 10 Freedom Overspill 4:19
- 11 Back in the High Life Again 4:25
- 12 The Finer Things 4:14
- 13 Roll With It 4:32
- 14 Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do? 4:32
- 15 One and Only Man 4:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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