Album Review: TORI. by Tori Kelly

Tori Kelly returns with a new album in almost five years. Taken from the songs from her self-titled EP last year, she connects with Jon Bellion and TenRoc, who struggle to create a memorable release.

Courtesy of Tori Kelly/Epic/Beautiful Mind Records.

Tori Kelly is like a lost ship. Although she has one of the best voices of her generation, she is lost in the turbulent trends. The world of pop music, a world of rapid consumption and fickle trends, often leaves artists feeling blurred about their self-worth and lost in their creative direction. This sense of disorientation is particularly acute when these artists, like Tori Kelly, have souls that long to communicate a deeper meaning through their music than follow a trend.

This revelation led Tori Kelly to reflect, rediscover, and seek out songwriters and producers who represented herself and resonated with her inner voice. She realized that artistic creation should not be blindly following popular trends but finding and expressing one’s authentic voice (hence the 2018 project, Hiding Places). This process can be lonely and challenging, but it is also filled with the possibility of self-discovery and growth.

Her musical journey has become more prosperous and more diverse as a result. She began experimenting with different music styles and creative methods, no longer limiting herself to the framework of pop music. She links up with Jon Bellion and TenRoc to curate her self-titled album, TORI, which has been in the works for quite some time. Before the album, she released an EP last year (all of the songs are on this album) that was decent but forgettable, and unfortunately, the album isn’t much better.

According to the Variety interview, the project was inspired by Destiny's Child and Timbaland, with a nostalgic yet contemporary sound. Kelly signed with Epic Records for this project, seeking a fresh start and creative freedom. Still, the new tracks lack a clear aesthetic direction, making it like an audio-visual jumble. However, this constant exploration and change form an important part of Jon Bellion’s musical journey. Although this work has some regrets, it demonstrates the artist’s courage to continue exploring and trying.

“Cut” takes center stage with its energy and diversity, announcing the beginning of a new musical journey. “Missing U” reinterprets the R&B style of the 2000s with Y2K drum beats. Although it does not have a real climax, it forms a harmonious unity with “Cut” in musical style. However, as the album progresses, the track “Shelter” relies too much on production, so when analyzing its lyrics in depth, we can’t help but think of the shortcomings in lyrical writing of many of Jon Bellion’s side projects, which is undoubtedly a pity.

Transitioning to “Unbelievable,” featuring Ayra Starr, this track is completely different from the previous songs and laced with Afrobeats. However, its emptiness in lyrical content makes the song seem better suited to remain a purely musical work. As for “Alive If I Die,” this song can’t help but feel like you’re listening to a Jon Bellion-style song on repeat from the past four projects. It is boring and hollow, so every time this song comes on, it feels like you’re listening to it on repeat. Strong revulsion.

There are some solid songs with “Shine On” and the album’s opener, “Things U Do,” which has hip-hop-inspired drums with a hint of gospel. Another decent short offering, “Oceans,” is a heartfelt expression of deep emotional connection and depicts a source of life and sustenance, much like water is essential for survival. Kelly uses metaphors such as being in a headlock or having her love charged like an electronic payment to convey an intense and inescapable bond with her beloved. She entrusts her heart entirely to this person, highlighting a sense of vulnerability and trust.

To avoid falling into this trap going forward, she will have to make a foresighted decision to counter the short-lived pop trend with music that is more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. She knows very well that only those works that can resonate with the audience’s emotions can withstand the test of time and become eternal. Tori Kelly is an artist who has long proven her versatility in the music business, but she needs a creative partner who helps take her to the next level.

Above Average (★★★☆☆)

Favorite Track(s): “Thing U Do,” “Cut,” “Shine On”