By: Cynthia Todd
Tori Kelly quickly went from being an acoustic mastermind to a pop star in the making.
In the former American Idol contestant’s first full-length album, “Unbreakable Smile,” Kelly proves that it is possible to move in a different creative direction while still staying true to her roots.
Max Martin, whose credits include Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, worked as an executive producer on the record providing a strong backbone for Kelly’s debut.
Although diehard Kelly fans remember songs like “Dear No One” (also a bonus track) and “Paper Hearts,” she manages to channel her acoustic and R&B flare throughout the entirety of the album.
The record opens with “Where I Belong” and gives listeners a peak of what’s to come in the next hour—everything from power ballads to fast-paced hits.
According to Billboard, “Should’ve Been Us” was the most added song in its first week at radio with more than 50 stations picking it up. It is the second single off the album following “Nobody Love,” which has gathered more than 10 million streams and consistent Top 40 radio play. Both songs have proven to be fan favorites thus far.
Along with the dance-worthy songs, Kelly showcases her chops and lyrical ability in “First Heartbreak” and “Funny (Live).” She also pulls on all the heartstrings with “I Was Made For Loving You” featuring Ed Sheeran and an impressive collection of string instruments, which could result in an intense air violin session while listening.
Unfortunately some consistency is lost with tracks like “Expensive,” giving the album a completely different, almost Jessie J circa 2011, vibe.
Aside from a few outliers thrown into the mix, Kelly manages to use “Unbreakable Smile” as a platform to express herself within a collective bunch of songs.
The singer-songwriter may have a track with LL Cool J, but her beautifully written lyrics continue to have a way of resonating with listeners. As Miss Kelly says, “This is the only Tori I know how to be” and she is using it to her full advantage in this album.
“Unbreakable Smile” is available June 23.
Rating: 4/5
