Music review: Tori Kelly – 鈥楬iding Place鈥�
You may recognize Tori Kelly鈥檚 soulful voice from the Nationwide Insurance television commercials in which she sings the praises of the insurance company鈥檚 policy of always being on your side.
Now, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter is singing the praises of a more heavenly nature on 鈥淗iding Place.鈥�
The California native follows 2015鈥檚 鈥淯nbreakable Smile鈥� with an inspiring set of tracks about faith, hope and love. Drawing from her experiences growing up singing gospel songs, Kelly blends her pop sensibilities with a gospel and R&B flair under the guidance of the legendary Kirk Franklin, who lends his producing and writing skills to the new material.
鈥淛ust one request from me/God take my heart forever,鈥� sings Kelly on 鈥淢asterpiece,鈥� the opening track that features rapper Lecrae. Kelly and Lecrae deliver a stirring performance on the track that reminds us that we are all masterpieces and made uniquely to perform great things.
The Hamiltones join Kelly next on 鈥淗elp Us to Love.鈥� It鈥檚 a strong message about offering love and hope in a world that can be broken and cruel.
鈥淪unday鈥� is a smooth declaration of praise and commitment to faith through the constant seeking of God鈥檚 grace and a love that can gently wash away the shame and pain, replacing it with a loving fire and burning desire to live every day as Sunday.
鈥淧salm 42鈥� is a meditative testimony about the reliance on God and the need to find a quiet place that provides peace and the promise that a new life awaits.
On 鈥淨uestions,鈥� Kelly sings about having periods of doubt in a world slowly dying and in need of a spiritual healing.
The concerns highlighted on 鈥淨uestions鈥� are quickly resolved on 鈥淣ever Alone鈥� with Franklin confidently declaring, 鈥淭here鈥檚 not a hole too deep/That God鈥檚 love is not deeper still/You鈥檝e come too far to give up now.鈥�
鈥淪oul鈥檚 Anthem (It Is Well)鈥� brings the session to a breathtaking close with Kelly showcasing her beautiful voice on this moving hymn, aided by a spirited choir and the absence of any instrumental accompaniment. It鈥檚 a reassuring reminder about the power of God鈥檚 love and the miracles witnessed through a personal relationship with God. All is indeed well.
Kelly makes a local appearance at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall on Oct. 25.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.