With the help of Grammy-winning gospel icon Kirk Franklin, Tori Kelly assembles an uplifting, well-rounded pop-gospel album on ‘Hiding Place.’

Tori Kelly introduced herself to the world in 2015 with her debut album, Unbreakable Smile.  For her efforts, she earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, ultimately losing to Meghan Trainor.  Merely 25 years old, things are certainly looking up for her. A perfect example is her surprising change of direction from pop to contemporary Christian and gospel on her eight-track sophomore album, Hiding Place.

“Masterpiece”

“Masterpiece” commences Hiding Place energetically, enlisting the rhymes of Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae.  Here, Tori Kelly reflects on what God sees in her, asking on the first verse, “Do you see a work of art in the making?” Ultimately, on the chorus she sings, “God take my heart forever, it’s yours / Make me your masterpiece.  “Help Us to Love”, featuring The HamilTones, served as the promo single, long before the album was announced. From the jump, the record has a soulful, contemporary gospel vibe.  Throughout the early part of the record, she delivers beautiful, controlled vocals, beginning with introductory hums.  She never over-sings, packing a punch without doing too much.  She amps up the intensity beginning on the dynamic bridge section. The HamilTones ‘fuel her fire’ with stunning vocal harmonies. Kelly is the star, but the backing vocals play an important role.

“Sunday” 

“Sunday” is a smooth, jazzy, and soulful contemporary gospel record.  Tori Kelly drops stellar, nuanced vocals, singing about her flaws as a person, particularly being a Christian.  One of the most notable moments is the scatting section, again, idiomatic of the jazzy nature executive producer and co-writer Kirk Franklin has put together.  Kelly and guest vocalist Jonathan McReynolds complement each other sensationally on “Just as Sure.” “Just as Sure” is idiomatic of contemporary Christian, with its acoustic guitars and ‘religious’ vibes, but it also doesn’t sound totally far-fetched from some of the pop from her debut Unbreakable Smile.

“Psalm 42” is naturally based around and inspired by the Biblical scripture, common in gospel music.  Though it starts out a bit slow, “Psalm 42” grows more spirited as it progresses. On the incredibly relatable “Questions,” Tori Kelly tackles just that – why certain things happen under God’s watch essentially. “Bombs falling in Syria / A child dying of AIDS… / But heaven can feel silent.” Ultimately, Kelly wonders “What happens when the healing never comes?” While it may seem pessimistic to a degree, essentially, it’s a message about ‘leaning into faith’ – knowing God will answer.

“Never Alone”

“Never Alone”, featuring Kirk Franklin, is about having someone walk with you, despite trials, tribulation, and hardships.  On the first verse, Kelly depicts things she’s went through, closing it out by wisely singing, “Life is just a story of some highs and some lows.” She goes on the chorus to confirm God’s grace and power, singing, “But I know somebody, He calls me his own / I can hear heaven singing out / Oh-oh-oh, you’re never alone.”

On the second verse, she discusses people investing into superficial things, responding to it by saying she understands the power of faith and God essentially.  The effect is similar on the third verse, before an inspirational bridge by Kirk Franklin (“There’s not a hole too deep / That God’s love is not deeper still / You’ve come too far to give up now / Let’s go!”) triggers the final chorus along with choir. All in all, “Never Alone” is a beautifully written and performed pop-gospel record.  It’s rhythmic, thoughtful, and incredibly uplifting.

“Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)” brilliantly concludes Hiding Place, finding Kelly backed by an awesome choir.  While it is mostly original, “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)” borrows from the moving hymn tune, “When Peace Like A River (It Is Well with My Soul).” This is among the best vocals by Kelly, not to mention the best ‘choral’ highlight of Hiding Place.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Hiding Place is a successful, pop-gospel album by Tori Kelly.  Kirk Franklin co-writes and co-produces songs that perfectly suit her, and still allow for her pop chops to shine.  If you’re in need of a tight, 36-minute slice of inspiration, look no further than Hiding Place.

Gems: “Masterpiece,” “Help Us to Love,” “Never Alone” & “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)”

Tori Kelly • Hiding Place • Capitol • Release: 9.14.18

Photo Credit: Capitol