“Never Alone” is a beautifully written and performed pop-gospel record.  It’s rhythmic, thoughtful, and incredibly uplifting that perfectly suits Tori Kelly. 

After hearing the soaring “Help Us to Love” earlier in 2018, one wondered if Grammy-nominated pop musician Tori Kelly was considering releasing a Christian, gospel, or some sort of inspirational album.  That’s exactly what Kelly is doing on her sophomore album, Hiding Place (September 14, 2018).  Having The HamilTones, backup vocalists for Anthony Hamilton appear on “Help Us to Love” is terrific.  Even bigger is having multiple Grammy award winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin appear on single “Never Alone.”  Yes, like everybody else, Franklin has aged, but his legacy and his ability to still perform respectably on the mainstream charts can’t be written off.

“Never Alone” 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.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Never Alone” is a beautifully written and performed pop-gospel record.  It’s rhythmic, thoughtful, and incredibly uplifting.  Does this fit Tori Kelly? Yes, by all means.  She definitely has the skill and voice in the Christian music realm, or any realm she chooses to identify with stylistically.  She’s at her best at end, backed by choir and she lets loose in delivering the utmost praise.

Tori Kelly • Hiding Place • Capitol • Release: 9.14.18

Photo Credit: Capitol