Fresh off her month long tour for her recently released album, Hiding Place, and more recently, kicking off an Acoustic Sessions Tour with guitarist Mateus Asato, Tori Kelly once again proves that you cannot put her in a box. After about a two year hiatus from the spotlight, it seemed as if social media tried to pin her as “the tribute girl” because as far as the public eye was concerned, we were only seeing her on Nationwide commercials or performing tributes at award shows. Little did we know, Tori spent that “hiatus” in the studio writing music and collaborating with the legendary Kirk Franklin. This collaboration would eventually blossom in to her first Gospel project entitled Hiding Place.
For those who don’t follow Tori, this project came as a complete surprise. Although she has always been very vocal about her faith and had released a single entitled “Help Us To Love,” earlier in the year, most people were expecting another “mainstream” album instead of a Gospel album. Moreover, Tori had only released one full-length album and two EP’s prior to Hiding Place, so dropping this project can be seen as a “risky” move. She still has a growing fanbase that might not share the same beliefs as her, as well as new listeners who don’t know how to categorize her artistry.
Upon listening to Hiding Place and as a follower of Christ, I can honestly say that these songs welcome all ears. The track list contains 8 songs, each ranging from three to five minutes long, so all-in-all, an incredibly quick, but spiritually cleansing listening session. Despite its length, it truly delivers in terms of quality over quantity. With R&B and Gospel infused melodies all written and produced by both Kirk and Tori, this album will carry you through a different range of emotions. From the more upbeat and enthusiastic “Masterpiece” featuring rapper Lecrae to slower, heart-wrenching ballads such as “Questions” or “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well),” these songs will uplift you, encourage you to keep an open mind, and remind you to hold on to hope; which in my opinion, is exactly what great music and lyrics are supposed to do. Although each song may impact listeners in different ways, the lyrics will definitely resonate. With all the chaos going on in our world today, Tori and Kirk have presented us with that little glimmer of light and joy we’ve desperately needed.
I had the opportunity to see Tori live in San Francisco at Herbst Theatre in support of her Hiding Place Tour, and again last Friday at Oakland's Fox Theatre in support of her Acoustic Sessions Tour. After not having seen her for two years, I was reminded of why I have so much love and respect for her as an artist. You don’t even have to know me well to know I am a huge Tori Kelly supporter–it has remained that way since 2010, and after seeing her live a countless number of times, I am proud to say she has found a lifelong supporter in me. Apart from an insane vocal ability, what makes Tori great is that she uses the platform she has to spread love. She is passionate about what she does. It shows in the music she writes, the way she interacts with people, and the way she gracefully carries herself on and off the stage. At the end of the day, fame isn’t her number one priority. Tori is allowing God to create her path and use her in ways that will magnify His love for us all (Phil. 2:13, John 3:16-17). So whether we listen to Hiding Place as believers or non-believers, let this album be a safe haven…we are all fighting our own battles, but sometimes, we need that three or four minute song, or hour-long album to let go and carry us away from those burdens. Let this album be that for you.
