Track by Track Review: Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile

Singer-songwriter and Capitol Records recording artist Tori Kelly has finally released her long awaited debut LP. Gaining traction from Vine and YouTube clips - as well as collaborations with acapella group Pentatonix - have given her enough traction for a budding career after somehow missing the Top 24 of American Idol years ago in season nine.

Where I Belong: An awkward, uneventful way to launch the album. Moments where it begins to shine are awkwardly shifted and diverted. 4/10

Unbreakable Smile: The first full length track is an uplifting Natasha Bedingfield style mid-tempo. "God made me sexy / Who cares if only I know?" is the most clever lyric, but also one of the few decent ones. Tori definitely doesn't care, and neither will the listener. 5.5/10

Nobody Love: The Max-Martin produced, summery, moderate hit Nobody Love sets a much more suitable pace for the album, even if it is somewhat of a Problem-copy cat with its large verse-slim chorus format. 9/10

Expensive: Another up-tempo is very appreciated. Essentially a sassy Uptown Funk with gospel undertones, what more could Kelly need? 9.5/10

Should've Been Us: A fiery Kelly has emerged (another appreciated Kelly varient). The chorus is filled with high wails and head bobbing syncopations. The rasp on "both know?" To die for (even if it is strained a bit). 8.5/10

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Vocal Range and Profile: Tori Kelly

Vocal Range: C#3 - A5 - B6

Exclamation: N/A

Vocal Type: Light-Lyric Soprano, untrained Coloratura (3 Octaves, and 5 notes)

Vocal Rating: A-List
Recommended Listenings: Pretty Young Thing (PYT), Nobody Love, Thinking of You

Positives: Incredible melismatic prowess, being able to ascend and descend into any area of her voice with ease. Her runs have a pearl like clarity, with each note clearly defined. The lower register maintains clarity down to D3, with C#3's being noticeably less resonant (regardless, her ability to even hit a C#3 is something to be proud of). The midrange is bright and piercing, with no strain present, allowing her to hold notes for extended periods without fatigue. Her mid-upper belts maintain a piercing quality to a lesser degree. The head voice is soft and sweet, as is her whistle register. A quick, jaw free vibrato covers her voice outside of her lower register. Overall a unique instrument with excellent musicianship and decent technique.

Negatives: She utilizes her melismas very often, which can be irritable to some. Kelly also tends to close off her throat past Eb5, causing some belts to sound choked and thin. This seems to have improved recently (see the bridge of Nobody Love).