Hiding Place – Album Review
Christina Dorado /Hiding Place / USD Radio
Tori Kelly
Label: Capitol Records
Release Date: September 14, 2018
We have anxiously waited for Tori Kelly to release her new album and grace us once more with her pure voice and amazing riffs. The gospel-inspired album, Hiding Place, is filled with soul, unlike her previous album released in 2015, Unbreakable Smile, which has more pop elements and catchy, upbeat tunes. Kelly became inspired after meeting Kirk Franklin, an American gospel singer, and Franklin helped co-write the album. He is even featured on her song, “Never Alone.” In an interview with People Magazine, Kelly says, “I am able to escape from the world and get this place of refuge with God. He provides this place of safety when the world is constantly throwing these crazy curve balls at us all the time.”
Kelly’s connection to God is prevalent in her first song on Hiding Place, “Masterpiece.”. It is fast paced, makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, and ends with Lecrae rapping about how everyone is created as a “masterpiece.”
The second song on the album, “Help Us To Love,” contains slow, jazzy vibes, with The Hamiltones singing as a choir in the background. Kelly sings lyrics like, “There’ll never be peace between you and me/God, your love is the cure/For the rich and the poor/God, please will you open our eyes?” These lyrics are meant to inspire and bring hope to her listeners. She encourages others to pray and look to God in times of struggle and despair.
“Sunday” follows “Help Us To Love,” and Kelly doesn’t disappoint with her scatting abilities in the middle of the song. She professes her love for God, and that she needs His grace every single day, not just on the first day of the week.
“Just As Sure” is the most soothing and easy-going song on the album. It features Jonathan McReynolds who impresses listeners with his smooth voice which complements Kelly’s voice perfectly. The song, “Psalm 42,” contains the bible verse, “As the deer pants for the water/So my soul needs You, Lord/I’m thirsty God, You’re the living water/And my soul needs You, Lord.” The underlying message of the song is that people unconsciously need God present in their lives.
In the song, “Questions,” Kelly questions why there is so much hatred and pain in the world. She hopes for a more loving universe, but it is difficult to stay positive regarding the circumstances. Kelly realizes she must turn to God in these tough times. The next song on the album, “Never Alone” has a similar message, in which Kelly knows God is with her at all times.
Kelly’s last song on Hiding Place is “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well).” It’s beautiful message, dramatic pauses, and choir in the background, greatly contribute to the strong conclusion of the album. She quietly sings the last words, “my soul,” emphasizing the meaning of the entire album.
Known as more of a pop artist, Kelly’s drastic change in style and genre was completely surprising. Compared to her slow pop song, “I Was Made For Loving You” featuring Ed Sheeran, her new album defines her Christian background, and her faith journey through her powerful words. Although the album has only eight tracks, it seems to capture Tori Kelly’s vision: to assert her love and devotion for God, and to encourage her listeners to reach out in times of need.
Track List:
- Masterpiece (feat. Lecrae)
- Help Us To Love (feat. The Hamiltones)
- Sunday
- Just As Sure (feat. Jonathan McReynolds)
- Psalm 42
- Questions
- Never Alone (feat. Kirk Franklin)
- Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)
Recommended if you like: Jeremy Passion, Jennifer Hudson, Ed Sheeran
Album Highlights: “Help Us To Love,” “Psalm 42,” “Never Alone”