Ryan1Nunez

Unbreakable Smile

Item: Unbreakable Smile
Rating: 8.7
Author: Ryan1Nunez

Tori Kelly (2015)

8.7/ 10

“Unbreakable Smile is a debut that perfectly captures the excitement of discovering an artist with limitless potential. From the moment Tori Kelly opens the album, it’s obvious that her voice is the main event. Her effortless runs, soulful tone, and emotional delivery elevate every song, making even the most straightforward pop tracks feel memorable. While the album embraces the polished sound of mid-2010s pop, Tori’s authenticity keeps it from feeling manufactured. What makes this record so enjoyable is its balance of confidence and vulnerability. Songs like “Nobody Love” and “Should’ve Been Us” deliver infectious hooks, while “I Was Made for Loving You” brings a warm, heartfelt chemistry that still holds up years later. Deeper cuts like “City Dove,” “Art of Letting You Go,” and the title track reveal an artist who was already capable of writing songs with emotional weight beneath the glossy production. The album isn’t without its flaws. At times it plays things a little too safe, and a few songs lean into the familiar pop formulas that were everywhere at the time. There are moments where you can hear Tori holding back creatively, especially knowing the more personal and fearless songwriter she would become on later projects. But even then, her remarkable vocals and undeniable charisma keep the album engaging from beginning to end. Looking back, Unbreakable Smile feels like the sound of an artist finding her footing while never losing sight of who she is. It may not be Tori Kelly’s most adventurous or deeply personal album, but it’s an uplifting, well-crafted debut filled with memorable melodies, genuine heart, and vocal performances that remain some of the best in modern pop. It’s the kind of album that reminds you why so many people believed she was destined for a long and successful career.”