Ryan1Nunez

TORI.

Item: TORI.
Rating: 8.4
Author: Ryan1Nunez

Tori Kelly (2023)

8.4/ 10

“TORI. feels like Tori Kelly having fun again. After exploring deeply personal songwriting and gospel music on her previous projects, this album finds her embracing glossy pop and nostalgic R&B with a confidence that feels effortless. It’s colorful, playful, and reminds you that she doesn’t have to prove she’s one of the best vocalists in music—she just is. From the very beginning, the album has an infectious energy. The Y2K-inspired production gives it a nostalgic feel without sounding like it’s trying too hard to recreate the past. Jon Bellion’s influence is easy to hear, bringing together polished pop hooks, soulful melodies, and creative production that lets Tori experiment in ways we haven’t heard before. As always, the vocals are the star of the show. Tori makes difficult runs and soaring high notes sound completely natural, but what stands out even more is her restraint. She knows exactly when to let a song breathe instead of turning every track into a vocal showcase. That confidence is what makes her such a compelling artist. Tracks like “missin u,” “cut,” “high water,” and “shelter” capture different sides of her personality, balancing vulnerability with confidence and proving how comfortably she moves between pop, R&B, and soul. Even the lighter moments feel genuine, giving the album an easygoing charm that’s perfect for repeat listens. The only thing holding TORI. back from being one of her very best albums is that it occasionally feels more like a collection of great songs than one fully connected story. A few transitions are a little abrupt, and some tracks leave you wishing they pushed their ideas just a bit further. Still, those are minor complaints on an album that’s consistently enjoyable. What I appreciate most is that TORI. doesn’t sound like Tori trying to recreate Unbreakable Smile or repeat what worked on Hiding Place. Instead, it feels like another chapter in her evolution—one where she’s making music because it excites her, not because it fits anyone’s expectations. It may not be her most emotional or ambitious project, but it’s one of her most effortlessly enjoyable. TORI. is a reminder that Tori Kelly can step into almost any genre and still make it sound unmistakably like herself.”