So much of the contemporary debate in pop music revolves around issues of authenticity.  The industry relies on many of the same sampled, re-sampled and

For all the folks out there that are looking for a genuine, original artist to support, look no further than the incredible Tori Kelly. Even from her very first YouTube videos at age 14 (singing a JAZZ arrangement of Go Tell It On The Mountain!!), it was abundantly clear that Kelly was charting a path all her own to a successful music career.

And yes… she for real did this at the age of 14….

From that raw talent as a young teenager to today, Tori Kelly is one artist that is ready to take the world by storm.  Her debut album Unbreakable Smile is just starting to get noticed.  But if talent and good quality music count for anything, the effort should soon be a worldwide smash on par with the likes of Adele’s 21 or Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience.  Having purchased Unbreakable Smile and listened to it top to bottom, I can say without hesitation that it’s one of best pop albums of the year.  If you have any doubts of this, then take 3 minutes and 28 seconds to hear Kelly’s song ‘Expensive’ (my personal favorite track from the album), and put those doubts out to pasture.

While Kelly excels at big brazen tracks like ‘Expensive’, her gifts are equally apparent in live performance.  The gifted singer, songwriter and guitar player has the uncanny ability to draw audiences to their feet even when performing solo.  Check out this recent performance of her new single ‘Should’ve Been Us’ from ABC’s The View…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_7nqtfNrM4

It’s clear that Tori Kelly has all the elements to become the next big thing in music.   I for one am looking forward to more great things from this artist.  Let’s all hope that she continues to get the recognition that she deserves.