Improbably combining the heartfelt optimism of Taylor Swift with the literate soulfulness of Alicia Keys and the melismatic virtuosity of Mariah Carey, Tori Kelly's full-length album, 2015's Unbreakable Smile, is a thrilling, positive-minded debut. Although Kelly had been an active performer since she was a child, appearing on America's Most Talented Kids and even walking away from a recording contract with Geffen when she was just 12 years old, it wasn't until she struck out on her own as an adult that she began gaining ...
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Improbably combining the heartfelt optimism of Taylor Swift with the literate soulfulness of Alicia Keys and the melismatic virtuosity of Mariah Carey, Tori Kelly's full-length album, 2015's Unbreakable Smile, is a thrilling, positive-minded debut. Although Kelly had been an active performer since she was a child, appearing on America's Most Talented Kids and even walking away from a recording contract with Geffen when she was just 12 years old, it wasn't until she struck out on her own as an adult that she began gaining wider recognition. In fact, it was getting booted off American Idol in 2010 that ultimately set her down the creative path toward writing her own songs and recording Unbreakable Smile. Produced by Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson, P!nk, Ellie Goulding), Unbreakable Smile finds Kelly expanding upon the stripped-down vibe of her initial EPs, 2012's Handmade Songs and 2013's Foreward, with a set of emotive, well-crafted songs that straddle the line between melodic rock and contemporary R&B, and acoustic singer/songwriter pop. Part of what makes Kelly so extraordinary is that, while being a truly gifted vocalist (she has perfect pitch), she's also an adept guitarist and songwriter who works as her own best accompanist. As her acoustic EPs proved, she almost doesn't need a producer, let alone a mega-producer like Martin, to knock your socks off. Nor does she need the help of saccharine Brit Ed Sheeran, although his presence dueting on "I Was Made for Loving You" only serves to back up the notion that Kelly is a knockout vocalist.In fact, one of the best tracks on Unbreakable Smile isn't even a full track, but just the album's 1:27 intro number, "Where I Belong." An acoustic, heartfelt declaration of grounded self-awareness, it's a low-key yet absolutely stunning way for Kelly to kick things off and sets you up perfectly for what's to come. And though she immediately dives headlong into a sonically juicy, old-school '90s R&B-inspired aesthetic, she never gets overwhelmed by the production. On the contrary, cuts like the summery, Janet Jackson-esque title track, the funky, Brand New Heavies-sounding "Expensive," and the hypnotic, unrequited relationship anthem "Should've Been Us" are universally relatable, utterly infectious songs that you immediately want to hear again. Ultimately, Unbreakable Smile illustrates Kelly's struggles to remain true to her own astute, artistic vision in the face of an industry that often seems to exhibit a perplexing mistrust of real, organic talent. As Kelly sings on the exuberant title track, "La da da da dee, you're not breaking me." ~ Matt Collar, Rovi
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Add this copy of Unbreakable Smile [Repack] to cart. $4.09, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Capitol.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Unbreakable Smile [Repack] to cart. $4.10, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Capitol.
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Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.