She’s already got her single “Nobody Love” tearing up the radio, and soon, everybody’s gonna love this rising pop powerhouse.
She’s already got her single “Nobody Love” tearing up the radio, and soon, everybody’s gonna love this rising pop powerhouse.
There’s a slight hint of Ariana Grande’s “Problem” in Tori Kelly’s breakout smash “Nobody Love”, and it doesn’t just come from the fact that both tracks share the same hit-making producer, Max Martin. Like the chart-topping Ariana, 22-year-old Tori’s huge, diva-esque voice is a surprise, bursting out of her with a power and control that’s reminiscent of the classic soul songstresses.
But that doesn’t mean Tori is just a throwback act; with songwriting credits on her debut album Unbreakable Smile, this YouTube discovery (her cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinking Bout You” garnered over 22 million hits) clearly has got a story to tell as well. If you want a fresh voice to quickly become addicted to, we suggest you start listening right now.
Gareth Fernandez shares his top three picks for summer.
Gareth Fernandez is a pop/soul artist based in Singapore. Find out more at youtube.com/GarethFernandez and facebook.com/garethfernandezmusic.
Allen Stone
ALLEN STONE
Allen Stone sings about real issues and, damn, he’s got soul. His serious vocal chops combined with tight instrumentation make for a heck of a good time. “Celebrate Tonight”, “Unaware” and “Contact High” are some of my favourites from this album.
Dave Matthews Band
THE CENTRAL PARK CONCERT (LIVE)
Live, extended, crazily energetic versions of Dave Matthews Band’s best! (Be still, my beating heart). “Granny”, “Warehouse” and “Ants Marching” are the best songs to get the blood pumping, but pretty much everything on this is good.
Eric Benet
LOST IN TIME
If you want a sensual album for a romantic night, this is it. Benet’s smooth, cocoabuttery vocals will make you go “Yes, yes and YES”. With a vocal performance that rivals some of the best female acts, “Sometimes I Cry” is my favourite.
KEHLANI – YOU SHOULD BE HERE
If The Weeknd’s “Earned It” was your jam, your ears are going to thank you for Kehlani. Don’t let Kehlani’s meager 20 years fool you – the singer-songwriter will throw you right back to every lifeand- death struggle, and every ecstatic triumph of your young adulthood, all the while seducing you with her summer-ready vibe at the same time. Compulsory listening: “Unconditional”, “Down For You” and “The Letter”.
You Should Be Here is available on iTunes for $11.98.
