Victoria Loren Kelly, globally recognized as Tori Kelly, captured the music industry’s attention early in her career, notably earning a GRAMMY nomination for Best New Artist at the 58th GRAMMY Awards. Her debut album, Unbreakable Smile, launched in June 2015 under Capitol Records, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. This album spawned two Mainstream Top 40 hits: Nobody Love, which climbed to No. 16, and Should’ve Been Us, a track that resonated for 11 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 51. Beyond her original songs, Tori Kelly has also garnered praise for her unique renditions of other artists’ work, some of which feature in the soundtracks for the animated Sing films, where she voiced Meena, the shy elephant with a powerful voice.
Let’s delve into some of Tori Kelly’s most popular songs, both her own creations and her acclaimed covers, that have solidified her place in contemporary music.
Charting Her Course: Early Hits and Fan Favorites
Tori Kelly’s initial foray into the mainstream spotlight was marked by singles from her debut album that showcased her vocal prowess and pop sensibilities. Nobody Love and Should’ve Been Us not only became radio staples but also introduced her to a wider audience, setting the stage for her continued success. These early hits are essential listening for anyone looking to understand the foundations of her widespread appeal.
Streaming Sensations: Tracks That Dominate Playlists
Several of Tori Kelly’s songs have achieved phenomenal streaming numbers, indicating their enduring popularity and resonance with listeners worldwide.
I Was Made For Loving You, the seventh track from Unbreakable Smile, stands out as a fan favorite. This acoustic gem features a duet with Ed Sheeran, blending their voices in seamless harmony. The song has impressively accumulated over 265 million streams on Spotify and 32 million views on YouTube, demonstrating its massive online appeal.
Dear No One, a song composed in her bedroom with just an acoustic guitar, was released as her third single and her first under Capitol in 2013. This charming and relatable track has become her second most streamed song, boasting over 138 million plays on Spotify since its release nine years ago. Performances on The Queen Latifah Show and as a supporting act for Ed Sheeran at Madison Square Garden in 2013 significantly boosted Tori’s visibility and helped her Forward EP reach a broader fanbase.
From her Forward EP, Paper Hearts holds a special place as Tori’s personal favorite. A live version recorded for Vogue captures the raw emotion and intimacy of the song. It has also become a streaming hit, nearing 100 million plays on Spotify, marking it as one of her most-streamed original tracks.
Cover Song Acclaim and Soundtrack Success
Tori Kelly’s talent extends beyond her original compositions to her captivating cover versions, particularly those featured in the Sing movie soundtracks.
Her rendition of Stevie Wonder’s feel-good classic Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing, originally from his 1973 album Innervisions, has garnered over 79 million streams on Spotify. Featured on the Sing soundtrack in 2016, this cover highlights Tori’s ability to infuse her style into timeless songs. Another notable contribution to the Sing soundtrack is her version of Leonard Cohen’s iconic Hallelujah, further showcasing her versatility in interpreting diverse musical styles.
I Say A Little Prayer, a Burt Bacharach classic famously sung by Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, finds a contemporary voice in Tori Kelly’s cover. While Dionne Warwick first recorded it in 1967 and Aretha Franklin’s version is considered definitive, Tori Kelly’s rendition stands as a worthy addition to the song’s legacy. The streaming numbers on Spotify, with over 39 million plays, affirm its popularity and Tori’s successful take on this timeless soul piece.
Collaborative Tracks and Recent Musical Directions
Expanding her musical horizons, Tori Kelly has engaged in collaborations that highlight her adaptability and willingness to explore different genres.
TOGETHER, a collaboration with gospel-soul artist Kirk Franklin and Christian pop duo KING & COUNTRY, reflects a blend of genres and messages. Produced and co-written by Kirk Franklin, who also contributed significantly to her second album Hiding Place, released in 2018, TOGETHER carries a deeper resonance. The music video, filmed during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, serves as a poignant reminder of a challenging period, emphasizing themes of unity and resilience amidst isolation.
More recently, Tori Kelly returned to her R&B roots with the single Missin U (more), released in 2023 after her Christmas album (A Tori Kelly Christmas). This track cleverly samples the arpeggio from Craig David’s Fill Me In and incorporates a 90s jungle breakbeat in the bridge, showcasing her evolving sound. Since its March 2023 release, it has already amassed nearly 8 million plays on Spotify, signaling a strong reception to her newer musical directions.
In conclusion, Tori Kelly’s discography is rich with songs that resonate across various themes and styles, from her early pop hits to soulful ballads, gospel collaborations, and contemporary R&B explorations. Her ability to connect with audiences through both original songs and thoughtful covers cements her status as a versatile and enduring artist in today’s music scene. Exploring these Tori Kelly Most Popular Songs offers a comprehensive view of her dynamic career and the breadth of her musical talent.
