Hiding Place cover

Hiding Place

Tori Kelly · 2018

36 min · 8 tracks · soul

A soulful blend of gospel and R&B infused with introspective lyrics and lush, emotive melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Masterpiece — This opening track sets the tone for the album, with lyrics that affirm self-worth and embrace one's flaws, showcasing Kelly's powerful vocals.
  • →
    Never Alone — In this heartfelt song, Kelly delivers a message of hope and reassurance, masterfully blending soulful melodies with poignant lyrics about companionship in struggle.
  • →
    Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well) — This rendition of the classic hymn emphasizes themes of peace amidst turmoil, allowing Kelly to express her vocal range while connecting deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends gospel and R&B effectively, showcasing strong vocals and cohesive themes, though it remains somewhat niche.

What we noticed

  • Each song features rich harmonies and layered instrumentation, often building to emotional climaxes that showcase Kelly's vocal range.
  • Several tracks include spoken word interludes or scripture readings, creating a thematic continuity centered around faith and introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady emotional exploration
  • soulful reflections on faith
  • uplifting moments of connection
  • thoughtful introspection during quiet times

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced energy
  • seek standalone hits

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 2018, Hiding Place marked Tori Kelly's transition into a more faith-centered musical direction following her pop breakthrough album Unbreakable Smile in 2015. This album showcased her growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring deeper themes of spirituality and personal struggle.
Stylistic neighbors
Andra Day· Lianne La Havas· H.E.R.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Help Us to Love

    The bridge shifts from introspection to a communal plea for compassion, inviting collective action towards love and understanding.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Masterpiece 4:45
  • 2 Help Us to Love 3:46
  • 3 Sunday 3:36
  • 4 Just as Sure 5:30
  • 5 Psalm 42 5:34
  • 6 Questions 4:50
  • 7 Never Alone 3:34
  • 8 Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well) 5:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata