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Unbreakable Smile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from First Heartbreak)

Unbreakable Smile
Studio album by
Tori Kelly
ReleasedJune 23, 2015 (2015-06-23)
Length49:16
Labels
Producers
Tori Kelly chronology
Foreword
(2013)		 Unbreakable Smile
(2015)		 Hiding Place
(2018)
Singles from Unbreakable Smile
  1. "Nobody Love"
    Released: February 8, 2015
  2. "Should've Been Us"
    Released: June 2, 2015
Alternative cover
Reissue album cover
Singles from Unbreakable Smile Repack
  1. "Hollow"
    Released: October 19, 2015

Unbreakable Smile is the debut studio album by American singer Tori Kelly.[1][2] It was released on June 23, 2015, through Capitol Records and Schoolboy Records.[3] Executively produced by Max Martin,[4] production of the material was overseen by a number of musicians, including Rickard Göransson, Toby Gad, Ed Sheeran, Ilya, Laleh Pourkarim, Oren Yoel, Johan Carlsson, and Chuck Harmony. Kelly co-wrote every track on the album and produced three songs that were later included on the standard edition.

The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Kelly's vocal ability and songwriting, with several reviewers highlighting its blend of pop and R&B influences, although some critics felt the album lacked artistic risks. Commercially, Unbreakable Smile debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 with 75,000 album-equivalent units. It also reached the top ten in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, and was later certified Platinum in Australia and Gold in the United States.

Unbreakable Smile was preceded by two singles, "Nobody Love" and "Should've Been Us," both of which became top 20 hits on the Billboard's US Pop Airplay chart and were later reached Gold Status in United States. A reissue of the album, released on January 29, 2016, featured two new tracks, "Hollow" and "Something Beautiful", and an alternate album cover.[5] In further support of the album, Kelly embarked on the Unbreakable Tour rom April to May 2017, performing 37 shows across the United States.

Background

[edit]

At the age of eleven, Kelly won the NBC television competition America's Most Talented Kids, and by the age of 13 she had signed a deal with Interscope Records.[6] However, the label ultimately did not release any of her music, and Kelly later expressed relief when the contract ended, stating that she felt uncomfortable with the image often promoted in the industry and wanted to convey that artists did not have to conform to it.[6] At the age of 16, Kelly auditioned for the ninth season of the competition series American Idol.[6] After being eliminated, she began to independently release music including her debut EP, Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly (2012) which she wrote and produced. After gaining the attention of Scooter Braun who became her manager, she signed to Capitol Records in September of that year.[7] She followed with her second EP Foreword (2013) which marked her first major label release. By the end of November the EP had sold more than 16,000 copies, debuting at number 16 on the US Billboard 200.[8]

For her debut album, Braun enlisted producer and songwriter Max Martin to oversee the project, while Kelly worked on material throughout 2014 and remained closely involved in the entire process, stating that she "co-wrote lyrics, a bit of production – I tried to be a sponge."[6] She cited 1990s R&B and hip-hop as key influences on the album’s sound, describing herself as a "90s kid" whose musical style was shaped by the genres she grew up listening to.[9] The album's title was taken from the track "Unbreakable Smile," which she described as the first song written for the project and a turning point in her songwriting, reflecting a theme of resilience and self-assurance that she said emerged after "holding in so many feelings" and gaining new confidence as an artist.[9] She also emphasized her intent to establish herself as a songwriter alongside her earlier success with cover songs, noting that she deliberately balanced original material with covers to ensure audiences recognized her artistry.[9]

Release and promotion

[edit]

To promote Unbreakable Smile, Kelly embarked on the Where I Belong Tour across North America from May to June 2015, ahead of the album's release.[10][11] She also appeared on Good Morning America on June 22, 2015, the day before the album's release, performing "Should've Been Us" and participating in an interview.[12][13] To further support the album, Kelly launched the Unbreakable Tour from April to May 2017, performing 37 shows across the United States.

"Nobody Love" was released as the album's lead single on February 8, 2015.[14] "Unbreakable Smile" was officially released on April 27, 2015 as the album's first promotional single. "Should've Been Us" was initially made available as a promotional single along with the album's pre-order on May 12, 2015.[15] Later, it was released to Top 40 radio as the album's second single on June 2, 2015.[16] "Hollow" was released digitally on October 19, 2015, and released in North America on October 22, 2015, as the third single from the album, and the first from the reissue[17] and was released to Top 40 radio on November 3, 2015.[18] All of the aforementioned tracks received music videos.[19][20][21][22]

Reissue

[edit]

The album was re-released on January 29, 2016.[23] "Hollow" was released on October 22, 2015, as the first single from the new edition of the album.[23][24] In addition to the standard reissue of the album, an exclusive version of the re-release was made available at Target stores. In addition to the two new tracks, it retains the two additional bonus tracks from the original exclusive version of the album.[5] The iTunes bonus tracks were included on the reissue of the album on iTunes everywhere except North America.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[25]
The GuardianStarStar[26]
Rolling StoneStarStarHalf star[27]

Matt Collar of AllMusic gave Unbreakable Smile a positive review, calling it a "thrilling, positive-minded debut" and praising Kelly's vocal ability, songwriting, and musicianship. He highlighted tracks such as "Where I Belong", "Expensive", and "Should've Been Us", and wrote that the album showcased Kelly's efforts to remain true to her artistic vision while delivering "universally relatable" and "utterly infectious" songs-[25] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Unbreakable Smile as a "surprising debut album" characterized by "carefully modest, acoustic-leaning bohemian soul". He praised Kelly's songwriting and "robust voice", noting her "unfashionably relentless optimism" and themes of authenticity and resistance to materialism and creative exploitation, while criticizing "First Heartbreak" as "overly simple".[28] Empty Lighthouse Magazine called the album Kelly's "break into the industry" with applaud to her songwriting and vocals.[29] Music Snake wrote that the album was an "impressive debut" with Kelly being "boldly authentic and effortlessly talented."[30] In a review from Trendio, the album was called "timeless" and lived up to expectations. However, it was said that Kelly should have broken out of her comfort zone a little more.[31]

Matthew Scott Donnelly from PopCrush rated the album 3 out of 5. He wrote that the first half of the album surpassed the second half and closed with "Kelly’s got pipes that could stop an Olympic sprinter in her tracks—and she’s got a great album in her—but Unbreakable Smile, for its undeniable glint, could do with a bit of elective orthodontia."[32] AndPop's Merna Jibrail complimented the album's variety although she noted the lack of singles that could have potentially built more momentum and promotion for the album.[33] Writing for Rolling Stone, Jon Dolan described Kelly as "a power singer torn between girl-with-a-guitar authenticity and diva-with-six-inch-heels ascension". He praised songs such as "Talk" and "Expensive" as examples of the album's "startlingly human pop", but criticized its frequent self-empowerment themes, concluding that it would benefit from "less guitar, higher heels".[27] Alex Macpherson of The Guardian criticized Unbreakable Smile, describing it as "big-voiced, ersatz funk" and arguing that Kelly's emphasis on authenticity became a "tiresome shtick", as the album "never bothers to dig deep into who that is". While he praised the single "Nobody Love", he felt the record had "so little to say for itself".[26]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Prior to its release, Unbreakable Smile was predicted to sell 65,000 units in its first week and debut in the top five of the US Billboard 200.[34][35] The album ultimately debuted at number two on the chart, with 75,000 album-equivalent units, including 65,000 pure album sales.[36] Internationally, Unbreakable Smile also achieved top-ten positions in several markets, peaking at number three on the Canadian Albums Chart,[37] number six in New Zealand,[38] and number eight in Australia.[39] In the United Kingdom, it reached number 36 on the UK Albums Chart.[40] The album was subsequently certified Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of 70,000 units and Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying 500,000 certified units based on sales and streaming.[41][42]

Track listing

[edit]
Unbreakable Smile track listing[43]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Where I Belong" (Intro)
T. Kelly1:27
2."Unbreakable Smile"T. KellyOzGo3:48
3."Nobody Love"
  • Martin
  • Göransson
3:23
4."Expensive" (featuring Daye Jack)
  • Martin
  • Lulou
3:27
5."Should've Been Us"
  • The Struts
  • Holter
3:06
6."First Heartbreak"
Gad3:24
7."I Was Made for Loving You" (featuring Ed Sheeran)
  • T. Kelly
  • Sheeran
  • T. Kelly
  • Sheeran
3:08
8."City Dove"
  • Ilya
  • Pourkarim
3:42
9."Talk"
Malay3:52
10."Funny" (Live)
T. Kelly4:17
11."Art of Letting You Go"
Yoel3:36
12."California Lovers" (featuring LL Cool J)
  • Martin
  • Payami
3:40
13."Falling Slow"
Carlsson3:54
14."Anyway"
  • T. Kelly
  • C. Kelly
  • Harmon
Chuck Harmony4:32
Total length:49:16
iTunes Store bonus tracks[3]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Dear No One"T. KellyT. Kelly3:19
16."Beautiful Things"
  • T. Kelly
  • Harmon
  • T. Kelly
  • Harmon
3:08
Total length:55:43
UK iTunes Store deluxe edition[44]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
17."Lullaby" (Professor Green featuring Tori Kelly)
Chris Loco4:53
Total length:60:36
Target bonus tracks[45]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Bottled Up"
Chuck Harmony4:06
16."Personal"
  • T. Kelly
  • Harmon
  • C. Kelly
Chuck Harmony4:06
Total length:57:28
Reissue bonus tracks[46]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Hollow"
3:30
16."Something Beautiful"
3:44
Total length:56:30
Notes
  • The Target bonus tracks are also featured on the reissue as tracks 17 and 18.
  • The iTunes bonus tracks are also featured as tracks 15 and 16 (UK iTunes bonus track on track 17) before the reissue bonus tracks everywhere except North America.

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Unbreakable Smile
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[41] Platinum 70,000^
United States (RIAA)[42] Gold 500,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Unbreakable Smile release history
Region Date Format Edition Label Ref.
Australia June 23, 2015 Digital download Deluxe
[53]
United States
  • CD
  • digital download
  • Standard
  • deluxe
 [3][45]
South Africa [54][55]
Sweden Standard [56]
Japan Digital download Deluxe [57]
Australia June 26, 2015 CD Standard [58]
United Kingdom October 16, 2015
  • CD
  • Digital download
  • Standard
  • deluxe
 [43][44]
Worldwide January 23, 2016
  • CD
  • Digital download
  • Reissue

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Kelly, Tori. "Tori Kelly on Facebook - "ANNOUNCEMENT: my debut album is coming out this summer, titled "Unbreakable Smile""". Facebook.com/ToriKellyMusic. Tori Kelly. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  2. ↑ Kelly, Tori. "Tori Kelly on Facebook - "MY ALBUM IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON APRIL 28!!"". Facebook.com/ToriKellyMusic. Tori Kelly. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "iTunes - Music - Unbreakable Smile (Bonus Track Version) by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  4. ↑ Fleming, Olivia. "TORI KELLY MIGHT JUST BE THE NEXT BRITNEY SPEARS/KATY PERRY/TAYLOR SWIFT". Elle. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (Target Exclusive) (Reissue): Target". Target. January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Tori Kelly: 'Believe in yourself and don't be bullied'". The Guardian. October 8, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Tori Kelly Moves 'Foreword' Releases 'Dear No One' Video". Billboard. November 6, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  8. ↑ Wete, Brad. "Tori Kelly Moves 'Foreword,' Releases 'Dear No One' Video". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 Robertson, Iyana (June 29, 2015). "Who's That Girl: Allow Tori Kelly To Introduce You To Her 'Unbreakable Smile'". Vibe. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Tori Kelly Announces "Where I Belong" Tour Dates!". Pop Star. April 27, 2015. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  11. ↑ Stickler, Jon (April 29, 2015). "Tori Kelly Lines Up North American 'Where I Belong Tour'". Stereo Board.
  12. ↑ "Tori Kelly Performs "Should've Been Us" on GMA; Plus Official Music Video". Singers Room. June 22, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Video: Tori Kelly on Good Morning America: Live Interview, Performance 'Should've Been Us'". Shallow Nation. June 22, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  14. ↑ Kelly, Tori. "single release hangz". YouTube.com/ToriKelly. Tori Kelly. Retrieved April 19, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Debut Album Pre-Order & Tour". Google. Retrieved May 28, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  16. ↑ "Top 40/M Future Releases - Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". AllAccess Music Group. Archived from the original on May 31, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on November 26, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Top 40/M Future Releases - Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". AllAccess Music Group. Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Nobody Love (Official Video)". Google. Retrieved May 28, 2020.[dead link]
  20. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (Official Video)". Google. Retrieved May 28, 2020.[dead link]
  21. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Should've Been Us (Official Video)". Google. Retrieved May 28, 2020.[dead link]
  22. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Hollow (Official)". Google. Retrieved May 28, 2020.[dead link]
  23. 1 2 Garibaldi, Christina (October 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly's Single 'Hollow' Is Your New Heartbreak Song: Will someone please wrap Tori up in their love?". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. October 22, 2015. Archived from the original on November 26, 2015. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
  25. 1 2 Collar, Matt. "Unbreakable Smile - Tori Kelly | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved July 7, 2015.
  26. 1 2 theguardian, Alex (October 15, 2015). "Tori Kelly: Unbreakable Smile review – big-voiced, self-absorbed funk-pop". The Guardian. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  27. 1 2 Levy, Joe (August 25, 2015). "Rolling Stone Review". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  28. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (July 29, 2015). "RNew Releases From Bea Miller, Sublime With Rome and DonMonique". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Album Review: Tori Kelly's 'Unbreakable Smile,' Catchy and Emotional". Empty Lighthouse Magazine. June 23, 2015.
  30. ↑ Jeremiah, Marcel (June 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly: 'Unbreakable Smile' Track-by-Track Album Review". Music Snake. Archived from the original on June 27, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Review: Tori Kelly Releases a Timeless Debut Album". Trendio. June 23, 2015. Archived from the original on June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  32. ↑ Donnelly, Matthew Scott (June 23, 2015). "Tori Kelly's 'Unbreakable Smile' Is A Lovely Grin That Grows A Little Tired (Album Review)". PopCrush.
  33. ↑ Jibrail, Merna (June 24, 2015). "Track-By-Track Album Review: Unbreakable Smile By Tori Kelly". AndPop. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  34. ↑ Cantor, Brian (June 24, 2015). "Tori Kelly's 'Unbreakable Smile' Pacing For 60-65K First Week Sales".
  35. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (June 26, 2015). "Tori Kelly Aiming for Top Five Debut on Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard.
  36. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (July 1, 2015). "Breaking Benjamin Earns Its First No. 1 Album on the Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard.
  37. 1 2 "Tori Kelly Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  38. 1 2 "Charts.nz – Tori Kelly – Unbreakable Smile". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  39. 1 2 "Australiancharts.com – Tori Kelly – Unbreakable Smile". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 5, 2015.
  40. 1 2 "Official Albums Chart on 23/10/2015 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  41. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2016 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  42. 1 2 "American album certifications – Tori Kelly – Unbreakeable Smile". Recording Industry Association of America.
  43. 1 2 "Unbreakable Smile by Tori Kelly on iTunes". iTunes Store (UK). Archived from the original on February 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  44. 1 2 "Unbreakable Smile (Deluxe) by Tori Kelly on iTunes". iTunes Store (UK). Archived from the original on November 29, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  45. 1 2 "Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile - Target Exclusive : Target". Target. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  46. ↑ "Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (Reissue CD) - Tori Kelly Music Store". livenation. January 29, 2016. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Tori Kelly – Unbreakable Smile" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  48. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Tori Kelly – Unbreakable Smile" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  49. ↑ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 43, 2015". GfK Chart-Track. IRMA. Archived from the original. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  50. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 23/10/2015 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  51. ↑ "Tori Kelly Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  52. ↑ "Top 200 Albums Chart Year End 2015". Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  53. ↑ "Unbreakable Smile (Bonus Version) by Tori Kelly on Apple Music". iTunes Store (AU). Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Unbreakable Smile by Tori Kelly on Apple Music". iTunes Store (ZA). June 23, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Unbreakable Smile (Bonus Tracks) by Tori Kelly on Apple Music". iTunes Store (ZA). June 23, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Unbreakable Smile by Tori Kelly on Apple Music". iTunes Store (SE). June 23, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  57. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile (Bonus Tracks)". iTunes Store (JP). Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  58. ↑ "JB Hi-Fi - Unbreakable Smile KELLY, TORI". JB Hi-Fi. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
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