Hollow (Tori Kelly song)

"Hollow"
Single by Tori Kelly
from the album Unbreakable Smile
Released October 19, 2015 (2015-10-19)
Format Digital download
Genre Pop[1]
Length 3:30
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
Tori Kelly singles chronology
"Should've Been Us"
(2015)		 "Hollow"
(2015)
Music video
"Hollow" on YouTube

"Hollow" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Tori Kelly for the reissue of her debut studio album, Unbreakable Smile (2015).[2] It was first released to digital retailers on October 19, 2015 as the album's third official single before impacting American contemporary hit radio on November 3, 2015, and serves as the lead single from the reissue.[3][4] Co-written by Kelly with singer-songwriters Hayley Warner, Zac Poor, Lindsey Jackson and Thom Macken, the song was produced by Adam Anders and Peer Åström.

A midtempo pop song, "Hollow" features fluttering synths and piano as well as drum and hand-clap percussion in its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song addresses Kelly's faith and has been described as a "love song to God."[5] It received positive response from music critics, who praised the song's uplifting message and Kelly's strong vocals. The accompanying music video for the song was released on November 5, 2015 and it shows Kelly performing the track in an abandoned house.

Background and release

While promoting her debut album and after the moderate impact of previous singles, "Nobody Love" and Should've Been Us", Tori Kelly wanted to put out another single and then she heard a song called "Hollow" and it wasn’t fully finished, so she went to the studio the night that she heard it and finished the song.[6] Later, on October 14, 2015, she announced on her Twitter account that she was going to release a new song called "Hollow" the following week.[7] Two days later, she teased the song on her Twitter once more, with eleven seconds of the track.[8] It was initially released to digital download in Europe on October 19, 2015,[9] before being released in North American on October 22, 2015. An official remix featuring American hip hop artist Big Sean was released to digital retailers on October 29, 2015.[10] Big Sean provides an additional half-sung, half-rapped verse towards the end of the song, replacing an iteration of the chorus from the solo version.[11] "Hollow" was serviced to contemporary hit radio on November 3, 2015. It was later confirmed that the song was going to be included on the reissue of her debut album, Unbreakable Smile (2015) as its lead-single (and third overall).[2]

Composition and lyrics

"For anyone to admit that they’re weak and that they need love and they need that space to be filled, I think that alone is such a vulnerable thing to admit that. We all kind of want to let people know that we’re strong and that we can do everything, and the reality is that we are weak sometimes."

 —Kelly about the song's message.[6]

"Hollow" was written by Tori Kelly with singer-songwriters Hayley Warner, Zac Poor, Lindsey Jackson and Thom Macken, with production being done by Adam Anders and Peer Åström.[9] It has a duration of three minutes and thirty seconds (3:30).[9] The song is a midtempo sentimental pop ballad that incorporates synthesizers, piano and drums in its instrumentation.[1] The song begins with synths and piano "fluttering" in the background, emphasizing Kelly's vocals, before building to a more bombastic production style with the inclusion of the drum and hand-clap percussion.[1][12] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by Alfred Publishing Company Inc., the song is written in the key of D minor, with a tempo of 126 beats per minute. Kelly's vocal range spans from the low note of F3 to the high note of a G5 belt and a A5 in head voice.[13] Lyrically, the song describes a hollow life becoming filled with love, which Kelly attributes to her faith, describing "Hollow" as her "love song to God."[5][12] Kelly described the song as ""honest," "vulnerable" and "epic."[5] In the chorus she sings: "I'm fragile and you know this/ So hold me, wrap me in love/ Fill up my cup/ Empty, and only your love could fill up my cup/ Because I'm hollow."[5]

Critical reception

The song received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics. Robbie Daw of Idolator called it "a big pop anthem", noting: "By the time the second chorus rolls around, it’s pretty clear that the 22 year old and all involved mean business with 'Hollow'."[1] Christina Garibaldi of MTV News praised the fact that the song "once again shows off Tori’s impressive vocals as she smoothly navigates the heavy lyrics over a slow piano." Garibaldi also praised the incorporation of drums and the intense foot-stomp "that not only elevates the music, but heightens the emotion."[12] Carolyn Menyes of Music Times was positive with the track, noting that "Kelly's always-strong vocals are the main power behind the track, just dripping with vulnerability. As the song builds, snaps, drums and electronic instruments are added to the mix, giving 'Hollow' a filling build, which swells alongside Kelly."[14] While noting that the song "sounds like an emotional entry from her diary," Scott Shetler of AXS named it "personal and universal, which should help it connect with listeners."[15]

Music video

The official music video for "Hollow" was directed by Dano Cerny and premiered on November 5, 2015.[16] Influenced by the song's single cover, the video features Kelly wandering through an abandoned house.[17]

Track listing

Digital download – single[3]

  1. "Hollow" – 3:30

Digital download – Remix single[10]

  1. "Hollow (featuring Big Sean)" – 3:30

Live performances

Kelly performed a gospel music-influenced rendition of the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on December 2, 2015.[18] Jeffery Austin covered a song on The Voice (U.S. season 9) with Tori Kelly.

Usage in media

Charts

Chart (2015–16) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[19] 43
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[20] 40
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[21] 35
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[22] 52
US Billboard Hot 100[23] 68
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[24] 3
US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard)[25] 27
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[26] 22
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[27] 27

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
United States (RIAA)[28] Golddagger 500,000double-dagger

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

Release history

List of releases, showing the region, release date, format, and record label
Country Date Format Label Ref.
Europe October 19, 2015 Digital download [29][30]
Oceania [3][31]
North America October 22, 2015 [32][33]
Europe October 29, 2015 Digital download – Big Sean remix [34][35]
Oceania [10][36]
United Kingdom [37]
North America November 2, 2015 [38][39]
United States November 3, 2015 Contemporary hit radio Capitol Records [4]
January 25, 2016 Hot/Modern/AC radio [40]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Daw, Robbie (October 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly's "Hollow" Is A Big Pop Anthem: Listen". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Tori Kelly Reveals Sensitive Side in New Single "Hollow"". Universal Music Canada. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (New Zealand). Apple Inc. October 22, 2015. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Stutz, Colin (October 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly Releases Faithful Anthem 'Hollow': Listen". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  6. 1 2 Sorokach (October 30, 2015). "Tori Kelly Reveals Her New Single 'Hollow' Came To Her In a Crazy Way'". People's Choice Awards. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  7. ↑ Kelly, Tori (October 14, 2015). "Tori Kelly on Twitter: "next week"". Twitter. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  8. ↑ Kelly, Tori (October 16, 2015). "Tori Kelly on Twitter: #Hollow". Twitter. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 "Tori Kelly – Hollow (File) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  11. ↑ Gracie, Bianca (November 3, 2015). "Big Sean Hops On Tori Kelly's "Hollow" Remix: Listen". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 Garibaldi, Christina (October 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly's Single 'Hollow' Is Your New Heartbreak Song". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Tori Kelly "Hollow" Sheet Music". MusicNotes.com. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  14. ↑ Menyes, Carolyn (October 22, 2015). "Tori Kelly Releases Stunning Personal Ballad 'Hollow' [LISTEN]". Music Times. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  15. ↑ Shetler, Scott (October 23, 2015). "Tori Kelly releases personal new single 'Hollow'". AXS. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  16. ↑ ToriKellyVEVO (November 5, 2015). "Tori Kelly - Hollow (Official)". YouTube. Google. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  17. ↑ Gracie, Bianca (November 5, 2015). "Tori Kelly's "Hollow" Video: Watch The Singer Lament In An Abandoned Home". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  18. ↑ Wass, Mike (December 2, 2015). "Tori Kelly Takes 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' To Church With "Hollow"". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  19. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Tori Kelly. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  20. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Canada CHR/Top 40 for Tori Kelly. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  21. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201604 into search.
  22. ↑ "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201604 into search.
  23. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Tori Kelly. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Tori Kelly. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Dance/Mix Show Airplay for Tori Kelly. Retrieved January 27, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Pop Songs for Tori Kelly. Retrieved January 7, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Tori Kelly – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Tori Kelly. Retrieved December 22, 2015.
  28. ↑ "American single certifications – Tori Kelly – Hollow". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 9 May 2016. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  29. ↑ ""Hollow - Single" von Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Germany). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  30. ↑ "Hollow - Single de Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (France). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  31. ↑ "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  32. ↑ "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Canada). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  33. ↑ "Hollow - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  34. ↑ ""Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single" von Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Germany). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  35. ↑ "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single de Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (France). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  36. ↑ "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (New Zealand). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  37. ↑ "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  38. ↑ "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (Canada). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  39. ↑ "Hollow (feat. Big Sean) - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  40. ↑ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Archived from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
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