Foreword (Tori Kelly EP)

Foreword
EP by
Tori Kelly
ReleasedOctober 22, 2013
Recorded2013
Genre
Length16:09
LabelCapitol
Tori Kelly chronology
Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly
(2012) 		Foreword
(2013) 		Unbreakable Smile
(2015)
Singles from Foreword
  1. "Dear No One"
    Released: October 23, 2013

Foreword is the second extended play (EP) and major label debut by American singer and songwriter Tori Kelly. It serves as her first release after signing in September 2013. The EP was released on October 22, 2013, through Capitol Records.

The EP was preceded by the single "Dear No One", which was released as iTunes' "Free Single of the Week" on October 23, 2013. Foreword debuted and peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard 200.

Composition

"I decided to name this EP Foreword because to me it is an introduction to something bigger that is coming in the future."

—Kelly on why she titled the EP Foreword.[1]

In September 2013, it was announced that Kelly had signed to Capitol Records, after hiring Scooter Braun as her manager.[2] That same month, she announced that her major-label debut would be released in October.[3] In an interview with Vibe, Kelly stated that the EP has a "double meaning", and a representation of a succession from her debut Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly (2012).[4] Foreword's material was described by Elle as a mixture of pop, R&B, and soul music.[5] Kelly said that every track was composed in different way; some in her bedroom, some with guitar in hand. Her favorite track on the EP from a writing perspective is "Paper Hearts".[6]

Promotion

To promote Foreword, Kelly was the sole supporting act for Ed Sheeran at his Madison Square Garden show in November 2013.[7] On December 12, 2013, she appeared on The Queen Latifah Show, where she spoke about the EP and performed "Dear No One".[8]

Singles

"Dear No One" was released on October 23, 2013 as the EP's lead single.[9] It was also featured as the iTunes Store's "Free Single of the Week" for October 23.[10]

Critical reception

Critic Mark Deming said that the release gave "a new sophistication to her sound without interfering with her subtle, emotionally expressive power as a vocalist and songwriter."[11]

Track listing

All tracks are written and produced by Tori Kelly.

No.TitleLength
1."Rocket"2:21
2."Dear No One"3:17
3."Treasure"3:12
4."Paper Hearts"3:19
5."Daydream"4:00
Total length:16:09

Charts

Chart performance for Foreword
Chart (2013) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[12] 16
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[13] 7

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States October 22, 2013
Capitol [14]

References

  1. ^ "Tori Kelly To Release FOREWORD EP - The Music Universe". September 17, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  2. ^ "Tori Kelly Moves 'Foreword' Releases 'Dear No One' Video - Billboard". Billboard. November 6, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  3. ^ "Tori Kelly Announces EP and Tour". Artist Direct. September 27, 2013. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
  4. ^ "Pardon The Introduction: Tori Kelly Talks New 'Foreword' EP". Vibe. October 22, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  5. ^ "Tori Kelly Interview - Tori Kelly 'Foreword' EP". Elle. October 17, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  6. ^ Rob LeDonne (November 18, 2013). "Tori Kelly Takes Off". American Songwriter. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  7. ^ Garibaldi, Christina (November 2, 2013). "Taylor Swift Gives Ed Sheeran Some 'Love' With Surprise Concert Appearance - MTV". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 7, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  8. ^ "Tori Kelly Moves "Foreword" With New Hit Single! - QueenLatifah.com". December 12, 2013. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  9. ^ Lansky, Sam (October 23, 2013). "Tori Kelly Makes A Big Splash With "Dear No One": Download It (For Free) - Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com". Idolator. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  10. ^ "iTunes - Music - Dear No One - Single by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (United States). October 23, 2013.
  11. ^ "Forward - Tori Kelly". AllMusic. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  12. ^ "Tori Kelly Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  13. ^ "Tori Kelly Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link‍] Billboard. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  14. ^ "iTunes - Music - Foreword - EP by Tori Kelly". iTunes Store (United States). October 22, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2015.