Hollow (Tori Kelly song)

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. 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. Two days later, she teased the song on her Twitter once more, with eleven seconds of the track. It was initially released to digital download in Europe on October 19, 2015, 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. 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. "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).

Composition and lyrics

"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. It has a duration of three minutes and thirty seconds (3:30). The song is a midtempo sentimental pop ballad that incorporates synthesizers, piano and drums in its instrumentation. 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. 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 an A5 in head voice. 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." Kelly described the song as ""honest," "vulnerable" and "epic." 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."

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'." 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." 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." 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."

Music video

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

Track listing

Digital download – single

1. "Hollow" – 3:30

Digital download – Remix single

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. Jeffery Austin covered a song on The Voice (U.S. season 9) with Tori Kelly.

Usage in media