Review of new Tori Deal album entitled ‘37’

Tori Deal released her album, 37, on Oct. 7. The reality TV personality’s foray into hip hop/urban pop is marked by an apparent lack of experience. 

Tori Deal released her urban pop album entitled 37 on Oct. 7. Best known for her time on MTV's Are You The One season four, Deal is also a music reporter for Overdrive. With additional credits guest commentating with TMZ and World Star Hip Hop, Deal is new to the recording side of the music industry and 37 stands as evidence of her lack of experience. However, she occasionally shows small glimmers of promise.

37 opens with “Fuck Boy.” At the start, this cut rings of a women’s power anthem – akin to Pink’s “U + Ur Hand.” Deal describes being regularly sexually assaulted in public and her feelings of being fed up. She does not, however, go on to have a proportionally strong response to these incidents or to expound upon the issue. Hope that this artist would bring a social-commentary bent to her game is quickly abandoned. The chorus proves to be the best part of “Fuck Boy,” for style alone.

“Not My Fault” follows on 37. Lyrically obvious and lacking a solid hook, listeners won’t find much new in this track. Fading quickly into background music, it feels as though Deal is trying to contort herself into a mold. She has some strong vocal capabilities, but fails to effectively highlight them.

The third track on this record contains some promising elements in lyrical moments and arrangement. However, the overall writing is awkward with too much repetition. “Whats My Name” is the closest thing to a club-ready track on the album – featuring just enough dynamic interest to maintain audience attention.

The rest of 37 continues in much the same way. One exception to the rule is “Chance.” It seems as though Deal is more comfortable in this track. Listeners wonder if perhaps "Chance" is closer to who the artist really is, rather than the one she is striving to be.

Deal possesses some vocal talent, but has yet to harness it in a captivating way. Perhaps in time she will settle into a more organic groove.