Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter and pianist known for her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. Born in 1979 in California, she grew up playing piano and singing in church choirs. Bareilles attended UCLA, where she majored in communications before pursuing a career in music.
Bareilles’ debut album, “Careful Confessions,” was released in 2004 to critical acclaim, earning comparisons to Fiona Apple and Norah Jones. However, it was her breakthrough single, “Love Song,” from her second album, “Little Voice,” that brought her widespread success in 2007. The song became a chart-topping hit and earned Bareilles a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Since then, Bareilles has released several successful albums, including “Kaleidoscope Heart” and “The Blessed Unrest.” In addition to her solo work, she has collaborated with other artists, such as Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz, and contributed music to various films and television shows.
Bareilles is also an accomplished Broadway composer, having written the music and lyrics for the hit musical “Waitress,” based on the 2007 film of the same name. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2016 and earned Bareilles a Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
With her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Sara Bareilles has become a respected and influential figure in the world of pop and singer-songwriter music.
10. Uncharted
“Uncharted” is a song by Sara Bareilles that was released in 2010 as the lead single from her album “Kaleidoscope Heart.” The song is characterized by its upbeat, piano-driven melody and catchy chorus, and its lyrics explore the theme of self-discovery and taking risks. Bareilles encourages listeners to embrace the unknown and step outside of their comfort zones, singing “there’s a light that you give me when I’m in shadow / there’s a feeling within me, an everglow.” “Uncharted” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Bareilles’ live performances, showcasing her impressive vocal range and infectious energy.
9. She Used to Be Mine
“She Used to Be Mine” is a heartfelt ballad by Sara Bareilles, released in 2015 as part of the musical “Waitress”, for which she wrote the music and lyrics. The song features a simple piano arrangement that supports Bareilles’ emotive vocals, which explore themes of self-doubt, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a woman reflecting on her life and realizing that she has lost sight of her dreams and true self. With its raw honesty and relatable message, “She Used to Be Mine” has become a beloved track in Bareilles’ discography, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar struggles.
8. I Choose You
“I Choose You” is a romantic ballad from Sara Bareilles’ fourth studio album, “The Blessed Unrest.” The song features a simple, yet catchy melody, with Bareilles’ vocals soaring over a backdrop of acoustic guitar and piano. The lyrics describe the joy of finding true love and committing to a lifelong partnership. The song has become a popular choice for weddings and proposals, with its heartfelt message and uplifting melody. With “I Choose You,” Bareilles showcases her talent for crafting meaningful and emotional songs, cementing her place as one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of her generation.
7. Bottle It Up
“Bottle It Up” is a song by Sara Bareilles that was released in 2008 as the lead single from her album “Little Voice.” The song is characterized by its catchy, piano-driven melody and upbeat lyrics, which encourage listeners to let loose and enjoy life. Bareilles sings “there’ll be girls across the nation / that will eat this up babe / I know that it’s your soul but could you bottle it up and / get down to the heart of it?” “Bottle It Up” showcases Bareilles’ talent for crafting infectious pop hooks and catchy choruses, and has become a fan favorite and a staple of her live shows.
6. Gonna Get Over You
“Gonna Get Over You” is an upbeat track from Sara Bareilles’ third studio album, “Kaleidoscope Heart.” The song features a retro-inspired sound, with a driving beat and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics describe the process of moving on from a past relationship and finding the strength to let go. The track showcases Bareilles’ versatility as a songwriter, with its infectious energy and playful lyrics. With “Gonna Get Over You,” Bareilles demonstrates her ability to blend genres and create music that is both emotionally resonant and fun to listen to.
5. King of Anything
“King of Anything” is an empowering pop song by Sara Bareilles, released in 2010 as the lead single from her album “Kaleidoscope Heart”. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody with a driving piano riff and sing-along chorus. The lyrics are a playful but assertive clap-back to someone who has been trying to control or belittle Bareilles, with the singer declaring her independence and autonomy. With its infectious energy and empowering message, “King of Anything” has become a fan favorite and a staple in Bareilles’ live shows, showcasing her ability to blend catchy pop hooks with clever lyrics and strong vocals.
4. Love Song
“Love Song” is a song by Sara Bareilles that was released in 2007 as the lead single from her album “Little Voice.” The song is characterized by its piano-driven melody and witty lyrics, which were written in response to pressure from her record label to write a love song. Bareilles sings “I’m not gonna write you a love song / ’cause you asked for it / ’cause you need one, you see.” “Love Song” became a massive hit, earning Bareilles a Grammy nomination and solidifying her reputation as a talented singer-songwriter with a unique voice and perspective.
3. Chasing the Sun
“Chasing the Sun” is an upbeat pop song by Sara Bareilles, released in 2014 as the lead single from her album “The Blessed Unrest”. The song features a lively and optimistic melody with a catchy chorus and a groovy rhythm. The lyrics encourage the listener to pursue their dreams and passions, with Bareilles urging them to take risks and embrace the unknown. With its bright and sunny sound and motivational lyrics, “Chasing the Sun” has become a popular anthem for those looking to live life to the fullest and make the most of their opportunities.
2. Gravity
“Gravity” is a poignant ballad from Sara Bareilles’ debut album, “Careful Confessions.” The song features Bareilles’ soulful vocals, accompanied by a haunting piano melody. The lyrics describe the struggle of trying to move on from a past love, while feeling tethered to the memory. The song’s emotional depth and vulnerability have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Bareilles’ live performances. With “Gravity,” Bareilles showcases her ability to convey complex emotions through her music and establishes herself as a powerful singer-songwriter with a unique and deeply personal style.
1. Brave
“Brave” is a pop anthem from Sara Bareilles’ fourth studio album, “The Blessed Unrest.” The song features a catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, with lyrics that encourage listeners to stand up for themselves and speak their truth. The track has become a popular empowerment anthem, inspiring people around the world to overcome their fears and embrace their individuality. With “Brave,” Bareilles showcases her talent for writing catchy, uplifting pop songs with a message of self-acceptance and empowerment. The song’s positive message and infectious energy have made it a favorite among fans and a timeless addition to Bareilles’ discography.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
