Once Upon Another Time
Sara Bareilles · 2012
24 min · 5 tracks · soft rock
A tender blend of storytelling and emotion woven through lush melodies and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Once Upon Another Time Start here — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic focus on nostalgia and longing, blending fairy tale imagery with real emotional stakes.
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Stay — This poignant ballad showcases Bareilles' vocal fragility and lyrical vulnerability, making it a standout example of her ability to convey complex emotions.
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Sweet as Whole — This track infuses humor into deeper themes of acceptance and self-worth, illustrating Bareilles’ knack for combining lightheartedness with serious subject matter.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases personal storytelling through varied tempos and emotional lyrics, creating a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a gradual build-up with layered vocals and instrumentation that sets an intimate tone for the EP.
- Each song varies in tempo, with 'Stay' being the slowest and most reflective, while 'Sweet as Whole' introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
- The lyrics throughout the EP focus on personal narratives, often employing vivid imagery and emotional honesty.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with emotional depth
- gradual build towards uplifting resolution
- ideal for reflective afternoon listening
- engaging narrative arc throughout
- for cozy gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — This EP showcases personal storytelling, appealing to dedicated fans but less accessible to newcomers.
- Career context
- Released in early 2012, Once Upon Another Time was Sara Bareilles' first project after her commercial success with Kaleidoscope Heart. It marked a shift towards more personal storytelling in her songwriting, showcasing her growth as an artist post-mainstream breakthrough.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ingrid Michaelson· Norah Jones· Colbie Caillat
Tracklist
- 1 Once Upon Another Time Start here 5:26
- 2 Stay 4:24
- 3 Lie to Me 4:00
- 4 Sweet as Whole 4:39
- 5 Bright Lights and Cityscapes 5:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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