The Blessed Unrest
Sara Bareilles · 2013
58 min · 14 tracks · soft rock
An uplifting blend of introspective lyrics and vibrant melodies that encourage self-acceptance and empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brave Start here — This powerful anthem encourages listeners to embrace their true selves, highlighting Bareilles' ability to blend poignant messaging with catchy melodies.
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I Choose You — A heartfelt love song that showcases Bareilles' lyrical prowess, combining romantic imagery with a playful tone, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Hercules — This track reflects on vulnerability and strength, featuring rich storytelling that captures the emotional complexity of personal struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics, but its pacing and sound are familiar within the genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection rather than a definitive end.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- uplifting anthems for self-empowerment
- for sunny afternoon drives
- heartfelt melodies with sing-along potential
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced instant gratification
- seeking experimental or abstract sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked a pivotal moment, gaining wider recognition with 'Brave' and Grammy nomination.
- Career context
- Released in 2013, The Blessed Unrest served as Sara Bareilles' fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed album Kaleidoscope Heart. This release marked a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned from pop sensation to an artist recognized for her songwriting depth, particularly after the success of her single 'Brave'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ingrid Michaelson· Norah Jones· Colbie Caillat
Tracklist
- 1 Brave Start here 3:40
- 2 Chasing the Sun 4:28
- 3 Hercules 4:21
- 4 Manhattan 4:38
- 5 Satellite Call 4:50
- 6 Little Black Dress 3:32
- 7 Cassiopeia 3:33
- 8 1000 Times 4:30
- 9 I Choose You 3:38
- 10 Eden 4:05
- 11 Islands 4:20
- 12 December 5:01
- 13 Beautiful Girl 4:03
- 14 Parking Lot 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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