Sara Bareilles has established herself as one of the most talented singer-songwriters of her generation, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and exceptional piano skills. From her breakthrough hit that took the world by storm to her more recent theatrical compositions, Bareilles has consistently delivered music that resonates with fans across the globe. Her ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable has earned her multiple Grammy nominations, Broadway success, and a devoted fanbase. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best Sara Bareilles songs that showcase her incredible range as an artist, from empowering anthems to tender ballads that pull at the heartstrings.
Love Song
“Love Song” remains Sara Bareilles’ signature track and the song that launched her into mainstream success in 2007. This infectious pop-rock anthem was actually written as a response to pressure from her record label to create a commercially viable hit, making its authenticity and rebellious spirit even more compelling. The song’s catchy melody, clever lyrics, and Bareilles’ passionate vocal delivery made it an instant classic, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Brave
Released in 2013, “Brave” became an empowering anthem that encouraged people to speak up and be themselves without fear. The song was co-written with fun.’s Jack Antonoff and was inspired by a close friend struggling with coming out, though its message of courage resonates universally with anyone facing challenges. With its uplifting chorus and infectious rhythm, “Brave” has been adopted by various social movements and educational programs, cementing its place as one of Bareilles’ most impactful and socially significant compositions.
Gravity
“Gravity” showcases Sara Bareilles’ ability to convey deep emotional vulnerability through both her lyrics and vocal performance. This haunting ballad from her 2007 album “Little Voice” explores the pull of a complicated relationship and the struggle to break free from something that feels both right and wrong. The song’s stripped-down arrangement allows Bareilles’ voice to take center stage, demonstrating her technical prowess and emotional depth as she navigates the song’s powerful crescendos and intimate moments.
She Used to Be Mine
Originally written for the Broadway musical “Waitress,” which Bareilles composed the entire score for, “She Used to Be Mine” has become one of her most beloved and performed songs. The deeply personal ballad reflects on lost identity, regret, and the hope for redemption, resonating with anyone who has felt disconnected from who they used to be. Bareilles’ raw, emotional performance on this track showcases her growth as a songwriter and her ability to create theatrical music that stands powerfully on its own outside of its original context.
King of Anything
This sassy, piano-driven track from the 2010 album “Kaleidoscope Heart” addresses unwanted advice and unsolicited opinions with wit and attitude. “King of Anything” became a fan favorite for its relatable lyrics about dealing with people who think they know what’s best for you, delivered with Bareilles’ signature blend of charm and assertiveness. The song’s clever wordplay and catchy melody made it a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Adult Pop Songs chart and further establishing Bareilles as a formidable pop songwriter.
Gonna Get Over You
“Gonna Get Over You” is an upbeat, quirky track that tackles the difficult process of moving on from a relationship with humor and self-awareness. The song’s playful production, complete with handclaps and a bouncy rhythm, contrasts beautifully with the underlying melancholy of trying to convince yourself you’re over someone. The accompanying music video, which features Bareilles in a grocery store engaging in an elaborate dance sequence, perfectly captures the song’s whimsical spirit and became widely praised for its creativity.
Bottle It Up
From her 2007 debut album “Little Voice,” “Bottle It Up” showcases Bareilles’ early talent for crafting infectious pop melodies with substance. The song explores the tension between expressing emotions and keeping them contained, a theme that many listeners find deeply relatable. With its driving beat and memorable chorus, “Bottle It Up” demonstrated that Bareilles had more than just one hit in her repertoire and helped establish her as an artist with staying power.
Manhattan
“Manhattan” is a beautifully crafted love letter to New York City and the feelings associated with being there with someone special. The song, which appears on “Kaleidoscope Heart,” perfectly captures the magic of urban romance and the way places become intertwined with our memories of people. Bareilles’ evocative lyrics and warm vocal delivery make this track a standout deep cut that showcases her ability to create vivid imagery through music.
I Choose You
This tender, romantic ballad has become a popular choice for weddings and celebrations of love, and for good reason. “I Choose You” expresses the simple yet profound commitment of choosing to love someone every day, delivered with Bareilles’ characteristic warmth and sincerity. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it one of her most emotionally direct and universally appealing tracks, perfect for anyone looking to express their feelings to someone special.
Uncharted
The title track from her 2010 EP, “Uncharted” is an adventurous song about taking risks in love and life. With its soaring chorus and optimistic message about embracing the unknown, the track showcases Bareilles’ ability to inspire and uplift through her music. The song’s production is more elaborate than some of her earlier work, featuring rich instrumentation that supports her powerful vocal performance throughout.
Winter Song
This collaboration with Ingrid Michaelson resulted in one of the most beautiful duets in contemporary pop music. “Winter Song” is a haunting, melancholic track that captures the loneliness and introspection that often comes with the winter season. The stripped-down arrangement featuring piano and the two singers’ harmonizing voices creates an intimate atmosphere that has made this song a seasonal favorite and a testament to the power of artistic collaboration.
Many the Miles
“Many the Miles” is a gorgeous ballad that showcases Bareilles’ storytelling abilities and her skill at creating emotionally resonant melodies. The song explores themes of distance, longing, and the connections that persist despite physical separation. With its simple yet effective arrangement and Bareilles’ emotive vocal performance, this track has become a fan favorite and a staple of her live performances.
Between the Lines
This introspective track demonstrates Bareilles’ talent for examining the complexities of communication and relationships. “Between the Lines” explores what remains unsaid in conversations and the importance of reading deeper meanings, delivered with her characteristic blend of intelligence and accessibility. The song’s thoughtful lyrics and memorable melody make it a standout track that rewards repeated listening.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Sara Bareilles’ cover of Elton John’s classic showcases her ability to reinterpret iconic songs and make them her own. Recorded for a live album, her version strips the song down to its emotional core, highlighting the poignant lyrics with her piano playing and vocal delivery. This cover demonstrates Bareilles’ respect for musical history while also showcasing her unique interpretive skills and artistic voice.
Chasing the Sun
An uplifting track from “The Blessed Unrest” album, “Chasing the Sun” captures the feeling of optimism and the pursuit of happiness. The song’s bright melody and positive lyrics made it perfect for summer playlists and radio play. Bareilles’ performance conveys joy and determination, making this track an excellent example of her ability to create music that feels both personal and universally uplifting.
What’s Inside
The opening track from “What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress,” this song sets the tone for the entire musical with its contemplative examination of pregnancy and life changes. Bareilles’ composition skillfully balances hope, fear, and wonder, creating a complex emotional landscape that perfectly suits the musical’s protagonist. The song demonstrates her growth as a theatrical composer and her ability to write from different perspectives while maintaining her authentic voice.
1000 Times
This passionate declaration of enduring love from “The Blessed Unrest” showcases Bareilles at her most romantically vulnerable. “1000 Times” expresses the overwhelming feeling of loving someone so deeply that you would choose them again and again, no matter the circumstances. The song’s powerful chorus and building instrumentation create an emotional crescendo that has made it a favorite among fans and a highlight of her live performances.
Fire
From her 2019 album “Amidst the Chaos,” “Fire” marked a bold new direction for Bareilles with its contemporary production and empowering message. The song addresses themes of resilience and inner strength, encouraging listeners to embrace their power and refuse to be diminished. With its modern sound and fierce lyrics, “Fire” demonstrated Bareilles’ continued evolution as an artist and her relevance in the contemporary music landscape.
A Safe Place to Land
This stunning duet with John Legend from “Amidst the Chaos” addresses themes of sanctuary, acceptance, and finding peace in turbulent times. The song’s message of providing comfort and safety for others resonates deeply in today’s world, while the combination of Bareilles’ and Legend’s voices creates a powerful emotional impact. The track showcases Bareilles’ continued growth as a songwriter tackling important social themes while maintaining her musical accessibility.
Armor
One of Sara Bareilles’ more recent releases, “Armor” explores vulnerability and the protective barriers we build around ourselves. The song examines the delicate balance between self-protection and openness, questioning whether the walls we construct help or hinder us in relationships. With its introspective lyrics and nuanced production, “Armor” represents Bareilles’ continued artistic maturity and her willingness to explore complex emotional terrain in her music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sara Bareilles’ most famous song?
“Love Song” is undoubtedly Sara Bareilles’ most famous and commercially successful track. Released in 2007, it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining song of the late 2000s pop landscape. The song’s success launched Bareilles into mainstream recognition and earned her Grammy nominations, establishing her as a major force in contemporary pop music. Its ironic origin story—written in response to record label pressure to create a hit—only adds to its appeal and authenticity.
Has Sara Bareilles won a Grammy Award?
While Sara Bareilles has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career, she has not yet won one. She has received nine Grammy nominations, including prestigious categories like Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Despite not having won, her numerous nominations reflect the high regard in which she is held by the music industry and her peers. Her work on the Broadway musical “Waitress” has also earned her Tony Award nominations, showcasing her versatility across different entertainment mediums.
What Broadway musical did Sara Bareilles write?
Sara Bareilles composed the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical “Waitress,” which opened in 2016. Based on the 2007 film of the same name, the musical tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and pie maker stuck in an abusive relationship who finds hope through an unexpected pregnancy and a pie-baking contest. Bareilles later stepped into the lead role herself for limited runs, becoming one of the few people to both compose a Broadway musical and star in it. The show was groundbreaking for having an all-female creative team and has been praised for its emotional depth and memorable songs.
What albums has Sara Bareilles released?
Sara Bareilles has released seven studio albums throughout her career. Her debut album “Careful Confessions” (2004) was independently released before she was signed to a major label. Her major-label debut “Little Voice” (2007) brought her mainstream success, followed by “Kaleidoscope Heart” (2010), “The Blessed Unrest” (2013), “What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress” (2015), “Amidst the Chaos” (2019), and “Little Voice: The Deluxe Edition” (2023). Each album has showcased her evolution as an artist while maintaining the authentic songwriting and emotional honesty that fans have come to expect.
Is Sara Bareilles still making music?
Yes, Sara Bareilles continues to actively create and perform music. Following her 2019 album “Amidst the Chaos,” she has remained engaged with her music career while also pursuing other creative ventures including acting and television. She has released new singles and special recordings, and continues to tour and perform for her devoted fanbase. Bareilles has also been involved in various collaborative projects and continues to write new material, ensuring that fans can look forward to more music from this talented artist in the years to come.
What genre is Sara Bareilles’ music?
Sara Bareilles’ music primarily falls within the pop and pop-rock genres, though her work incorporates elements from various styles including soul, jazz, and theatrical music. Her piano-driven compositions and singer-songwriter approach give her music a distinctive quality that sets her apart from many mainstream pop artists. As her career has progressed, she has experimented with different production styles and sounds, from the stripped-down acoustic feel of her early work to the more polished and contemporary production of her recent releases, while always maintaining her core identity as a thoughtful songwriter and skilled vocalist.