Sara Bareilles is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has earned a place in the music industry with her memorable and powerful songs.
Her music has been celebrated for its expressive and emotive lyrics, as well as her strong vocal performances.
This article will explore the fifteen best Sara Bareilles songs of all time, as determined by music critics and fans alike.
These songs are considered to be the greatest hits of her career and are essential listening for fans of her work.
Each song will be examined in terms of its composition, instrumentation, and lyrical content, providing an insight into the unique style and creative vision of Sara Bareilles.
1. “Brave”
A fan favorite, “Brave” is a pop song that has been embraced by many for its inspiring lyrics and catchy melody.
It was released in 2013 as the lead single from Sara Bareilles’ fourth studio album, The Blessed Unrest.
The song is an empowering anthem that encourages people to take risks and be their true selves.
It has been praised for its uplifting message and is considered an iconic example of modern pop music.
Bareilles’ powerful vocals are a highlight of the track, and the song’s memorable chorus has become a rallying cry for those looking for strength and courage.
2. “Love Song”
One of the most popular compositions by Sara Bareilles is the emotional ballad, “Love Song”.
Released in 2007, the song was a major commercial success, appearing on several Billboard charts and becoming the artist’s first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s lyrics express the frustration of being stuck in unrequited love, and the accompanying music video serves as a fitting visual representation of this sentiment.
“Love Song” has become a signature song for Bareilles, with its emotional resonance and powerful message resonating with listeners worldwide.
3. “She Used To Be Mine”
The heartfelt ballad, “She Used To Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles, expresses the pain of lost love and the struggle of accepting change.
The song explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and loneliness, all while maintaining a sense of hope and resilience.
The song’s lyrics are poetic and emotionally evocative, and the musical accompaniment is both beautiful and melancholic.
The track is a perfect example of Bareilles’ ability to craft a powerful narrative with her music.
It is an emotionally honest song that speaks to anyone who has ever experienced the sadness of moving on.
4. “Gonna Get Over You”
Featuring a soulful melody and a driving beat, “Gonna Get Over You” by Sara Bareilles is a powerful and uplifting anthem of resilience.
The track’s central message of hope and perseverance is conveyed through its lyrical content and Bareilles’ powerful vocals.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a perfect choice for those moments of life when one needs a reminder of their own strength.
The track is a great example of Bareilles’ mastery of both pop and soul sensibilities, blending both genres to create an uplifting and memorable piece of music.
5. “Gravity”
“Gravity” is a song by Sara Bareilles that conveys a powerful message of perseverance and hope with its soulful melody and driving beat.
Its lyrics evoke a sense of inner strength, as Bareilles encourages the listener to keep moving forward and embrace the power of their own self-determination.
Musically, the song features an uplifting piano line, a steady percussion beat, and a strong, emotive vocal performance.
The combination of elements creates an anthemic, inspirational atmosphere that is both encouraging and energizing.
6. “King Of Anything”
Sara Bareilles’ 2010 single, “King Of Anything”, is another classic tune that displays the singer-songwriter’s knack for creating catchy, upbeat melodies.
With its infectious hook, the song was an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart and becoming Bareilles’ first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrically, the song speaks to the universal themes of independence and self-empowerment, with Bareilles singing about the importance of self-determination and refusing to be pushed around.
In this way, it serves as an extension of the themes explored in “Gravity”, though with a more positive, upbeat tone.
7. “I Choose You”
Released in 2013, the single “I Choose You” is an emotionally charged love song with a joyous, upbeat melody composed by Sara Bareilles.
Its lyrics are based on the idea of choosing a beloved partner and the realization of the impact of such a decision.
The chorus conveys the feeling of certainty that comes with making a choice, while the verses explore the complexities of love and the joy of commitment.
Musically, the song features a catchy hook with a bouncy, pop-rock sound.
It has become a fan favorite for its optimistic message and uplifting spirit.
8. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
Written in 1973, Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a timeless classic that serves as a powerful reflection of the artist’s journey.
The song is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock ballads of all time and is regularly featured in Sara Bareilles’ repertoire.
The poignant lyrics poignantly capture the singer’s sense of disillusionment with the glamour and fame of the music industry.
It is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing life’s journey, no matter how difficult it may seem.
9. “Bottle It Up”
“Bottle It Up”, released in 2008, is an emotive ballad that poignantly illustrates the struggle of coming to terms with the realities of life.
The song is composed in a traditional pop-rock style.
Lyrically, the song speaks to the difficulty of accepting life’s hardships and encourages the listener to take strength in their own inner resilience.
The emotive vocals of Bareilles, combined with the uplifting melody, create a powerful and poignant message.
“Bottle It Up” is an enduring classic that will remain a favorite of Sara Bareilles fans for years to come.
10. “Uncharted”
“Uncharted”, a single from Sara Bareilles’ 2010 album, is an optimistic and uplifting pop-rock track that celebrates the courage to take risks and explore new paths.
Its lyrics are constructed around the idea of confronting fear and embracing adventure.
Musically, the song features a catchy chorus with a strong melody and instrumentation that includes a driving electric guitar and pensive piano.
The song’s positive message and unique sound make it one of Bareilles’ most memorable singles, a favorite among fans and critics alike.
11. “Once Upon Another Time”
Moving away from the soulful “Uncharted”, “Once Upon Another Time” is an upbeat song, featuring Sara Bareilles’ signature sound.
The track is a reflection of her journey and the events that have shaped her life.
The lyrics explore themes of hope and resilience while the melody is easy to dance to.
The overall package makes “Once Upon Another Time” a signature Sara Bareilles song.
12. “One Sweet Love”
Described as a heartfelt ballad, “One Sweet Love” is one of the standout tracks from Sara Bareilles’ Careful Confessions album.
Its lyrics are filled with emotion and are centered around themes of love and vulnerability.
Musically, the song features a simple accompaniment of piano and strings, which effectively serves to highlight the raw, heartfelt nature of the lyrics.
The song’s chorus is especially powerful, with its memorable melody and passionate vocals, and is sure to resonate with listeners of many different backgrounds.
“One Sweet Love” is a powerful and emotionally evocative song that stands as one of Sara Bareilles’ most memorable works.
13. “Hold My Heart”
Featuring a combination of piano and guitar, Sara Bareilles’ “Hold My Heart” is a captivating rock-influenced ballad.
The song is a powerful expression of vulnerability and longing, as Bareilles sings of wanting to open up and trust someone with her heart.
The melody is buoyant and uplifting, but the lyrics are full of bittersweet emotions.
The combination of the two creates a beautiful and intricate song that is sure to move the listener.
Overall, “Hold My Heart” is an excellent example of Bareilles’ ability to craft meaningful and heartfelt music.
14. “Breathe Again”
The intricate lyrics of Sara Bareilles’ “Breathe Again” capture the feeling of being stuck in a moment of indecision and longing for clarity.
The song is about the struggle to break free from a difficult situation and come to terms with the inevitable changes that come along with it.
The chorus uses a metaphor of ‘breathing again’ to represent a sense of hope and renewal that comes with moving forward.
The poetic imagery and emotive delivery of Bareilles’ voice create a powerful atmosphere of contemplation and resolution.
15. “Many The Miles”
Sara Bareilles’ “Many The Miles” reflects a journey of self-discovery and growth.
It follows the protagonist’s journey from a place of despair to one of hope and strength.
The song’s lyrics provide a vivid description of the difficulties of overcoming an obstacle and the determination to keep going, no matter the cost.
The melody is gentle but determined, conveying the complexity of the journey, and the hope that lies on the other side.
The song ultimately conveys an inspiring message of resilience and strength.
Best Sara Bareilles Songs Of All Time – Final Thoughts
Sara Bareilles is an accomplished singer and songwriter who has produced a long list of memorable songs since her debut in 2003.
Her greatest hits, including “Brave”, “Love Song”, “She Used To Be Mine”, “Gonna Get Over You”, “Gravity”, “One Sweet Love”, “Hold My Heart”, “Breathe Again”, and “Many The Miles”, demonstrate her versatility as a musician.
Each of these songs offers a unique and powerful narrative, capturing the emotional depths of life as a woman and a musician.
Her music is sure to remain a lasting part of the soundtrack of many people’s lives for years to come.
