The Oswegonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Oswego State

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Nov. 5, 2024

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Bareilles experiments with new styles on latest release

Bareilles embraces a new sound on her latest album “What’s on the Inside: Songs from a Waitress.” Photo provided by simple.wikipedia.org
Bareilles embraces a new sound on her latest album “What’s on the Inside: Songs from a Waitress.” Photo provided by simple.wikipedia.org

Sara Bareilles started as a one-hit wonder with her hit single, “Love Song” that dominated the radio and mainstream attention in 2007. Bareilles’ music is largely categorized in the pop genre, but it has an alternative edge that allows it to be an easy style of music for all listeners to enjoy. Besides her single, “Love Song,” Bareilles’ music remains mostly out of the mainstream’s ear. She has been Grammy nominated five times, which is quite an accomplishment for the 35-year-old singer-songwriter.

However, Bareilles has had numerous songs that make a comeback, ensuring that her name is not forgotten in the music industry. Bareilles proved this in 2013 when “Brave” hit 23 on the Top 40 chart in the United States. “Brave” was a song inspired by a close friend of Bareilles’ who was dealing with the social stigma of the time associated with coming out. “Brave” was also compared by many critics to Katy Perry’s “Roar,” which spread a similar message to listeners through the lyrics. This was an influential song in that it inspired many listeners to be true to themselves.

The song was not only inspiring to the LGBT+ community it was originally intended for, but also for the everyday stressful situations people are faced with. This is a small way in which Bareilles works to inspire and touch people through her music to spread love.

Bareilles’ success doesn’t end with her music. She is also working in many ways, both big and small, to spread love and help the world become a better place.

For her music video “I Choose You,” which was released in 2013, Bareilles assisted two people in proposing to their partners. Bareilles chose two people who reached out to her via social media and helped them pull off their dream proposals, which involved Bareilles singing her song “I Choose You” live during the proposal.

While this may not have been a dramatic event that changed the world, it was a wonderful outreach that changed the lives of four people and touched the hearts of many. This creative thinking proves that Bareilles has the ingenuity to make it in the music industry. In addition to her beautiful alto voice, Bareilles is always working to use her songs to spread happiness, love and support to her listeners.

Sara Bareilles started in 2003 when she recorded her first demo, “Careful Confessions,” and was signed on by Epic Recorders, marking the start of her music career.

This led to Bareilles’ first album release, “Summer Sessions,” and ultimately led up to her newest album, “What’s on the Inside: Songs from Waitress.” Her beginning songs from the “Summer Sessions” album apply a vintage sound. Since this first album, Bareilles has evolved to a pop-culture sound, which is heard in her albums “Kaleidoscope Heart” and “Uncharted.”

Bareilles is now experimenting with a music style in her newest album that is reminiscent of a Broadway show style. Bareilles has evolved throughout her career and has opened up her music to listeners from all music backgrounds.

Rating:4 out of 5