The Blessed Unrest (2013)

"This album is the flip side of "Kaleidoscope Heart", the 2010 album that presaged Sara Bareilles' move into the mainstream. "Kaleidoscope Heart" was bright and almost baroque, its arrangements lush and large. "The Blessed Unrest" Is moody and textured, rolling out at a deliberate pace and colored in blues and greys, skillfully skirting the edges of alienation -- Bareilles can occasionally suggest early Fiona Apple, as she does once again on "Hercules". There are moments of levity here, such as the effervescent "Little Black Dress" and the subtly synthesized rhythms on "Eden," but they're here to provide necessary texture and relief, puncturing the cool nocturnal glow just enough so the album opens up and doesn't feel mopey. Then again, Bareilles is such a naturally melodic songwriter that she doesn't run much of a risk of seeming insular on "The Blessed Unrest" and, fortunately, the feel of the album follows the contours of her melodies, so its melancholy is warm and inviting." (S.T. Erlewine, Allmusic)