Kaleidoscope Heart - Sara Bareilles
Kaleidoscope Heart Image
  • Summary: Having been compared to everyone from Norah Jones to Billy Joel, this singer-songwriter returns with her sophomore release that further exemplifies her musical talent and bold lyricism.
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Genre(s): Pop, Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
  • More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Sara Bareilles returns with more bouncy and intricate piano melodies on her sophomore album
  2. Feb 7, 2011
    80
    This is one mainstream marshmallow with an acidic coating worth a lick.
  3. Bareilles veers between fellow pianists Alicia Keys and Regina Spektor, avoiding either's extremes.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. 10
    There are very few albums that I can listen to from beginning to end and enjoy every song. Little Voice was one such album, so I had high hopes for Kaleidoscope Heart. Sara did not disappoint! The album begins with a one minute acapella snippet that serves as a tribute to the album's namesake. It's haunting and beautiful and perfectly shows Sara's gift for intricate yet subtle harmony. There is a smooth transition into the next song, "Uncharted," which I'm calling right now to be her second hit single from this album. "Gonna Get Over You" has a 50's doo wop feel mixed with an upbeat, bouncey beat. "Hold My Heart" begins with a strong piano and blossoms into a powerful ballad fueled by very raw, honest lyrics. "King of Anything" is a throwback to "Love Song" in that it's driven by lyrics that give a big middle finger to drone music execs trying to force Sara into a typical pop mold. As with "Love Song" she succeeds in getting her point across to her label through lyrics that double as ones that can still be easily identified with by scored lovers all while maintaining a catchy hook and feel good music. Very impressive. "Basket Case" has a slight Alanis Morisette feel to it with a background harmonica, simple, straight forward singing, and self exposing lyrics. "Not Alone" has a bluesy, breezy vibe that makes it hard to sit still. Sara sings it with cool confidence, which is understated just enough to keep it from being cocky. The album ends with "Bluebird," a gorgeous, tearjerker that is filled with emotion and beautiful vocals. Overall, Sara once again produces an honest, moving album that seems to effortlessly put the other stereotypical poppy girls who get the majority of airplay in their proper place. Kudos! Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. I feel seriously stupid giving this album 10/10. I am not the person to give any album a perfect score. But this is the only exception. (Paramore reference, hehehe). ANYWAY, this album is an AMAZING effort. "Kaleidoscope Heart" truly lets Sara's amazing lyricism show. The first single "King of Anything" is getting lots of airplay, and increasing in digital sales. A good follow-up single would be "Uncharted," an uptempo song about having writer's block--it mention's the album title in it, as well. TRACKS TO PAY ATTENTION TO: -King of Anything -Uncharted -Bluebird -Gonna Get Over You Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  3. While her style may not be of my personal preference, what her music shows is a lively change over the first. While its songs not have too much of a long, "drooly" effect as Gravity, it's a much better mix of so-so to masterclass music. "King of Anything", "Uncharted", and "Let The Rain" are just a few of the good songs you'll find in her sophomore album. A Must-Buy? If you're not all against the culture of pop/chill music, then sure. If you are, well, try dipping your feet before going all-in. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews

Recommended Products

    • Release Date: Nov 22, 2010
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Image
  1. 21 - Adele

    • Release Date: Feb 22, 2011
    21 Image
  2. Born to Die - Lana Del Rey

    • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
    Born to Die Image
  1. Siamese Dream [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 96
  2. The SMiLE Sessions - The Beach Boys
    Metascore: 96
  3. Metascore: 95
  4. Metascore: 94
  5. Metascore: 93
  6. Some Girls [Deluxe Edition] - The Rolling Stones
    Metascore: 93
  7. Metascore: 92
  8. Unto the Locust - Machine Head
    Metascore: 91
  9. Metascore: 90
  10. Rio [Live] - Keith Jarrett
    Metascore: 90
  11. Metascore: 90
  12. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 90
  13. Metascore: 89
  14. Metascore: 89
  15. Bad as Me - Tom Waits
    Metascore: 88
  16. The Singles - Goldfrapp
    Metascore: 88
  17. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88