• Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Jul 16, 2013
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. The songwriter gets primary production credit on nine of the 12 tracks from The Blessed Unrest, and on many of them, she uses that position to build the sort of stunning and nuanced arrangements that elevate her songs beyond traditional singer/songwriter fare.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Jul 16, 2013
    83
    [Unrest finds] her channeling Fiona Apple and Florence Welch on a lovely collection of confessional sketches. [19 Jul 2013, p.87]
  3. Jul 16, 2013
    80
    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.
  4. Jul 16, 2013
    75
    Bareilles' new album was the result of unrest, but as its title suggests, she has positively embraced her dissatisfaction and subsequently grown as an artist.
  5. Aug 7, 2013
    60
    All in all, The Blessed Unrest is a well conceived effort, but not sans flaws.
  6. Jul 16, 2013
    50
    The Blessed Unrest is all shoulder-drooping heft, and her musical choices are vexing.
  7. Jul 16, 2013
    50
    The Blessed Unrest is full of broad, exposition-heavy vignettes of heartache and resiliency; the songs feel groomed for rom-com soundtracks.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 50
  2. Negative: 4 out of 50
  1. Jul 16, 2013
    10
    Bareilles' new album shows the same eclectic spirit as her previous releases and embraces a more adult worldview—one that says it's okay toBareilles' new album shows the same eclectic spirit as her previous releases and embraces a more adult worldview—one that says it's okay to leave love behind and explore life on your own. From beautiful future standards to morose synth-pop and more, the diversity The Blessed Unrest gives listeners whatever kind of escape they're looking for, all with the underlying tie of Bareilles' masterful and evocative songwriting. Full Review »
  2. Jul 17, 2013
    10
    Sara Bareilles's new album proves that she is still the amazing artist who sang Love Song. Not only is the writing amazing, the composition isSara Bareilles's new album proves that she is still the amazing artist who sang Love Song. Not only is the writing amazing, the composition is inspiring. Of course, one can expect piano wherever Sara Bareilles goes. In a time where many artists are using obnoxious dubstep beats, Sara Bareilles hasn't lost sight on who she is. Full Review »
  3. Jan 2, 2014
    10
    "The Blessed Unrest" is certainly an album that demands attention, and once you hear with a refined look, you will realize that it is an album"The Blessed Unrest" is certainly an album that demands attention, and once you hear with a refined look, you will realize that it is an album that can shake her emotional structures. Every song has a unique and special meaning, and conveys what music has of better. Melodically beautiful, poetically beautifully arranged and sung sweetly. Super recommended! Full Review »