During this concert, Bareilles sang her entire new album from start to finish, which is one of her best musical works to date. Bareilles opened her show with “What’s Inside,” and it was followed by “Opening Up” and “Door Number Three,” all of which instantly lured the listeners into her set.
Bareilles continued with “When He Sees Me” and “Soft Place to Land,” as well as “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” and “I Didn’t Plan It.” In lieu of singing sensation Jason Mraz, Broadway actor Drew Gehling joined her for two duets, “Bad Idea” and “You Matter To Me,” and he was able to deliver. She closed her show with “She Used to Be Mine” and “Everything Changes.”
For her encore, the Grammy-nominated songstress sang her mellifluous single “King of Anything,” which was vocal perfection. Equally dynamic was her breakthrough hit “Love Song,” as well as her cover of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and her inspirational anthem “Brave.”
“I have one more song for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you had fun tonight,” she said graciously, prior to closing with “Gravity,” which she sang a cappella, and was able to silence the entire venue doing so. The control she maintained over her voice towards the end of “Gravity” was simply divine, and the perfect lullaby.
The Verdict
Overall, Sara Bareilles proved that she has the voice of an angel. Her vocals are so delicate yet rich and powerful. She is certainly one of contemporary music’s most underrated female singer-songwriters. If one has yet to see her perform live, then one’s bucket list is not complete in life. Her show at New York City Center garnered 4.5 out of 5 stars.
To learn more about Sara Bareilles and her music, check out her official website.
