New Sara Bareilles Music Brings Comfort “Amidst the Chaos”

[Originally published April 2019. Updated May 18, 2025]

Whether you enjoy introspective ballads or uptempo songs with a throwback sound, you’re sure to find calm and comfort amidst the chaos in Sara Bareilles’ new music!

American musician Sara Bareilles has expressed in interviews that she was inspired to write/co-write all the songs on “Amidst The Chaos” after the 2016 United States Presidential Election.

The album title comes from a lyric in the song “Orpheus,” the eighth track on the album:

“Don’t stop trying to find me here amidst the chaos/ Though I know it’s blinding there’s a way out”

Some of the chaos she describes involve hot-button topics, like the #MeToo movement (in her song, “Armor”), immigration policies (in a duet with John Legend, “A Safe Place to Land”), and mental health (“Eyes on You”).

Regardless of your stance on these and other political issues, you’ll find comfort in the familiar melodies of her new songs. For example:

If I Can’t Have You (written by Sara Bareilles, Emily King & Aaron Sterling) – This song has a bouncy Motown sound with the most clever lyric and hyperbole:

Miss Simone (written by Sara Bareilles & Lori McKenna) – This song is reminiscent of another Sara Bareilles song. The track “1000 Times” from her 2013 album, “The Blessed Unrest,” laments unrequited love or losing a romantic partner. In “Miss Simone,” the melodic continuation makes it easy to imagine the same person moving on and basking in the tenderness of a more positive and reciprocal love relationship.
Wicked Love – This upbeat song’s hook, “I don’t want your wicked love” recalls the part in The Beatles’ tune “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da” that goes “La la how the life goes on.”
Orpheus – This song starts slow and despondent, evoking the melody of “Comme d’Habitude/ My Way.”

No matter how tough or chaotic life gets, we’ll get through it. Like a good friend, Sara Bareilles’ songs will reassure you that you’re not alone.

Listen here:

Sara Bareilles Awards

On May 18, 2025, I attended the inaugural Sara Bareilles Awards, which recognizes outstanding achievement in high school musical theater. All of the performances at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco were incredible and inspiring!