Little Voice Reviews

• A Flawless Album From A Big Voice

  
  By A37K7N9KWCU2KM on 2007-07-03
  Sara Bareilles' CD, 'Little Voice,' is one of the best CDs my ears have had the pleasure of listening to. Every song is flawless, a task which I thought impossible because I had become so attached to all of her old renditions of these songs. For those hesitant in how the new sound is, don't be. She takes these songs and changes them, they grow and morph into (while not necessarily better) amazIng works of art. 'Love Song' is one of the best 'jump-around-summer-songs' I've heard of late, and 'Gravity' will put tears in your eyes with its beauty and simplicity. 'Vegas' is a song I can play over and over, while 'Between the Lines' (the only song I had not heard before buying the album) is a somber and tragic song. And while 'Fairytale' may never sound as good as it does with only Sara and her piano, this new version fits very nicely with this perfect album. Sara's words are strong, her voice phenomenal, and her piano skills abundant, and this album is the perfect testament to the sheer beauty of everything that is Sara Bareilles. Is it too soon to be anticipating her next album?
  
  

• The future of piano rock

  
  By A2WLT7289K49K3 on 2007-07-03
  I first heard Sara Bareilles in a free song of the week on I-Tunes, the song was "Love Song". Well, it blew me away. It was instantly one of the best songs I heard this year and I was impatient for the rest of the album to come out. Well, I was well pleased to hear the rest of this album. She has a great talent, the songs fit together well and her voice is incredible. She is reminiscent of Fiona Apple in her voice style but builds on that with the instrumental accompaniment to the songs, which complement her well. If you want real new music, this is it.
  
  

• Addicting New Voice!

  
  By A3P6XI50S1W1XM on 2007-07-10
  Sara Bareilles has put together a wonderful CD. Thanks to the iTunes song of the week, I heard "Love Song," and the rest was history. I immediately pre-ordered the CD and it was worth the wait. I'm in love with just about every song on the CD. (There is an extended version of "Love Song" on the CD. I imagine, iTunes put out the radio edit.)
  
  Sara has a wonderful singing voice and the lyrics are intelligent and catchy. Sara has immense musical talent and I can't wait to hear what she puts out next!
  
  Jennifer
  
  

• ...more of a comment than a review...

  
  By A2P5UU9HEALAUS on 2008-01-08
  While I do agree with the part of the Amazon review that says that there is a lot to like in this artist, I have a comment to make:
  
  While Sara knows how to use her voice to good effect and actually does write intelligently (especially compared to the disaster that is the "young popular musicians scene" of today), I do feel that her piano playing is absolutely horrendous. I'm not sure if she accompanies herself in an attempt to jump on the "if I show people that I can plunk out notes on a piano, they will automatically see me as a credible musician" train, or just because she likes to play. Regardless, I think she should delve into some serious piano study if she intends to keep accompanying herself. Another option would be for her to write out the piano part, but have a better-trained pianist actually play it. It just grates on the ears a bit, for some of us.... Otherwise, though, she is a welcome artist to have around. I'll take Sara Bareilles over the Rihanna/Mylie Cyrus/Ashlee Simpson/Jessica Simpson/Britney Spears musical train wreck any day.
  
  

• good voice, generic sound that's not necessarily her fault

  
  By A1F15Q4FIWE9BG on 2007-08-11
  Despite what some people are saying, Sara Bareilles is not very similar to Fiona Apple. Yes, she plays piano, and yes, her voice takes on a sort of deep tone at times, but otherwise there is no similarity between the raw emotion of Fiona and the polished pop stylings of Sara. She is also in no way similar to Tori Amos. People, just because a girl plays piano doesn't mean she's like Tori Amos or Fiona Apple.
  
  Aside from that, this album isn't very compelling. It starts off strong with the obvious single "Love Song," which could've been written by Carole King. But nothing after that comes close to the level of energy or smart lyrics that are in that song. A lot of the other songs are filled with blunt lyrical zingers that kind of make me cringe, like she was trying too hard to be clever. Maybe that can be blamed on the production? Musically, I can't tell if the songs themselves are generic or if the production makes them sound that way, but I kept hoping each following song would have some of the spunk of the first track or at least strike me in some other way. None of them did.
  
  She does seem to be a talented singer and musician, so if she was reigned in for her major label debut hopefully she'll be able to branch out for her next album.
  
  
• Ho-hum
  By A2DP4GQ4LAP3MK on 2008-02-21
  Sara Bareilles (along with Colbie Caillat, Ingrid Michaelson and Kate Voegle) have been heavily promoted by VH1 as "sophisticated, thoughtful" singer/songwriters. Deservedly, these women have been somewhat pooled together as far as the marketing aspect goes--what I find that they all have in common is accessible (but entirely forgettable) styles of writing, and average, nondescript pleasant voices. I understand the music industry has waves and cycles--consider these girls post-post Lilith Fair fare. Sadly, though, none of these artists have the vocal chops and writing skills of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, or Fiona Apple (all of whom have survived the chick/folk/alt. wave of the mid/late 90s--and for good reason). In a year or two, none this new crowd will be remembered. May I recommend some female artists that ARE making music that stands out: Imogen Heap, Goldfrapp, Kosheen, Thea Gilmore, Zoe Johnston, and Carla Werner. Just take a listen and you will see what I mean...
  
  
• Jazzy Pop
  By A35OJDGY9Y4RPU on 2007-09-09
  Nice jazzy pop, nothing really memorable. You've heard it all before. Some songs reminiscent of 70's pop. Chord driven, not tune driven. Not worth paying retail for.
  
  
• Not bad!
  By A2PF3R602XVJ6Y on 2007-12-22
  The first time I heard Love Song on Sirius I thought Eh. Not bad. As it got more play it grew on me, so I decided to take a chance on buying the album.
  
  Her voice does have moments when it sounds like Fiona Apple, but I think her music lacks depth. She has a few songs that I enjoyed but I found myself getting impatient for the end of the song and hoping the next would keep my interest. I think she sounds a little bit generic, and after many plays I still find myself gravitating to two or three songs. Love Song is misleading because none of her other songs really sound like it, but if they did then I might've enjoyed it more.
  
  If you read her bio on her Myspace it sounds like she might not have had as much creative freedom during the production process, so maybe her next album can have more of a distinctive sound. I don't know, but because she has a nice voice I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.
  
  
• Enough!
  By A1V5YZ18S7SM0J on 2008-03-08
  This woman's songs are simple, trite, and lackluster. I'm sick of being assaulted by her voice and lame piano playing against my will. This is an example of why so-called popular music is best avoided.
  
  
• Verdict : A Poor Man's Vanessa Carlton
  By A2ULSA0IRUE09E on 2007-07-31
  Sara Bareilles' debut album is indeed better than most new CDs, but please do not compare her to Fiona Apple, Tori Amos or even Sarah McLachlan. She does NOT have either the talent or energy of the above mentioned singers, nor is she as good to listen to on record.
  
  I got this CD solely based on the wonderful reviews on this Amazon page. Pity, because I wish I hadn't. Which brilliant mind compared her to Fiona Apple? At best, Sara sounds like something off a `Dawson's Creek' episode from the late 1990s (and not in a good way). Yes, the voice is pretty - but it is NOT unique. In fact, listening to this album in its' entirety, I was constantly reminded of one performer - Vanessa Carlton. Then I realized that Vanessa had both a better voice and better songs, but that Bareilles was so intent on winning her audience, that it really shows in places.
  
  Best track of the album - `Vegas' - is one where she sounds a lot like Jessica Simpson attempting that Dolly Parton song. I mean this in a nice way. The song is memorable, and if I was to ever reach for this album again (which is looking very unlikely at this point), `Vegas' will be the track I shall be playing.
  
  Heres the thing - this is a very average album. Neither is Sara a `real find' or the `real deal' as people would have you believe, nor is she especially talented. I think the latter is the thing that will make people realize she isn't going to have a career as cult-like as Fiona or Tori. Reviewers, please don't compare singers like Sara to the greats - its not justified by any means.
  
  Download a track or two, if you must, but refrain from buying this. It isn't that good.
  
  
  
• I heard this in a B&N and loved it. Who is this woman!
  By A2OBDNQ5ZYU1L8 on 2007-11-09
  I was wandering around a Barnes & Noble brick and mortar store and caught a listen to a sweet voice and piano accompaniment playing in the store. I immediately went to ask who is was and they showed me Sara's album. I bought it on the spot.
  
  It's been lovely to listen to. She reminds me of a female Jason Mraz with her catchy rhythms, timing and lyrics. She really excels on the pieces like "Gravity" where you can really feel her pain. I love that. A little Sarah McLachlan ... a little Fiona Apple. I hope she continues and makes a good name for herself.
  
  My kind of artist. I've worn the CD out (well, almost). I love it. Recommended!
  
  
• Promising
  By A3W1EQB01FTBMO on 2007-08-06
  This album, like many others start out strong but seems to be lacking in something as it goes on. Overall I would say that it's a decent pop album but doesn't have the momentum to take me through the entire record. That being said, I find her work promising and look forward to hearing more of her as her career progresses.
  
  
• Beautiful New Voice
  By AUDSM2CTLLW1Q on 2008-01-15
  Just this past weekend, I got introduced to the breezy, catchy sound of Sara Bareilles when I first saw her video for "Love Song". Whatever 'It' is, she's got 'It'. Her voice is so catchy that she it bursts this song beyond just being the pleasant confectionary that it is.
  
  Bareilles has more energy and attitude to her singing than her contemporaries. She has been compared to Norah Jones regularly and may get grouped in with the soft ballad types like Colbie Caillat. But, based on this first song, I'm believe she's so much more. Jones and Caillat produce pleasant music, but its very slow and sleep-inducing. Bareilles, on the other hand, will keep your foot tapping.
  
  I'm looking forward to hearing more from this refreshing new artist.
  
  
• Tremendous talent, every song is marvelous!!
  By A3OTDQM2MK4873 on 2008-01-31
  I'm a 43-year old guy who's been trying to think outside the box musically lately. I've been burned by artists whose "hit" song is the only decent cut on their disk, but this is totally NOT the case with "Little Voice". I heard just a small cut of her "Love Song" on a Rhapsody commerical on TV, and just loved the piano and the voice. It took several times to finally catch and spell her name right, and man was it worth it!! Every song showcases her strong, sultry voice and the piano is fantastic. From "Love Song" to "Morningside" and "City", every cut is just a joy to listen to. If a groove could be cut in a CD, mine would have one, on the whole thing. I just love this CD and haven't felt this way about a new, modern artist since I fell in love with The Barenaked Ladies. It's great to know there is some new, fresh talent out there, it gives me hope for the music industry that wonderful artists like Sara Bareilles are plying their craft and putting out super quality music that appeals to people of all ages and musical tastes. I hope she wins a Grammy! Excellent, don't be afraid to buy the CD, every song is great!
  
  
• "I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity..."
  By A2PV6GK1HV54Y9 on 2008-02-12
  Little Voice by Sara Bareilles is one of the best albums of 2007 in my opionion. Bareilles's voice is anything but little, her voice is powerful and rich. She is even a better songwriter, no silly pop fluff here, deep and meaningful lyrics. This album is produced by Eric Rosse (he used to date Tori Amos) he really gets to the heart and importance of this album. I cannot tell you how much I love Bareilles's vocals, she gives me chills. Every track is unique and different, the first single Love Song is catchy and addictive. The best song on the album is Gravity, the way she holds that second to the last note is stunning. My fave track is Come Round Soon, I can't get this song out of my head! Her voice reminds me a little of PJ Harvey especially on the track, Between the Lines and Fiona Apple on Many the Miles. Hopefully this album will make Sara a huge star, she deserves it! Great singer, pianist, and lyricst. I highly recommend this rock/pop gem!
  
  
• An Album with a Perfect Combo of Soulfulness and the Upbeat? It is Possible!
  By A2VYSDQ4Q7B2TC on 2007-11-21
  Some of the other reviews couldn't have said it better. This is one album where all of the tracks can be listened to repeatedly without getting tired of them. Bareilles' songs are a great combination of light rock, soul, and pop. I became interested in the album when the Amazon review said it was for fans of Sarah Mclachlan and Alicia Keys. Though I am a fan of their music, it does tend to get too "soft" for me, as a previous reviewer mentions. Imagine my pleasure when I listened to the first track "Love Song," which was definitely rockin' (need another example? Listen to the opening of "Morningside" - so cool). Many of the other songs continued on the track set by "Love Song," and increased my listening pleasure even more. Even the gentler songs have lovely melodies that are fun to listen to. Like the other reviewers, I'm very addicted to this album right now. Rarely is there an album where every single track is unique yet enjoyable, perfect complements to each other and so fun to experience. Favorite tracks: "Between the Lines," "Many the Miles," "Fairytale," "Bottle it Up," "One Sweet Love," "Love Song," "Come Round Soon"... oh heck, let's just say all of them! Oh and how can I forget? Awesome voice! Go Bruins!
  
  
• Timeless
  By A14C921678XZSZ on 2007-12-20
  I RARELY--if never--write reviews for music. But this time I'm simply compelled to acknowledge such talent! Its such a shame that main stream music hardly ever comes up with anything thats worth while. Sara Bareilles is simply fantastic. I can't stop listening to her voice. Her music does not contain any fluffy pieces. She brings in mind Sarah Mclachlan. Her songs are simply so well-done that you don't get tired of listening to it over and over.
  
  
• You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down
  By A8TM0MI3D9T29 on 2008-02-03
  Singer-songwriters are garnering a lot more respect nowadays, as evidenced by singers like A Fine Frenzy, Brandi Carlile, Charlotte Martin, and now, Sara Bareilles. Being included in company as the afforementioned is tough, did Sara pull out the stops and give us a worthy addition?
  
  By God, did she ever.
  
  There's really not a better time to get into piano-driven pop(ish) music than now. A Fine Frenzy came out of nowhere to give us an outstanding CD. Tori Amos, with 2007's American Doll Posse, reminded us why she is the pioneer in this type of music. And the lesser known (which I maintain is a criminal act to not know who she is), Charlotte Martin, who is truly proving to be a force to wrecken with. But now we have Sara Bareilles, a fresh-faced girl with a voice that demands attention with lyrics that are impossibly catchy.
  
  Little Voice, I will admit, is a CD that needs to be heard several times to be truly appreciated. Sure, I liked it after the first time, but after the sixth and seventh times, I found myself wanting to hear it nonstop. Songs like Love Song, Come Round Soon, and Gravity are all sure to jump out upon first listen. Others that are sure to come around are Bottle It Up, One Sweet Love, Morningside, and Many The Miles.
  
  Each song is complete with incredible vocals, expect that automatically, but the music is well worth a listen as well. Come Round Soon boasts the most earcatching music of the CD easily, but Many The Miles, and Gravity come in a close second and third.
  
  My favorite songs are One Sweet Love, Come Round Soon, Morningside, Many The Miles, and Gravity. Basically, if you're the least bit into this type of music you're sure to enjoy this CD. All the things you love about piano-driven music are present and accounted for, all you have to do is put forth the effort to listen to it.
  
  
• Every song is just great, but Gravity and Love song are worth it alone
  By AWJBO5XGIW8ZS on 2008-03-19
  I bought this CD for my husband for our anniversary. He worked with Sara a couple times at UCLA Spring Sing where one year she sang Gravity and won the all around prize. We can't say we were surprised when she hit it big. Love Song and Gravity are worth the price of the CD alone (we usually follow the 3-song rule when buying a CD, but even just these two do it in this case), but the other songs are all great as well, so splurge on the whole thing, not just those downloads. And on top of being incredibly talented, she's a super nice person, so you can feel great about contributing to her success! Enjoy the CD.
  
  
• Emotion, intellect, attitude, and talent to spare.
  By ANF0OM5N6D3ZW on 2007-07-17
  This album shows Sara Bareilles to be one of the great storytellers of her generation of singer/songwriters. Her lyrics are universally accessible without being trite, innovative without being inane. She weaves beautiful yarns that display emotions from anger to excitement to peace to fantasy all with an overtone of hope and positive energy. Songs like "Love Song" and "Many the Miles" may make you want to dance while "Between the Lines" and "Come Round Soon" may break your heart, but all of it is uplifting, smart, and multilayered enough in lyrical and musical content that you can listen again and again, always finding new things to appreciate.
  
  As many probably know, some of the songs on this album were featured on her earlier independent relase, Careful Confessions. I hesitate to compare the versions on Little Voice to those earlier takes, simply because I think the aesthetic is different and each version of each song seems to function in its own way. I loved the stripped down, piano-only "Love Song", and yet I think this new arrangement is tasteful and interesting and fits perfectly on the new album. The same goes for her long-time favorite "Gravity" -- I fell in love with this song in the form it took on Careful Confessions, and yet I view the new arrangement with strings here as the form this song was always meant to take, at its best. The only track I'm not crazy about is "Fairytale" -- I think the simple story of this song was better matched by the keyboard-only accompaniment from the earlier recording. But it's a small quibble on a big album from a BIG new voice in music.
  
  Meanwhile, the songs that were NOT released in another form earlier are, with few exceptions, my favorites. "Vegas" is playful and cool, "Morningside" is full of rhythmic dynamism and attitude, "Many the Miles" lilts and grooves and invites you to sing right along.
  
  If there is any justice or taste in the world, this woman will be a hit.
  
  
• A must-listen for any fan of music.
  By AOAU2DSTLCU18 on 2007-12-18
  Sara Bareilles' major label debut is everything a music fan could want in an album - smart, sassy and thoughtful lyrics; catchy melodies; a strong and rich voice; great piano playing; and a tiny pinch of profanity.
  
  I bought this album after I heard "Come Round Soon" and "Love Song" on the Internet. I immediately tore open the wrapping and struggled with the casing stickers and jammed the cd into my car stereo. I listened to the entire disc right there in my parked car. It's one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. I still listen to her nearly every day and the music still makes me feel everything I did when I first heard it.
  
  Don't let this amazing release pass you by.
  
  
• great flow
  By A1T5IHB5U8K2Z3 on 2007-12-25
  I got this for my birthday a couple of weeks ago and have hardly taken it out of my CD player. It flows really well; great hooks, great lyrics, great muscianship, great production. If you have heard Love Song and are thinking of buying this, you will most certainly enjoy the whole album.
  
  
• Little Voice, Big Talent
  By AHKP7P4T2QDU5 on 2008-01-02
  Like most people I heard the single "Love Song" and was instantly intrigued. Based on that one single I took a chance and bought the album and what a pleasant surprise. It's good. I mean, quite superb. Great songs and great singing style. I like that she's soulful without trying to mimic another artist, y'know what I mean? She just sings the songs with her own soul and it shows. "Little Voice" is a wonderful album and "Love Song" is just the tip of this iceberg. Enjoy!
  
  
• Sara's Debut Album= A Smash Hit !
  By A2UFCERFBBUQQF on 2008-02-26
  I have watched Sara Bareilles grow and blossom into what she is today, before she became extremely popular. I heard her on the *Monster in Law Original Soundtrack* and I fell in love with her song *Love on the Rocks*. Now, this album. I am truly impressed to what she has accomplished through out the last couple of years. Her voice is truly a jem; not to be missed. This is what you call music. Non like all of the silly rap and dumb pop music out there these days like Soulja Boy for example. Each of Sara's songs are unique and have something catchy to it. My personal favorites are *Love Song* *Love on the Rocks* *One Sweet Love*.
  
  1. Love Song 5/5
  2. Vegas 4/5
  3. Bottle It Up 5/5
  4. One Sweet Love 5/5
  5. Come Round Soon 4/5
  6. Morningside 4/5
  7. Between The Lines 5/5
  8. Love On The Rocks 5/5
  9. City 5/5
  10. Many The Miles 3/5
  11. Fairytale 4/5
  12. Gravity 5/5
  
  If you like this Album, you may be interested in
  1. One Cell in the Sea* A Fine Frenzy
  2. The Reminder* Feist
  3. The Mating Game* Bitter:Sweet
  
  Extremely Recommended !
  Overall Grade* A-
  Jordan (:
  
  
• Female Jason Mraz
  By A3VQALR1NOYTL5 on 2008-03-19
  Great artist... Soulful and Bright. Have a unique way of expressing her wording of emotions and situations. Between the lines is one of my fav as well as Come Round Soon. Her titles sound a lot like John Mayer titles.
  
  
• Takes time to grow on you but once it does...
  By A1DU3I57BN5079 on 2008-04-19
  Like probably the majority of people who bought this album, I fell in love with "Love Song" and decided to take a chance on the full record. But when I listened to it, I wasn't really that impressed. Perhaps it was just because of the dominance of piano (which is hardly the lead instrument in 99% of the music I listen to), but most of the songs just blended into one another, with little distinction between them. "Love Song" was still great, and I thought "Fairytale" had some pretty clever lyrics, but I pretty much shelved it after ripping it to my mp3 player.
  
  Of course, when it comes to my mp3 player, I'm a shuffle addict, and one of Sara's songs, "Morningside," popped up. I listened to it and wondered what I was thinking when I disregarded this album a few weeks earlier. I began to give some of the other tracks another listen, and soon found myself addicted to songs like "Bottle it Up," "One Sweet Love," and "Love on the Rocks," constantly listening to them four or five times in a row.
  
  I think that, initially, it's best to digest each track individually and allow it to grow on you and get into its little nuances. I would say that ten of the 12 tracks are fantastic (and the other two are hardly bad by any means) but in the context of the full album they might not stick out and earn proper credit. The album itself may not be completely cohesive but Sara has a great voice and at its low points, the songs are merely pleasant--at its best, they're breathtaking.
  
  
• Absolutely Awesome
  By A2T9O5D3OGSYL4 on 2007-07-07
  I first heard Sara in concert in a small venue in Seattle with my husband. Both my husband and I absolutely love her music. She is absolutely the best... a true singer/songwriter with talent that runs deep and her music moves and entertains you.
  
  
• I love this album
  By A1K0QDH1J1NU90 on 2007-09-01
  Sara Bareilles' album took 3 playings for me to go from "ehh it's pretty decent" to "wow this girl is talented". She has just the right mix of lyrical ingenuity, eloquence, and wit, soul, a flair for pop-ridden hooks, and the vocal and piano chops to back it all up. I think the pop scene is really missing people of her caliber... I'd place her with the likes of Gavin DeGraw, with the artistic realness of Bright Eyes or Fiona Apple mixed with the pop-savvy Maroon 5.
  
  
• One of the best music purchases I've made in a long time!
  By A3LIXEUY286F4D on 2007-09-01
  I heard Sara Bareilles on yahoo music, and was instantly hooked. So often, I like just one or two songs on a CD, so I feel like I've wasted my money. This was not the case with Little Voice. I love every single song on the CD. It's a great blend of upbeat and chill music, and her voice has a wonderful jazz/blues quality to it. I love the melodies, but, as dumb as this may sound, I love the lyrics just as much. They're almost like poetry if you read them on their own. Anyone who is a fan of the singer/songwriters like John Mayer, Josh Kelley and even Amy Winehouse will love this CD.
  
  
• The Bareilles martini.. groovin' not stirred
  By AEVFN5Y6Q25CX on 2007-09-01
  Take two parts Norah Jones, one part Tori Amos (without the scary lyrics), and one part Fiona Apple and you get one sweet mixture by the name of Sara Bareilles.
  
  Her cd, Little Voice, from the first taste to the last drop is a serious bit of sultry, rockin', heart-felt music. Sara keeps a good variety in her music going. It's not all jazzy sweet (Love On The Rocks.. no, not the Neil Diamond song), let it out love song (Bottle It Up), I want your love song (Many The Miles), or love gone wrong song (Fairytale) standards. Music, lyrics, and her amazing voice will mesmerize you throughout it. No 'boy bandish/same beat in every song' music here, people.
  
  Her first single from the cd, Love Song, you wouldn't exactly categorize as one. It's more along the lines of being for those who are second and third guessing their relationships. See, folks? Proof that there actually ARE beautiful women out there that know a bad relationship when they see one in their own lives. :)
  
  I saw her at a mini-performance and signing in San Francisco. She sounds just as beautiful, if not moreso, in person as she does on the cd.
  I had suggested to her to make One Sweet Love (my favorite) her second single from the cd.
  
  Peter Gabriel would be wise to allow her to record her version of "In Your Eyes" on her next cd. She sang it on KFOG (SF radio station) recently and was nothing short of wonderful.
  
  Little Voice : the Bareilles martini: drink it all in and enjoy!
  
  
  

• Coco
• One Cell In the Sea
• Girls and Boys
• The Reminder
• Spirit