Amidst the Chaos: Live from the Hollywood Bowl

Just what I needed to start summer!

I was hesitant to buy this album since I own all Sara’s albums with the original recordings, but then I thought — Heck, I love her so I’ll support her by buying this album too. What’s $11? I’m so glad I did. First of all, this is a generous concert — the vinyl version is 3 LPs — and it includes the entirety of Amidst The Chaos (minus just two songs — Wicked Love and A Safe Place To Land), plus songs from ALL three of her previous Epic studio albums, and a nice sampling from her Broadway hit Waitress. But more important than the number of songs is the thoughtful rearrangement of so many of her standards that give them new life. Brave for example is a song that is often called an anthem, but here it is restated with a much more delicate and soulful vibe that brings out the beauty of the music. If I Can’t Have You, a duet with song co-author Emily King is just sublime, and resonates even more than the original — which until today I would have told you was absolutely perfect as is. And Sara’s performance of She Used To Be Mine, the showstopper from Waitress is the most poignant version I have ever heard. As you listen to the show you can see how much work they put into making every song magical. And then there is Sara. Perhaps because of the honesty and openness of her lyrics, knowing and loving her music feels like knowing and loving her as a person — more so than any other artist I can recall. It is touching to hear the crowd not just want to hear her songs, but to want to LOVE HER and in some small way connect with her one-to-one. And what comes through is that Sara and her band aren’t just there to be a live jukebox, but to share the time and space on a human level with the people who have come because Sara’s soul resonates with beauty and meaning in their hearts. If you only know Sara Bareilles from hearing Love Song playing overhead at McDonalds or Kroger BUY THIS ALBUM and you will be swept away. ❤️ “Don’t think I need to tell you more.” Note: This album mistakenly lists “A Safe Place To Land” — a duet with John Legend from Amidst The Chaos about the border crisis — when it should be “Soft Place To Land,” a song from Waitress about dreams sustaining us through our tribulations, which is what they perform here.

How her voice sounds better live than in a studio is beyond me. She is simply amazing.

Sara is always magic

No doubt, Sara Bareilles is a major songwriting talent with an outstanding voice. The sound of this album, especially for a live show is amazing. Personally, I wish there wasn't so much talk. This seems to be a documentary of the performance at the Hollywood Bowl, so all the banter that takes place between Sara and the audience is recorded here, and personally, I feel most of it is a major distraction and breaks the flow of a beautiful set of songs recorded live. I wish they had separated the talking sections from the songs so you could easily delete them, if you wanted to. But again, it's a beautifully performed set of songs by a great voice.

Sara B. never disappoints! This live album is amazing, fun, and worth every penny. Just FYI, track 10 should be called "Soft Place to Land" rather than "A Safe Place to Land."

she never fails to stun with her amazing siren voice, witty humor, and loveable attitude. Sara is one of the rare few who can sound identical to her recording, if not better. she is a master at her craft and only gets better with time.

SB’s live albums are just everything and full of life! Love this NorCal gal!

There’s only a few songs but I already adore this album!!

Keep it coming!