Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people talk about concerts that have “changed their life.” Verbatim. The Beatles, Chicago, the Rolling Stones, KC & the Sunshine Band, Joni Mitchell—the fans that saw them perform live say the performances are truly unbelievable. I’ve been to my fair share of concerts—mostly country and pop—but none that I would classify as “life changing.”
That is, until Sara Bareilles came to campus last week.
As soon as the concert was over, I went straight back to my room, opened iTunes and downloaded every Sara Bareilles song I could find. I was a fan beforehand, but after hearing her perform live in Wait Chapel, I became an overnight fanatic. You think I’m exaggerating. I’m not.
I am not alone in my new-found obsession for the starlet songbird. Other students’ reactions all went to the same tune: “That was the best concert ever!”, “She’s so amazing!”, “Sucks for anyone who didn’t go—they missed a killer concert!”
What made this performance so spectacular? For starters, Sara Bareilles is just plain talented. A lot of people can play the piano, a lot of people can sing and some people can even do both. But no one can do it as well as Sara. She performs with such passion, such fire, such spunk. At the same time, she’s so down to earth. The fact that she was performing in a chapel didn’t stop her from being herself (and singing Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” with pride). My favorite moment of the night: she was describing the inspiration for the song, “Gravity”—a song about getting over a break-up—and she said, “This is for the guy that broke my heart. What a dick.” Doesn’t get more real than that.
On top of the fact that she was born with pure talent and a witty personality, Sara Bareilles is stylish! Wearing a black romper accented by a belt and some seriously high-heeled boots, Sara owned the stage. She just exuded coolness.
Having listened to the albums Little Voice and Kaleidoscope Heart on repeat for the past few days, I’d have to say the most sensational part about Sara Bareilles is her gift for songwriting. She pours her heart and soul into each of her songs, and they are so relatable. Take, for instance, “City,” a song about moving to the city without knowing anyone and feeling alone. Replace the word “city” with “college,” and you’ve got the anthem for every freshman collegietteTM: “Here in these deep (college) lights, girl could get lost tonight. I’m finding every reason to be gone. There’s nothing here to hold on to. Could I hold you?” Spooky, right?
Miss Sara Bareilles, you have forever changed the way I listen to music. I now have a new appreciation for singing and songwriting. Don’t get me wrong: I have no intention of following in her footsteps and pursuing a music career, but I am inspired by her confidence and passion for what she does. She knows who she is, and she isn’t afraid to let everyone see it—or listen to it. All you collegiettesTM could learn a thing or two from her: be yourself, don’t worry about what other people think and follow your own dreams. Sound cheesy? Well, sorry. So sue me.
*Photos courtesy of Wake Forest Student Union and Sam Hoback