♫ Sara Bareilles | A

Sara Bareilles' second full-length album has undoubtedly shown her growth and maturity as an artist. Kaleidoscope Heart contains 12 solid tracks written by Bareilles that display her vocal, instrumental and lyrical talent. The album begins with an enchanting, minute-long introductory track where Bareilles belts out a cappella brilliance. The introducing track, "Kaleidoscope Heart," leads into the album's first upbeat song, titled "Uncharted."

"Uncharted" portrays Bareilles feelings on writing her new album. She speaks of her feelings and struggles that she has encountered in creating it. She sings, "I know I'm getting nowhere when I only sit and stare/ like I'm going down/ follow if you want/ I won't just hang around/ like you'll show me where to go." The song's lyrics and musical flow effortlessly draw listeners to continue lending their ears.

Her first single off the album, "King of Anything" is a perky song that is telling to her strong sense of independence and individuality, similar to her debut single, "Love Song" off her first album, Little Voice.

Bareilles shows her fans a different side of her musical imagination toward the end of her album by using an acoustic guitar in a few of her songs. Primarily a piano player, her songs "Basket Case" and "Let the Rain" demonstrate her diversity and aptitude with the acoustic guitar. "Basket Case" is one of three mellow songs on the album, accompanying other slow tracks, "Hold My Heart" and "Breathe Again."

"Hold My Heart" is a very passionate song that contains raw lyrics supported by a piano and hand claps, creating an enticing mood. It seems to be the album's stand-out sentimental song. In entirety, the album has a very flowing compilation that never leaves listeners bored or wanting to skip through a track. Bareilles' expressive talent brightly shines through Kaleidoscope Heart and should generate even more of a fan following.