Sara Bareilles Embraces Vulnerability in New Album 'Good Grief'

Sara Bareilles is stepping into the emotional spotlight with her upcoming album, Good Grief, set to drop on August 28. In a candid revelation, she admitted that during a recent performance of her song "Forever," she found herself overcome with tears, prompting a wave of reflection on her personal journey through loss.

"I was like, ‘Oh God, what am I doing? Should I hide under a rock for a little while longer?" she shared, emphasizing her commitment to being open about her struggles. This album serves as a heartfelt exploration of grief, shaped by the loss of her close friend and former manager Chad Joseph in 2020, the passing of Broadway actor Gavin Creel in 2024, and her own challenging IVF experiences, all intertwined with the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape and the pandemic.

While the album delves into Bareilles’ own grief, it also draws inspiration from broader conversations about loss, such as a poignant discussion between Anderson Cooper and Stephen Colbert that inspired the opening track, "Home." True to her nature, Bareilles infuses the collection with dark humor, creating an intimate portrait of her current emotional state.

Documenting her creative process, Bareilles allowed a film crew to capture the making of Good Grief at Dreamland Recording Studios in upstate New York. The resulting documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival and is set for wider release, offers a raw look at the emotional conversations she had with her bandmates about grief and moving forward, including the difficult topic of transitioning from IVF treatments.

At 46, Bareilles feels a powerful urge to share her truth. "I’m not interested in a dog-and-pony show about trying to project something that doesn’t feel authentic," she explained. This desire to be genuine extends to her songwriting process, which she approached differently this time by collaborating closely with her musicians instead of relying solely on a producer. This shift allowed her to take charge of her artistic vision while still valuing the input of her collaborators.

Among the songs featured in Good Grief are tracks like "Still Crying," a heartfelt ballad that she developed over the past few years, and the playful "Nervous Breakdown," co-written with Ingrid Michaelson. Another standout, "Just a Kid," reflects on her long friendship with Joseph and was born from an impromptu moment while grocery shopping.

Aside from her music, Bareilles has been busy with a range of creative endeavors, including her acclaimed Broadway work and a new adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel The Interestings, which is set to premiere at Berkeley Rep this winter. Despite the whirlwind of projects, she embraces the unpredictability of her career. "I don’t really have a long view. Things come, and then it’s all I’m thinking about," she said, recognizing the joy in each opportunity that presents itself.

As she prepares for her fall tour kicking off on September 9 in Boston, Bareilles is unsure how she will navigate performing emotionally charged songs in front of audiences. The song "Forever," which reflects on her friendship with Creel, remains particularly challenging. "It feels like a dream that he was ever here, and a dream that he’s gone," she expressed.

To foster connection with her fans, Bareilles recently set up a grief hotline, encouraging listeners to share their stories. She has already received thousands of voicemails, each reflecting unique experiences of loss and longing. While she hasn’t determined the next steps for these stories, she recognizes the healing power of shared grief. "It’s really comforting to hear what other people are holding, just to know that we’re all holding something," she concluded.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com