At Billboard, Jason Lipshutz felt that the album is 'exciting when viewed in its larger context as a transitional album the 12-song collection has its share of light fare that could earn spins on adult contemporary radio, but it's also more lyrically daring and serious-sounding'. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic told that the music is 'moody and textured, rolling out at a deliberate pace and colored in blues and greys, skillfully skirting the edges of alienation'. Bareilles released the accompanying video on her YouTube channel on May 5, 2014. The song reached number 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 16 on Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart. 'I Choose You' was announced on Januas the second single through Bareilles's Twitter's account. The song has received positive reviews, many deeming it as one of her most 'anthemic' singles to date. Following widespread comparisons to Katy Perry's ' Roar', 'Brave' re-entered the Hot 100 and eventually reached a peak of number five on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs. The song debuted and initially peaked at number 15 at the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 20 on its Hot Digital Songs chart. An official lyric video was premiered on April 17, 2013. It was co-written by Jack Antonoff from the band Fun.

'Brave' was released on Apas the lead single from the album. She performed 'Brave' on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on July 19, 2013, appeared on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown on July 20, 2013, and on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on July 22, 2013. Sara performed 'Brave' and ' I Choose You' on Live! with Kelly and Michael on July 17, 2013. In June, Bareilles also announced a co-headlining tour with OneRepublic, setting to begin on August 29. Tickets to the solo acoustic tour sold out in just three minutes. On March 27, Bareilles announced the Brave Enough Tour, an 18 city US tour ahead of the album's release. Electric Lady Studios was used to record the tracks in New York City.

The Blessed Unrest was recorded in New York City and Los Angeles in early 2013 with co-producers John O'Mahony and Kurt Uenala. Songs on this album are reflections of Bareilles' experiences, like going through a break-up. On July 9, a week before the release, Bareilles made the album available for free streaming on iTunes. On February 26, 2013, Bareilles posted a video on YouTube stating that she was 'Making a Record' and to 'stay tuned for more updates.' Following this, a video series began with featuring six 2-minute installments showing Bareilles recording her album.

Sara bareilles i choose you score