"There are moments of levity here, such as the effervescent "Little Black Dress" and the subtly synthesized rhythms on "Eden," but they're here to provide necessary texture and relief, puncturing the cool nocturnal glow of The Blessed Unrest just enough so the album opens up and doesn't feel mopey. Then again, Bareilles is such a naturally melodic songwriter that she doesn't run much of a risk of seeming insular on The Blessed Unrest and, fortunately, the feel of the album follows the contours of her melodies, so its melancholy is warm and inviting".