You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens – Rumi
Gwen Stefani is most definitely a pop icon. A singer and songwriter since childhood, she has sold close to 30 million records as the front woman for the band, No Doubt, and as a multi-platinum solo artist.
As co-founder and lead vocalist of the ska band, No Doubt, Gwen’s gifted songwriting and moving lyrics included such number one hits as “Don’t Speak”, “Just a Girl”, “Hey Baby”, and “Underneath It All”. While No Doubt was on hiatus, Gwen began a solo career in 2004 with her debut studio album, Love.Angel.Music.Baby.
Very successful, it was inspired by ’80’s pop and included “What You Waiting For?”,”Rich Girl”, and the number one single “Hollaback Girl” which became the first US digital download to sell over one million copies.
Gwen’s second multi-platinum solo endeavor,The Sweet Escape, was released in 2006 and featured the hit single of the same name.
Her third solo album, This is What the Truth Feels Like was recently released on March 18, 2016.
In 2000, Rolling Stone magazine named Stefani “The Queen of Confessional Pop.” and I find that a very fitting description for this new album, her most personal work to date.
This new album combines catchy pop melodies with the emotional themes of love and loss that we can all relate to.
It is a truly gifted singer/songwriter who can weave the themes of her life into songs that entertain us while touching our hearts such as “Make Me Like You”, “Misery”, “Truth” and “Used To Love You”.
My two favorites are polar opposites, one about a breakup and the other about newfound love.
“Used To Love You” starts with a quiet sadness and a gorgeous chorus:
Suitcase, band-aids
Pulling back out the driveway
You go, I’ll stay
You can keep all the memories,
but, as it continues, like an anthem of strength and resolve, the choir and music soar as Gwen puts this relationship in the past, stressing that she “used” to love her ex, and encouraging him to take a look at what he lost.
And, like the proverbial phoenix, rising from the ashes, she finds herself once again, her heart now broken open, open to possibility.
Just when she least expects it, as it so often happens, new love finds her and she celebrates this mysterious, somewhat scary beginning in “Make Me Like You”. It’s light, fun and exhilarating as she takes a leap of faith and love.
Gwen has said that this album is her most intimate and personal.
It’s real.
Honest.
And ultimately, joyful.
Track Listing
1. Misery
2. You’re My Favorite
3. Where Would I Be
4. Make Me Like You
5. Truth
6. Used To Love You
7. Send Me A Picture
8. Red Flag
9. Asking For It
10. Naughty
11. Me Without You
12. Rare
These four bonus tracks on the album are available exclusively at Target:
13. Rocket Ship
14. Getting Warmer
15. Obsessed
16.Splash
Where to Order:
iTunes Target
The Gwen Stefani site also has limited availability of special bundles.
I participated in this sponsored album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided the album to review but all opinions are my own.
While I know her name, I don’t know most of her work. I did like Don’t Speak when she was with No Doubt though.
I’ll have to check out this CD! she’s pretty cool, thanks for the review : )
I’ve heard that her “used to love you” video is really touching and raw. She’s definitely very talented. Loved most of her No Doubt stuff. I haven’t heard a lot of recent stuff though.
I could not name a single Gwen Stefani song a few months back but then I stumbled across her CD in a charity shop. Now I’m a huge fan! She has an amazing voice!
I was a huge No Doubt fan, saw them in concert with the Goo Goo Dolls and Bush (yikes) back in ’95 – it was awesome. I like Used to Love You and look forward to hearing the rest of her new album.
When I was younger I loved Gwen. Well, really I loved No Doubt. Now, I’m not really into her . I will have to give this a listen and see what its all about!
I will have to get this CD. She’s a great musical artist.
Sounds like a great cd! I can’t wait to check it out! Thank you for sharing it!
I haven’t listened to her new cd yet. I’ll have to check it out. I bet it is perfect workout music if it’s similar to things she has produced in the past.
She got me on the title of the album because sometimes we just don’t want to hear the truth because we are too scared of pain.
I am crazy about this album! It is the perfect combination of her old style and new. I listen to it daily, misery is my favorite song!
I’ve not heard her songs until now. Like her titles – especially “this is what truth feels like”. I enjoyed listening to “used to love you”.
I love Gwen Stefani and I remember those “Hollaback Girl” girl days! This sounds like a great CD.
I love Gwen Stefani’s music and think she is so pretty. I have heard some of her new songs on TV! I want to get her new CD! It sounds incredible.
I like her music. I will check out her new CD
Thanks for the great info, I really like Gwen Stefani and will definitely check this out. I always need more good music.
I’ve never heard any of her music before, so maybe I’ll have to check it out.