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.