Gwen Stefani Returns with Catchy New Single
Evan Slead ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
This year may be Gwen Stefani’s biggest yet. The biggest year for her solo career, that is. In 2004, Stefani released her 80’s and Japanese inspired debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. after the No Doubt band members decided to take a needed break. Her attempt came with mixed reviews with some finding her solo attempt as a slam to her No Doubt roots. However, singles like “Hollaback Girl” proved that as divisive as her attempt was, it had some success buried underneath the debates. Following up in 2006, Stefani released The Sweet Escape with moderate success in the main stream charts. Years later in 2012, No Doubt fans rejoiced at the release of No Doubt’s comeback album Push and Shove. Now, in 2014, Stefani has not only landed a coveted judging role on NBC’s mega hit competition show The Voice, but also has her third solo album ready for exposure.
The first single to drop from the new album is called “Baby Don’t Lie” and it is a tell tale sign that her third solo album may be her strongest. The track has an instantly catchy chorus with Stefani singing,
“Baby don’t,
Baby don’t,
Baby don’t lie (I don’t wanna cry no longer)
I need a lie that’s stronger…
If we ever give up
We gonna die.
Look me in the eye,
Baby don’t lie.”
The lyrics have that honest edge that has made Stefani such a strong writer from her beginning years with Tragic Kingdom’s “Don’t Speak”. “Baby Don’t Lie” was penned by Stefani, Benny Blanco, Noel Zancanella, and OneRepublic’s frontman Ryan Tedder. This is the most collaborative track lyrically that Stefani has ever produced. The lyrics are infused within a tribal playground that gives the track a definitive dance appeal. This feeling and polished sense will hopefully meld into the rest of the new album due to release late 2014/early 2015.
Overall its a reminder of why Gwen Stefani has such a lasting strength in the music world. She has always been like the cool older sister that takes chances and doesn’t apologize for them. With several clothing and beauty care lines under her black and white belt, seven Grammy nominations, and twenty years with No Doubt, Stefani proves that she doesn’t need to prove anything.