As the lead singer of the major league 90’s ska band, No Doubt, which was formed by her brother in 1986, the yummy from head to toe superstar, Gwen Stefani, has worn an array of jazzy hats throughout her career in the entertainment industry and ferociously has created an idiosyncratic aesthetic sense which perpetually has the neon soul sticking out like a sore thumb amongst her noteworthy classmates.
Although the ska revival simmered down and Gwen’s spectacular vocal performance in the band’s standout hit that broke airplay records , “Don’t Speak”, will eternally send listeners into a state of heartfelt nostalgia until 4 in the morning when the tears are pourin’, No Doubt released their single’s collection in 2003 and the female rocker took a break from her duties as the frontwoman of the So-Cal band and catapulted into solo stardom the moment her first solo studio album, ‘Love. Angel. Music. Baby.’, was released in 2004 and delivered a far from squeaky clean shift of perspective and sassy touch within the mind of the imaginative, rare personality.
The spunky diva went on to collaborate with heavyweight big shots such as Dr. Dre, Eve and Pharrell over two solo albums that sold over 20 million copies worldwide and had curious minds asking what the flying f**k is a Harajuku girl? The prestigious style icon launched her own fashion brand in 2004 named after her first solo release and has developed a reputation for her flashy, eye-catching wardrobe choices ever since she shamelessly rocked bright white socks with a pair of Mary Janes and sported numerous hairstyles that scream individuality.
The sizzling hot Queen of radical ingenuity has recently released her first solo album in 10 years titled, ‘This Is What the Truth Feels Like’, and quite frankly, the album is an utter disappointment full of bubblegum pop tunes and a variety of hit-making producers interfering with years of cultivated creativity and depth swarming inside of the prolifically dignified powerhouse. Whether it was the spinning red chair from Gwen’s latest endeavor as a superstar judge on NBC’s hit television show, ‘The Voice’, or the practically inevitable shift of mentality that a human being undergoes through age and experience that altered the mind of the pop star icon and influenced an essentially inauthentic delivery full of eye-roll moments, the personal, matchless stamp of Gwen Stefani has shifted into a lack of individuality influencing a torrential mix of unsteady emotions pertaining to her museum of lovers and a hefty, sugary dose of artificial sweetener.
As a typically bias long-term No Doubt and Gwen Stefani devotee, I highly respect the overall wizardry behind the Queen’s phenomenal career and always will, but, although the flamboyantly dolled up diva is literally pushing 50 years old (can you believe it?) and a mother of three children (making excuses), I give Gwen’s latest solo project one-star. You are my spirit animal and your music was once like drugs to me, Gwen; pull me out of my misery and hollaback if you are ever out of the conventional, blinding spotlight and take the pink ribbon off your eyes while getting back in touch with your true, emblematic nature.
