Gwen Stefani released her first solo song in 8 years on Oct. 19.
Stefani returned to her band No Doubt after promoting her second solo album, The Sweet Escape, which was released in 2006. Since then, she has toured and released an album with the band that is currently on a hiatus. Stefani has resumed her solo work, along with taking on the role of a coach on The Voice. With the release of her single “Baby Don’t Lie,” her third solo album is aimed to release in December of this year. It was confirmed earlier this year that Pharrell is accompanying her in the studio.
Rather than opt for another driving song like “Hollaback Girl,” Stefani instead chooses a more mellowed out feel that’s nearly psychedelic. Her voice flows well over the song’s steadfast drum kicks. While it doesn’t scream “comeback,” it’s a decent song that has been generally well received by critics. The lyrics cover some of the same-old concepts we’re a little sick of hearing. For example, she sings, “But there’s something behind those eyes, those eyes/That you can’t, that you can’t disguise.”
My main complaint is that the song isn’t nearly as experimental or authentic as the ones that solidified her stance as a solo artist. Overall, the new single is a good statement for Stefani to claim she’s back in the solo business as long as the remainder of her album branches out.
2.5/5
