This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani - Album Review

   ★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5

   For a woman who has been on the music scene for an impressive 25 years (No Doubt was officially signed to Interscope Records in 1991), genre chameleon Gwen Stefani sure has proved her worth in more ways than one. From her successful run fronting American rock band No Doubt to collecting six Top 40 singles and two Top 5 albums as a solo artist, Stefani has effortlessly reinvented her sound and style, while staying true to her quirky persona.

   After a decade-long, impatient wait - we will look past the releases of "Baby Don't Lie" and "Spark The Fire" for now - Stefani's anticipated third solo studio album This Is What the Truth Feels Like marks a departure for the confident, rebellious rock/pop artist we grew to know in the 90s and early 00s. Instead of an album packed with eccentric production and bold, amusing lyrical content, the artist uses personal life experiences to build a connection with devoted fans.

   Preceded by the heartbreaking "Used To Love You" and the overly adorable "Make Me Like You", the new album sheds light on Stefani's publicized divorce from husband Gavin Rossdale, her scandalous relationship with country artist Blake Shelton, but also makes sure to focus some necessary attention on Stefani's ability to still want to have fun even during the trying times. While not all tracks can be considered pop gold, the highs on the album are so high, they mask the bad aftertaste of a few unfortunate duds.

   With the help of frequent songwriting collaborators Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels, the album opens with current promotional single (probable future third single) "Misery", an upbeat song of optimism where Stefani cautiously looks forward to a life of happiness with a new flame after finally overcoming the hurt from a previous broken relationship. From the slightly vulnerable vocal performance to the addictive hook comparing love to drugs, the opening track does its job.

   "You're My Favorite" may very well become a fan favorite as well. From the video game-like synth intro to the childish feelings of finding the one you're meant to be with, the track highlights the artist's bubbly personality while providing a radio-ready hook that could easily dominate airwaves. "The way you kissed me wasn't typical, take me out of my body, something spiritual," Stefani details about her first encounter with a new lover. It's a sugary, heartfelt addition to a personal album.

   Just as on her previous albums, Stefani dabbles in the reggae genre once again for the endearing "Where Would I Be?". With a backing beat that would not sound out of place on a No Doubt record, the artist plays the part of a lovesick teenage, seemingly lost without her man's affection. Never one to follow the recording rules, just when you think the track is a solid mid-tempo, Stefani comes out of nowhere with a trademark chant, adding another layer to the progression and flow.

   The refreshing, retro-pop second single "Make Me Like You" was a vast departure from its somber predecessor, it terms of sound and premise. While Stefani was regretting the idea of a relationship previously, she now seems to be embracing the idea of love this time around with Shelton, jumping in head first, but not without her reservations. With roots in the pop, disco and rock genres, the track transports listeners back to a carefree time of unconditional love and reckless behavior.

   Not only does "Truth" gives us the album's title inspiration, but it also gives us Stefani at her rawest and happiest, aided by simple production and an emotive vocal performance that becomes a genuine highlight. "But maybe I deserve this boy after all that I've been through, how can all of this be true?," the artist asks of all the joyous feelings that come with being in a relationship that seems like the perfect fit. With a personal touch, it becomes a relatable piece of adult contemporary pop.

   Reminiscent of her more sentimental past offerings, "Used To Love You" is an emotional and convincing heartbreaker where the artist shares details of a now defunct relationship. The ballad steered far away from the reggae/hip-hop influences, instead focusing on personal songwriting and a compelling vocal performance. From the depressing tone of lonely piano keys on the intro to the minimal overall production and a sense of pain in the artist's vocal delivery, the sincere ballad reignited the album's creative process.

   Until recently, Stefani's love life has not been the same tabloid-selling frenzy many other celebrities have experienced, so to hear the artist seduce and tease on "Send Me A Picture" is an exploration of new territory. The island vibe of the mid-tempo offering sounds like a throwback Stefani offering somehow transported and modernized for 2016. Witnessing the blossoming puppy love between Stefani and Shelton, the song becomes a fun, honest piece of pop highlighting the sexting craze.

   On "Red Flag", we get the trademark hip-hop vibes of Stefani's previous two albums as the artist heeds the warning signs signaling the demise of a current relationship. However, while it may be nice for some to hear Stefani going back to her roots, the song creates an unpleasant disconnect in the album's progression. "Big mistake, red flags fly, right here, but I close my eyes, carelessly, I let it slide," she sings on the chorus, the only redeeming quality of the chaotic offering.

   We all know why collaborations happen, to try and secure a potential radio hit. Stefani teams up with rising rap star Fetty Wap for "Asking 4 It", a track that tries to seek an explanation as to why someone would want to be with the troubled artist. However, with its dated trap influences, an incoherent verse from the featured guest and the lack of any real vocal chemistry, the track ultimately becomes a prime example of collaborations that should have never seen the light of day.

   Possibly for a sense of nostalgia, the fast-paced, scandalous "Naughty" send listeners back to the days of Stefani's debut solo album. The track features the biggest dose of the artist's uncontrollable energy and attitude as she playfully disciplines her man for some bad behavior. Not only is the infectious production all over the place, a positive aspect this time around, but so is Stefani's vocal styling which incorporates some suggestive "oh my gods" and sighs into the overfilled mix.

   After feeling defeated and helpless on similar tracks that placed a cruel spotlight on her divorce, Stefani finds strength on the somewhat revengeful "Me Without You". For those listeners going through a similar experience, they will find comfort in the empowering, authentic songwriting as Stefani snaps back at her former lover, saying her star is now shining brighter without him in her life. "Oh, you're fading so fast, I can hardly see ya when I look back, now I'm me without you" she sings.

   For the closing track "Rare", Stefani once again puts her heart on the line as she tells her new love (presumably Shelton) just why he's so special to her. Apparently, her current man is so perfect, she'd be stupid to give him up. With minimal production, the mid-tempo ballad highlights every positive of the new album. With effective, revealing songwriting that hits close to home and a delicate vocal performance, Stefani talks about her relationship without ever crossing the line of overkill.

   Opted for the deluxe edition? Smart choice. "Rocketship" is a thrilling, finger-snapping ode to Stefan and her crew's awesomeness that plays out as a leftover offering from her debut album. The artists plays out her perfect romantic scenario on "Getting Warmer", a highlight that starts off as a ballad only to transform into something much more alluring. "Obsessed" informs listeners that Stefani's not really falling in love, just possibly using a man to satisfy her desires over a bass-heavy beat that would sound great on the radio. Finally, "Splash" returns to the thrilling feeling of diving into a new relationship head first without any worries. With a mix of electronic beats and horns, the song becomes a captivating number.

   This Is What the Truth Feels Like comes ten years after Gwen Stefani's last full length solo outing and following a few initial promotion setbacks and a completely revamped story to tell. Die hard fans may have been hoping to hear the same outlandish beats and premises of the artist's first two albums, unfortunately there's no Fiddler on the Roof samples or crazy, unnecessary yodeling this time around, and that's a good thing. When she tries to relive the early days with a commendable hip-hop sound, the songs stick out for all the wrong reasons. She's stronger and more focused when her performances remain elegant, controlled and fueled by either her disappointment or adoration for the men in her life. The record comes off as an honest form of self-therapy, maybe that's thanks to the work of Trantner and Michaels, but ultimately it seems Stefani's heart made its way into the production.

Tracks to Hear: "You're My Favorite", "Truth", "Used To Love You", "Naughty", "Me Without You" and all four bonus tracks.