One of the most recognized names in Pop music, Gwen Stefani, has been on a fascinating, unexpected journey. Beginning back in 1986 with the selling Pop Punk band No Doubt, Stefani’s following is often split into two groups – those who adore No Doubt and others who followed her onto her solo career. Interchangeable since most fans respect both sides of Stefani, it is difficult to forget the impact of No Doubt’s 1995 album Tragic Kingdom with songs like “Just a Girl” and crossover hit “Don’t Speak.” Some could see this as a turning point for Stefani and No Doubt, who went on to big success with 2000’s Return to Saturn and 2001’s Rock Steady before eventually hiatus in 2004.
From here, Stefani began to work solo of No Doubt, experimenting with different sounds that would eventually turn into her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. released later in 2004. Now, twenty years after that, No Doubt has been reunited for a period between 2009 and 2015, before again in early 2024, and Stefani has built an amazing standalone solo career. In fact, amidst a busy schedule as a musician and fashion designer, she has managed to put out five solo albums… including the most recent, Bounqet.
Her first solo album since 2017’s You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Bouquet, arrived on November 15, 2024, through Interscope Records, and with much anticipation. Many speculated which direction Stefani would go with the music, but it was soon realized that Bouquet has a much more Country-Pop vibe. Marking an artistic shift from the straight-up modern Pop sensation of 2016’s This Is What the Truth Feels Like, the songs come across as genuine and feel quite organic. With that said, Stefani recorded a good portion of the songs with a full live band at Smoakstack Studios alongside award-winning Producer Scott Hendricks.
It lasts a little over thirty minutes, features ten songs, and many flower- or bouquet-related titles. An interesting concept, Stefani begins on an upbeat Heartland Rock-driven rhythmic note with the album’s lead single, “Somebody Else’s.” Directly after, the title track, “Bouquet,” continues to be catchy yet smooth, all while featuring dreamy melodies that will definitely touch your heart.
Later on, “Pretty” and “Empty Vase” are melodic, romantic yet melancholic tracks. While “Marigolds” and “Late To Bloom” offer easygoing vibes, “Reminders” and the single “Swallow My Tears” both have a slightly sad sound, while “All Your Fault” settles old scores. Looking at the latter, it is a deeply thoughtful track with an extremely honest tone that certainly gets underneath your skin. This leads to the closing song, “Purple Irises,” which features Stefani’s husband, Blake Shelton. Initially released in February, it is an empowering way to end Bouquet with positive energy.
Overall, Gwen Stefani is a living legend in the eyes of many girls out there. Often looked at as a form of inspiration, Bouquet is a great Soft Rock album that will surely please fans all around the world. It is an album about heartache, heartbreak, and newfound love. Focusing on the beauty within and not sulking in sadness is why Cryptic Rock gives Bouquet 5 out of 5 stars.
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