Nellee Hooper Featuring Gwen Stefani
The past few weeks has been an explosion of commercial releases for popular culture, not to mention the end for many sitcoms that have become integral influences upon the 'watercooler' scene at many workplaces. Kylie Minogue has released, what has been called 'the best greatest hits compilation ever' featuring 33 of her greatest hits. Destiny's Child has released their reunion album, blatently titled 'Destiny Fulfilled'. Subtle. Single releases by Nelly & Christina Aguilera, Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan, Kylie Minogue, U2, Dannii Minogue, Kelis, Guy Sebastian, Gwen Stefani and Tammin (Home and Away, don't even go there) have all created interesting movement on the ARIA singles chart. Trying to keep on top of all these releases, and their level of success is a harrowing task for a pop culture enthusiast.
One of the most exciting and anticipated releases of the year has been the solo venture by No Doubt lead singer, Gwen Stefani, which was dropped into stores last week. Titled 'Love, Angel, Music, Baby' (the same name as her new clothing label) the record sees some of todays most respected and over-used producers and writers become a spring board for Stefani's own musical expression.
The lead single 'What You Waiting For?', also kicks off the album. A pop song not to be messed with, it's gyrating hook and incredibly Kylie-Can't-Get-You-Out-Of-My-Head-esque bassline, may win this tune a spot up there with the classics of the past decade: Britney Spears - Baby One More Time, Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Christina Aguilera - Dirrty, Beyonce - Crazy In Love.
Even though the album has numerous genre-differing producers, the album as a package is obviously eclectic although still having an underlying theme and style. Stefani makes repeated reference to her own fashion label, Vivienne Westwood and Harajuku (a conceptualised style that Japanese girls seem to have undertaken). According to every second song, Gwen believes that these girls have 'wicked style'. Hold that thought Gwen. Hold that thought.
On the first listen, the album seems disoriented and messy. Tracks such as the 'Cheerleader' inspired 'Hollaback Girl', produced by the Neptunes, knock out the listener within 4 minutes with thumping lyrics such as 'this shit is bananas!/B-A-N-A-N-A-S!'. Deep, I know.
Overall, the album is a keeper. There is a great need to hear the album more than once in order to gain everything that the record offers since it is so overwhelming the first time. For a first attempt at a record, Stefani comes off a bit too manufactured. Especially when the point of her leaving No Doubt was in order for her to express herself. There is just too must emphasis on the production.
One of the most exciting and anticipated releases of the year has been the solo venture by No Doubt lead singer, Gwen Stefani, which was dropped into stores last week. Titled 'Love, Angel, Music, Baby' (the same name as her new clothing label) the record sees some of todays most respected and over-used producers and writers become a spring board for Stefani's own musical expression.
The lead single 'What You Waiting For?', also kicks off the album. A pop song not to be messed with, it's gyrating hook and incredibly Kylie-Can't-Get-You-Out-Of-My-Head-esque bassline, may win this tune a spot up there with the classics of the past decade: Britney Spears - Baby One More Time, Kylie Minogue - Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Christina Aguilera - Dirrty, Beyonce - Crazy In Love.
Even though the album has numerous genre-differing producers, the album as a package is obviously eclectic although still having an underlying theme and style. Stefani makes repeated reference to her own fashion label, Vivienne Westwood and Harajuku (a conceptualised style that Japanese girls seem to have undertaken). According to every second song, Gwen believes that these girls have 'wicked style'. Hold that thought Gwen. Hold that thought.
On the first listen, the album seems disoriented and messy. Tracks such as the 'Cheerleader' inspired 'Hollaback Girl', produced by the Neptunes, knock out the listener within 4 minutes with thumping lyrics such as 'this shit is bananas!/B-A-N-A-N-A-S!'. Deep, I know.
Overall, the album is a keeper. There is a great need to hear the album more than once in order to gain everything that the record offers since it is so overwhelming the first time. For a first attempt at a record, Stefani comes off a bit too manufactured. Especially when the point of her leaving No Doubt was in order for her to express herself. There is just too must emphasis on the production.
posted by Christopher at
11:04 PM
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