The First Listen: Gwen Stefani - This is What the Truth Feels Like #ThisIsWhatTheTruthFeelsLike #GwenO2O

What are your favorite songs about? Happy times and falling in love? Or do you prefer to sit down and listen to tales of betrayal and heartache? With Gwen Stefani's new album This is What the Truth Feels Like, you will get the best of both.

I've been a fan of Stefani since her No Doubt days, so I was happy to have the opportunity to review her latest album. What fans will notice first about this album is that it is much more grown up than her first two solo releases—that isn't to say that the previous albums were juvenile, because they both have musical complexities that are far beyond typical dance pop. What I'm talking about is a sense of maturity in this new album that opens up much more on a personal level while still giving fans what they want—great music with a range of tempos that you can chill out to or dance to, depending on what you're feeling that day.

The album starts off with “Misery” which is an expression of suffering and rolling with the punches. This track is one of my favorites and reminds me of a classic Gwen Stefani track. As the album continues, another one of my favorites is “You're My Favorite” which goes through all of those twists and turns of life lessons to realize what you really want in life.

But not all of the tracks are about loved lost. Stefani also includes a number of tracks that explore the idea of new love, such as “Where Would I Be?”, “Make Me Like You”, “Truth” and “Send Me a Picture” to name a few.

If you are looking for something that reminds you of the more upbeat, fun pop that Stefani is known for (think “Bubble Pop Electric” or “Yummy”), my #1 favorite on this album is “Naughty”--it's a get-up-and-shake-it kind of track. It's still working with the theme of losing love and betrayal, but it's done in a way that makes you want to smile knowing that the subject of the song's going to realize the power of karma.

Fans of Gwen Stefani won't be able to get enough of this album. Those who haven't discovered her solo work will find a number of tracks that they can enjoy. If you want to go out and get your own copy of This is What the Truth Feels Like, you can purchase it now from iTunes or Target (this version includes four bonus tracks). You also have the opportunity to get your hands on special bundles from Gwen's website, but those are limited so you'll want to act quick. 

 

Want even more? Make sure to follow Gwen Stefani on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

*I participated in this sponsored album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided the album to review but all opinions are my own.

The First Listen: Harry Connick Jr. THAT WOULD BE ME #thatwouldbeme #O2O

On October 23, Harry Connick Jr. will be releasing his new album, That Would Be Me. I was lucky enough to get an early listen. Here are some of my thoughts on the album.

This album starts out with a surprising, upbeat tune "Smile." It's surprising because I'm used to listening to Connick's slower, soulful tunes. Although this track seems different from what I've heard before from this artist, it was really good. It seems like a fun track that can be danced to and something that can lift any mood.



After the first track, the songs settle into that slower soul that you've come to expect from this artist. The songs are great easy listening when you want to relax and enjoy good music with a combination of R&B, a little jazz and engaging lyrics.



My favorite track of the album is "Songwriter" because it is a great unrequited love song. It is a little more upbeat like the first track, but the lyrics are still what you would expect from this artist. 

Overall, this album is what fans would expect from Harry Connick Jr.--simply great music. But this album definitely has the potential of reaching many more who have yet to become fans with it's easy listening.



If you want to check out That Would Be Me, it will be released October 23. You can get it from iTunes or Amazon.

I participated in the That Would Be Me album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.