Love, Angel, Music, Baby by Gwen Stefani (CD, Nov-2004, Interscope Records USA)

Hard to describe and hard to classify. And in my opinion, its hard to take seriously and hard enjoy more than once or twice. On "Love, Angel, Music, Baby", Gwen Stefani ditches her band No Doubt to create an album as fragmented as the title. Really the album a staccato collection of music rooted in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s - as well as funk, punk, rap, etc. I'm not sure what Gwen is trying to achieve - but I'll take a guess: musical freedom. Perhaps Gwen used this album as an opportunity to lay tracks and make different, truly pop music without taking it or herself too seriously.

The songs are funky and some are catchy - but, for me, the songs are also short-lived. Gwen and No Doubt made music that still holds its own years later - I doubt tracks like Rich Girl or Hollaback Girl will be remembered in so much as a year. I will assume Gwen enjoyed creating this album because the creativity is obvious - but truthfully, I expected more.

1. What You Waiting For?
2. Rich Girl - Eve
3. Hollaback Girl
4. Cool
5. Bubble Pop Electric
6. Luxurious
7. Harajuku Girls
8. Crash
9. Real Thing
10. Serious
11. Danger Zone
12. Long Way to Go - Andre 3000