Gwen Stefani: The Sweet Escape

If only this album could be called The Sweet Escape. As it turns out, a more appropriate title is Variations on a Theme of L.A.M.B. In addition to its similarities to L.A.M.B., The Sweet Escape suffers from dual-personalities: Sane and insane. Had the over-produced kitschy tracks been given hooks and more meaningful lyrics, they could have been pulled off. However, if you enjoyed L.A.M.B. and are looking for an encore, this album might be worth a listen.

The first single, "Wind It Up," is the unfortunate love-child of "Hollaback Girl" and The Sound of Music. The yodeling is an interesting addition, but the song as a whole leaves something to be desired, namely, singing. Other atrocities include the "Milkshake"-inspired "Yummy," which even includes the lone sound of a triangle at the end of a line, and "Don't Get It Twisted," which tells us the enlightening tale of Stefani's missed period. However, all of these are eclipsed by "Breaking Up," which includes annoyingly repetitive lyrics, "Show Stopper" style beat, and a hackneyed metaphor in the form of a broken cellular signal.

Where Stefani really offers a "sweet escape" is in the more melancholy synth-infused 80s style ballads such as "Early Winter," "U Started It," and "4 In The Morning." The title track, "The Sweet Escape," is also worthy of note with its light 70s style pop-infused sound.

Given what Stefani has learned as a solo artist, the next natural step would be to return to her roots with No Doubt and create something that sounds fresh and not sold out. The Sweet Escape is not the singer's best effort, but will definitely create buzz, positive or not.