What makes Cool by Gwen Stefani notable?

Cool received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The title track became emblematic of mid-2000s pop, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to Stefani's status as a fashion and music icon. Released in 2005, Cool marked Gwen Stefani's transition from her No Doubt roots to a successful solo career following her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The album showcases her evolution as an artist while solidifying her presence in the pop landscape.

How many songs are on Cool?

Cool has 3 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Cool

Gwen Stefani · 2005

15 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

A shimmering blend of pop and R&B, layered with lush production and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love and self-acceptance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cool — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and emotional complexity, highlighted by its catchy melody and reflective lyrics.
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Hollaback Girl (Dancehollaback remix by Tony Kanal) — This remix reinvents the original hit with a vibrant dancehall twist, showcasing Stefani's versatility while maintaining the anthem's infectious energy.
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Cool (Photek remix) — The Photek remix reinterprets the original into a darker, more atmospheric sound, highlighting the song’s emotional depth in a fresh context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases solid writing and production but lacks depth in cohesion due to its limited tracklist.

What we noticed

The title track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths and vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape.
The remix tracks introduce different rhythmic elements and production styles, altering the feel of the original song while maintaining its core melody.
The lyrics in 'Cool' reflect introspective themes, using metaphor and imagery to explore personal growth and acceptance.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked the transition to solo success after No Doubt, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: nostalgic longing· emotional complexity· dancehall reinvention
Career context: Released in 2005, Cool marked Gwen Stefani's transition from her No Doubt roots to a successful solo career following her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The album showcases her evolution as an artist while solidifying her presence in the pop landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: No Doubt· FKA twigs· M.I.A.