Released 10 years ago
This Is What the Truth Feels Like
Gwen Stefani · 2016
41 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant blend of pop and R&B, infused with Stefani's signature blend of sass and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Misery Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Make Me Like You — This track showcases an upbeat, infectious energy while capturing the struggle of wanting love despite past heartaches. Its catchy chorus represents the album's overall theme of resilience.
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Used to Love You — Here, Stefani confronts raw emotions tied to her past relationship, blending vulnerability with a strong melody that resonates with listeners. The song stands as a powerful anthem of moving forward.
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Truth — In this introspective track, Stefani articulates her quest for honesty and self-acceptance after personal turmoil. Its poignant lyrics encapsulate the essence of the album's narrative journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances upbeat and introspective tracks but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness overall.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent pop-R&B blend, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, engaging listening sessions
- emotional storytelling and reflection
- playful, upbeat energy bursts
- dynamic vocal performances
- catchy hooks and melodies
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — First solo album in over a decade, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
- Themes
- divorce aftermath· self-acceptance journey· heartbreak resilience
- Career context
- This Is What the Truth Feels Like marks Gwen Stefani's first solo album in over a decade, following her 2006 release, The Sweet Escape. At this point in her career, she was navigating personal upheaval, including her high-profile divorce from Gavin Rossdale, which deeply influenced the album's lyrical themes.
Tracklist
- 1 Misery Start here 3:26
- 2 You’re My Favorite 2:56
- 3 Where Would I Be? 3:18
- 4 Make Me Like You 3:36
- 5 Truth 3:34
- 6 Used to Love You 3:47
- 7 Send Me a Picture 3:35
- 8 Red Flag 3:20
- 9 Asking 4 It 3:30
- 10 Naughty 3:07
- 11 Me Without You 3:33
- 12 Rare 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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