L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani
Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

Hey, did you know Gwen Stefani has her own clothing line? If you didn't, I would really recommend listening to her debut solo record because she will remind you about it ad nauseam, even going as far as to name the album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. after the aforementioned LAMB clothing line. Now, all venting on that matter aside, let's get down to the business of breaking down the actual music.

Upon first hearing of a Gwen Stefani solo record, it's easy to imagine that the music will play like every other No Doubt record, since most people tend to think that No Doubt is Gwen Stefani. A "solo record" for her is more of a name change than it is an attempt to diversify herself as a musician. In reality, that assumption is only half true. Stefani could have released this record under the No Doubt moniker and few people would have noticed drum machines replacing Adrian Young or studio musicians filling in for bassist Tony Kanal. All they would have noticed about the record is that it's more of a classic dance record than anything else No Doubt has done.

And therein lies the difference, Stefani uses her solo stage to seize on the progressive synth-oriented direction of her day job and runs with it full force, creating a hybrid of 80's dance music, contemporary hip-hop and even some J-Pop. L.A.M.B. is a great dance record, full of infectious beats and confectionary lyrical topics like cars, fashion, money and guys. The woman that once sang "Just A Girl" and inspired a legion of 12 year olds to run around in tank tops and Hindu jewelry has completed her 180-degree turn. Stefani has embraced a materialistic lifestyle that makes you wonder if she even remembers her days of two-stepping in small clubs to an audience of kids in checkered suspenders and jeff caps.

Whether or not Gwen has any connection left to her ska roots, she has established a sound that is just far enough removed from what No Doubt would do to justify calling the record a solo effort. Out of L.A.M.B.'s 12 tracks, Stefani mines out about seven or eight that really stay with you. Of course, when you're hiring collaborators like Dr. Dre, The Neptunes, Andre 3000 and Linda Perry, you would have to be a sonic leper not to come out with at least a couple decent singles. The only question that remains now is, if Gwen can find her own way outside of No Doubt, will she bother to find her way back?

Slade Bracey