Gwen Stefani, the sexy front-woman of the pop-rock band No Doubt, launched her own very successful solo career in 2004 with her first album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Up to that point, however the No Doubt chemistry had already earned Stefani a legion of loyal followers and painted her as a revolutionary rock diva whose taste in fashion and music were as eccentric as any other true rock artist.
She grew up in California and joined the band along with a brother who later left to pursue alternative career options. No Doubt with Stefani’s unique vocal style broke into mainstream popularity in the mid-90s with a string of hits off their album, Tragic Kingdom. The single “Don’t Speak” was one of the most heavily played singles off the album that year. The band’s next most acclaimed album was Rock Steady in 2001 that included the infectious and reggae-infused “Underneath it All.”
Following a number of valuable collaborations, Gwen broke into her own with Love. Angel. Music. Baby, which debuted high in the charts in 2004. Hit singles off the album included “Rich Girl,” “Hollaback Girl,” and “Cool.” The Sweet Escape, her second album, featured artistic collaborations with Linda Perry and Akon and portrays a slightly edgier Stefani. The title track was an instant hit and continues to receive a big chunk of playtime. The song has a bouncy, school-girl swing, while its lyrical underbelly sizzles with bad-girl lyrics. The Sweet Escape Tour kicks off in the first quarter of 2007 and will likely earn international acclaim for the album.
Love. Angel. Music. Baby (2004):
The Sweet Escape (2006):