The Sweet Escape

[Pachinko]

I know there will be a whole lot of bashing, but I guess it is worth a try.
Hopefully some people are more mature and up for debate (if there was any reason in the first place).
****

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/2116/sweetescapexe3.jpg

Gwen Stefani's sophomore solo album, The Sweet Escape, will be out and about December 2nd. Personally, I'm looking forward to it (as a Gwen fan). At first, I was totally skeptical. When I heard samples of possible tracks, I was almost horrified. They sounded hip-hop oriented, and I was almost about to explode.

Then, I heard samples of "Sweet Escape" and "4 In The Morning"; both songs = pure genius. I, dear God, hope that that is what the album is like.

"Wind It Up"-- Oh my, can I say contagious? At first, I didn't like it, but as time goes on, I grow more into it. The preview for the video (on gwenstefani.com) looks amazing. XD

(the look is very Peggy Lee, but I'm loving it)

I honestly can't wait. :icon_danc

[Mouse]

I can wait.

I only liked two songs off of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and by the sounds of it, I'll like even less from this next album. "Wind it up" sounds horrible. Like circus music.

* Mouse shudders

[Pachinko]

I can wait.

I only liked two songs off of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and by the sounds of it, I'll like even less from this next album. "Wind it up" sounds horrible. Like circus music.

* Mouse shudders

Which two songs, if you don't mind me asking?

And, don't count your hens yet. This album will be totally different (and Gwen herself said it wasn't anything like "Wind It Up") than the last. More intimate and personal. Honestly, she isn't releasing many of the songs that were sampled, and the official tracklisting has some titles I don't recognize.

"Wind It Up" is circus music, silly. That was the whole idea during the tour. :stooges:

[Mouse]

The two songs I like are "What you waiting for?" and "The Real Thing". "Cool" might be a third, but I don't really like the music to it all that well. And that's really my problem with the new direction she's taking, the musical arrangement. Part of me likes it because it reminds me of all the awesomely bad music from the 80's (<3), but then you get the R&B attempts that I really can't seem to get into. Now, she's using circus music and that just gives me nightmares. >.>

With that said, I am not completely writing it off. I've been a fan of hers for too many years not to try it. I just know at most I'll like 2-3 songs. Probably the two you mentioned in your first post. =]

[Pachinko]

The two songs I like are "What you waiting for?" and "The Real Thing". "Cool" might be a third, but I don't really like the music to it all that well. And that's really my problem with the new direction she's taking, the musical arrangement. Part of me likes it because it reminds me of all the awesomely bad music from the 80's (<3), but then you get the R&B attempts that I really can't seem to get into. Now, she's using circus music and that just gives me nightmares. >.>

With that said, I am not completely writing it off. I've been a fan of hers for too many years not to try it. I just know at most I'll like 2-3 songs. Probably the two you mentioned in your first post. =]

I absolutely love those two songs. "WYWF" probably holds the title as 'Best Song Ever' for me, I really love the entire image and sound. I was really worried about it myself, to be honest. I adore Gwen, but perhaps the success with a hip-hopish track like "Hollaback Girl" gave her idea to go into that direction. I really hope not; seeing the titles, it looks like a mixed bag this time. XD

However, it is good that you not write it off completely. If you'd like, here are two videos that give you a taste of the songs I've mentioned. They sound impressive:

The rough demo of "Sweet Escape" during an Akon interview. This video is fan-made:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iiBzNXiIJ5E
A "webisode" that Gwen made. It's about her recording "Four In The Morning". I really like what I hear.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oqk4yFcwhhM
(for some reason, these two songs sound the most "No Doubt" to me. I think that has to do something with why I like 'em)

Maybe that gives a tiny taste of what's possible.

[Mouse]

I do like those two, we'll see how much once I hear them in full (good quality) off the cd. I sampled some other ones that are up on youtube and... yuck. "Breakin' up" is just a mess. Sampling Sound of Music's "My favorite things" was not a good idea. Next to that, "Wind it up" isn't quite so horrid. I also took a look at the track listing posted on her website and it looks like it'll be mostly hip-hop what with most of the tracks being produced by The Neptunes. What intrigues me though, is the two tracks where she collaborated with members of Keane and Depeche Mode. Maybe I'll like a whole FOUR out of twelve off this new one. :XD:

[Erigion]

I laughed out loud when I hear Wind It Up. It's like Fergie's My Humps except more "experimental," so it'll get accolades for sounding different while the lyrics continue to blow giant caulk.

[Pachinko]

"Breakin' up" is just a mess. Sampling Sound of Music's "My favorite things" was not a good idea. Next to that, "Wind it up" isn't quite so horrid. I also took a look at the track listing posted on her website and it looks like it'll be mostly hip-hop what with most of the tracks being produced by The Neptunes. What intrigues me though, is the two tracks where she collaborated with members of Keane and Depeche Mode. Maybe I'll like a whole FOUR out of twelve off this new one. :XD:
I don't like "Breakin' Up" either! Thankfully though, "Wind It Up" changed a great deal from the first sample I heared, so "Breakin' Up" might as well. I'm also hoping that all of her tracks with Pharell aren't hip-hop oriented. I hope that just isn't wishful thinking. And, I'm looking forward to her other collabs (especially the one with Keane!). "Flourescent" might be interesting, because she collaborated with Tony Kanal. And "Wonderful Life" will be too. =]

I laughed out loud when I hear Wind It Up. It's like Fergie's My Humps except more "experimental," so it'll get accolades for sounding different while the lyrics continue to blow giant caulk.
The lyrics aren't to great. But does that really matter? :3huh: Sometimes people need breaks from meaningful songs. It's easy to dance to and it is enjoyable, in its own little way.

PS: I was sure it'd be panned because of its difference...

[Erigion]

The lyrics aren't to great. But does that really matter? :3huh: Sometimes people need breaks from meaningful songs. It's easy to dance to and it is enjoyable, in its own little way.

PS: I was sure it'd be panned because of its difference...It does matter when people say the song is good. A song is good because the instrumentals, vocals, and writing are good and fit together. Just because a song sounds "different" doesn't automatically mean it's good. Woo, it samples a song from The Sound of Music it's awesome! Let's heap praise upon the song!

[Mouse]

I gotta agree with Erig. I certainly don't always need meaningful songs, but the lyrics for "Wind It Up" are just inane. Same reason I hated "Hollaback Girl." Her sh*t is b-a-n-a-n-a-s but not in a good way. At least not enough for this fan to giggle, "Oh Gwen, you so funny!" This sh*t is a gimmick!

G-I-M-M-I-C-K.

[lucky]

I think that's where people really miss the point of music listening. Scene kids who listen to music only to say they listen to it, people who want flavor but find it easier just to settle for filler, generic radio hits that drone on and on.. Music is all expression, but what makes each artist stand out is their ability to express themselves well. It doesn't matter how many CD's they sell, or who endorses them. What matters is just how much of their music is well articulated.

...

I miss No Doubt. Gwen as a Solo act is really burnt out in my opinion. People almost expect these outrageous and different things from her and I expect on this CD, she'll make her music as out there as she can so not to dissapoint. But will it be worth buying, or just more radio candy for the mass media?

[Pachinko]

I don't know. I think the beats and lyrics fit nicely. Not the most perfect, either of them, but they are enjoyable. And enjoyable and good are two totally different things. Inane lyrics make things... interesting. <3

A new webisode just appeared with what appears to be a new song. Maybe it will give you guys more of a taste. All I can say is that I'm already crazy for it:
http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=307738901&channel=44177681

I think this album will put out some more No Doubt-ish songs.

[animanic_critic]

I don't know. I think the beats and lyrics fit nicely. Not the most perfect, either of them, but they are enjoyable. And enjoyable and good are two totally different things. Inane lyrics make things... interesting. <3

A new webisode just appeared with what appears to be a new song. Maybe it will give you guys more of a taste. All I can say is that I'm already crazy for it:
http://www.brightcove.com/title.jsp?title=307738901&channel=44177681

I think this album will put out some more No Doubt-ish songs.
Hmm, I don't know... It looks as if No Doubt's becoming the next Destiny's Child, where the band was at its peak at first, then the lead (for them, it's obviously Beyonce Knowles) runs off to become famous, and then returns to the band where it doesn't seem to be like they were before.

I don't mind Gwen or No Doubt experimenting with inane lyrics and all, but using inane lyrics in song seems mundane to me already. In fact, you know what's NOT mundane? Gwen Stefani/No Doubt writing a song reminiscent to their most famous classic "Don't Speak". Now that's something I want to see but don't get to nowadays...

[Pachinko]

Hmm, I don't know... It looks as if No Doubt's becoming the next Destiny's Child, where the band was at its peak at first, then the lead (for them, it's obviously Beyonce Knowles) runs off to become famous, and then returns to the band where it doesn't seem to be like they were before.

I don't mind Gwen or No Doubt experimenting with inane lyrics and all, but using inane lyrics in song seems mundane to me already. In fact, you know what's NOT mundane? Gwen Stefani/No Doubt writing a song reminiscent to their most famous classic "Don't Speak". Now that's something I want to see but don't get to nowadays...

Times change. I love No Doubt as much as the next girl, but I adore Gwen's solo career, mainly because she now can experiment with different styles. When No Doubt do re-unite, I don't really think that it'll be that different. Tony has been helping Gwen on all of her solo projects thus far, and he is very instrumental in ND as well...

30-second clips were released of each song, and here is my say on 'em:

1. Wind It Up 8/10 (I still like this one, for some reason. =P)
2. The Sweet Escape 9/10 (one of the album's bests)
3. Orange County GIrl 8/10 (it's a pretty good song; catchy)
4. Early Winter 9/10 (probably the best one, hands down)
5. Now That You Got It 7/10 (too hip-hop, but it might grow on me)
6. 4 In The Morning 8/10 ( I think it's sweet)
7. Yummy 7/10 (I think this one will grow on me when I hear the whole thing)
8. Flourescent 8/10 (I can dance to this<3)
9. Breakin' Up 5/10 (my least favourite. Why couldn't they have put 'Candyland' instead?!)
10. Don't Get It Twisted 9/10 (my favourite! This was from the photo shoot. I love it)
11. U Started It 8/10 (I kind of like this one now...)
12. Wonderful Life 9/10 (this sounds like it could be classic No Doubt.)

[Mouse]

Hmm, I don't know... It looks as if No Doubt's becoming the next Destiny's Child, where the band was at its peak at first, then the lead (for them, it's obviously Beyonce Knowles) runs off to become famous, and then returns to the band where it doesn't seem to be like they were before.
Well I wouldn't go so far as to compare them to Destiny's Child... For one because they're well past their peak (1996's Tragic Kingdom), two because No Doubt is more of a collaborative effort than merely harmonizing with Beyonce, and finally, they actually like working together. XD DC on the other hand was doomed from the beginning. It was always all about Beyonce, from management to vocals.

If No Doubt could weather the storm back in the 90's that was the media consistently overshadowing the guys for Gwen (illustarted in the "Don't Speak" video), I think they'll pull through her solo endeavors. Their next album is projected for a 2007-08 release and I really see no reason to consider it as a test of their unity. It's more like back to business as usual after a vacation. They've been together far too long and have evolved together. Just look at their early ska beginnings compared to where they left off in Rock Steady. And as Pachinko pointed out, Gwen is still working with her boys even in her solo projects.

30-second clips were released of each song, and here is my say on 'em:

1. Wind It Up 8/10 (I still like this one, for some reason. =P)
2. The Sweet Escape 9/10 (one of the album's bests)
3. Orange County GIrl 8/10 (it's a pretty good song; catchy)
4. Early Winter 9/10 (probably the best one, hands down)
5. Now That You Got It 7/10 (too hip-hop, but it might grow on me)
6. 4 In The Morning 8/10 ( I think it's sweet)
7. Yummy 7/10 (I think this one will grow on me when I hear the whole thing)
8. Flourescent 8/10 (I can dance to this<3)
9. Breakin' Up 5/10 (my least favourite. Why couldn't they have put 'Candyland' instead?!)
10. Don't Get It Twisted 9/10 (my favourite! This was from the photo shoot. I love it)
11. U Started It 8/10 (I kind of like this one now...)
12. Wonderful Life 9/10 (this sounds like it could be classic No Doubt.)
You can really hear the Depeche Mode and Keane influences in Wonderful Life and Early Winter repsectively. Actually, those two are my favorites so far. But on the whole I agree with what you thought of each song, except I still don't like Wind It Up, and of course, Breakin' Up. Also not too keen on Yummy (or Candyland).

[Pachinko]

The album has leaked. I'm being a good fan and only downloaded two songs (Yummy and Don't Get It Twisted). <3

About No Doubt, I don't think, in any way, that Rock Steady was a bad album. Heck, it's on Rolling Stones list of the best albums of all time. There are plenty of great songs on it. However, No Doubt had never been about commercialism before. And Rock Steady didn't seem to hold the same essence that their prior two albums had. I just think No Doubt should really kill it when they do come back; and probe that Gwen still has what it takes to rock.



You can really hear the Depeche Mode and Keane influences in Wonderful Life and Early Winter repsectively. Actually, those two are my favorites so far. But on the whole I agree with what you thought of each song, except I still don't like Wind It Up, and of course, Breakin' Up. Also not too keen on Yummy (or Candyland).
I think that's why I like those two songs. They have an energy that isn't Gwen's alone. I think they are both pretty amazing. And, after hearing the whole song of "Yummy", I have to say that it is alright. "Don't Get It Twisted" is totally fun and I could imagine it as a single.

Gwen's newest look that has initiated the "Sweet Escape" era. Hot as usual. =3

http://bsonline.trulyobsessed.com/nodoubt/sweetphoto_003.jpg

[Tremolo]

I didn't like Love. Angel. Music. Baby much apart from three tracks, and it's pretty much the same deal with The Sweet Escape. I like 'Wind it Up' (twisted pop genius, seriously), 'Early Winter', 'U Started It' and 'Wonderful Life' - the rest does absolutely nothing for me whatsoever, except maybe 'The Sweet Escape' which might grow on me were it not for the presence of f*cking Akon.

I like Gwen Stefani, I really do, but her musical style since Rock Steady doesn't really agree with me at all. It's just too patchy and inconsistent for my taste.

[Mouse]

I don't think Rock Steady is a bad album either, but it is my least favorite of theirs. It took some time for it to grow on me because it was different than what I was used to from them. Songs like "Don't Let Me Down," "Making Out," and "Running" still get continuous play on my mp3 player though. <3

The Sweet Escape is... growing on me. I was a bad fan and downloaded the entire thing, but this way I may actually buy it where before I would have just d/led one or two songs. :p Most of the songs it seems to depend on my mood if I like them or not. "Early Winter" and "Wonderful Life" are still my two favorites, but I'm really enjoying (off and on) "Flourescent," "Sweet Escape," "U Started It," and "4 in the Morning".

The rest range from meh to eww, but thankfully "Breakin' Up" is different than that clip I heard on youtube which featured a sample of Sound of Music's "My Favorite Things." It still sucks, but at least it doesn't make my ears bleed. :cute

Oh and Pachinko, did you see? "Candyland" has been included as a bonus track along with the original mix of "Wind It Up" (sans yoddling).

[Pachinko]

I don't think Rock Steady is a bad album either, but it is my least favorite of theirs. It took some time for it to grow on me because it was different than what I was used to from them. Songs like "Don't Let Me Down," "Making Out," and "Running" still get continuous play on my mp3 player though. <3

The Sweet Escape is... growing on me. I was a bad fan and downloaded the entire thing, but this way I may actually buy it where before I would have just d/led one or two songs. :p Most of the songs it seems to depend on my mood if I like them or not. "Early Winter" and "Wonderful Life" are still my two favorites, but I'm really enjoying (off and on) "Flourescent," "Sweet Escape," "U Started It," and "4 in the Morning".

The rest range from meh to eww, but thankfully "Breakin' Up" is different than that clip I heard on youtube which featured a sample of Sound of Music's "My Favorite Things." It still sucks, but at least it doesn't make my ears bleed. :cute

Oh and Pachinko, did you see? "Candyland" has been included as a bonus track along with the original mix of "Wind It Up" (sans yoddling).

I adore "Making Out". XD

I think it is also growing on me. At first, I was horrified that Gwen would even try to sing anything "hip-hop". But, I actually like it because she brings her own flavors to the table. 'Yummy' is really interesting when I listen to the whole thing. 'Wonderful Life' and 'Early Winter', from what I heard, are great. I'm refusing to download the entire album, because the experience of popping it in the CD player in the Best Buy parking lot is priceless.

I love 'DGIT' and 'The Sweet Escape' still. Both amazing. 'Breakin' Up' might be an okay-song if I listen to the entire thing. I highly doubt it, but hey, I need to be optimistic. I just downloaded 'Now That You Got It' because I think I need more of it to decide whether I like it or not.

It's hard to tell if the bonus tracks are accurate. Prior to 'Candyland' it was stated that 'Parental Advisory' would be a bonus track. The versions of 'Candyland' that I've heard have done nothing for me. I actually think the track sucks.

[LadyYuina]

I can wait.

I only liked two songs off of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and by the sounds of it, I'll like even less from this next album. "Wind it up" sounds horrible. Like circus music.

* Mouse shudders

Like circus music? That sounds scary...

[laborpilot86]

Gwen's got to get the old band back together. No Doubt were a very good group and all thier albums, especially Return to Saturn were of top quality. The solo thing with Gwen just ain't workin' for, especially considering the help:eek:

[Mouse]

It's hard to tell if the bonus tracks are accurate. Prior to 'Candyland' it was stated that 'Parental Advisory' would be a bonus track. The versions of 'Candyland' that I've heard have done nothing for me. I actually think the track sucks.
Parental Advisory? Well that might still have been referring to 'Candyland' because she drops the f-bomb quite a few times in it. And the song does suck, but I thought you were hoping it would be on the cd because of what you said here:
9. Breakin' Up 5/10 (my least favourite. Why couldn't they have put 'Candyland' instead?!)

Really, Gwen should have taken both tracks off! :rolleyes:

[Pachinko]

Parental Advisory? Well that might still have been referring to 'Candyland' because she drops the f-bomb quite a few times in it. And the song does suck, but I thought you were hoping it would be on the cd because of what you said here:

Really, Gwen should have taken both tracks off! :rolleyes:

In a recent webisode, she was considering taking it off. I was literally screaming. C'mon Gwen!

'Parental Advisory' is a whole different track. I think it was written with Linda Perry about dancers whose dance moves were more suited for strip clubs than dance clubs. It sounds interesting. They also had a song called 'Sparkle'. It was also reported that Gwen had many collabs left over, most including that Depeche Mode guy and Courtney Love. =D

On a side note, I downloaded "Now That You Got It". Oh my, can I say suprised? I actually like this track.

[Saruru-Banu]

I read somewhre that Yummy was the second single. I'm not really happy about this. It's mainly because The Sweet Escape had poor results when it was tested or sometihn. I was hoping for a more poppy single, like Flourescent.

[Pachinko]

I heard the same thing. They've released an instrumental, a single version, and an a capella. The whole 9 yards.

I'm really dissapointed. "Early Winter" would've been perfect. It fits the time of year perfectly, it is much deeper than the current single (I'm not busting WIU or anything) and it's a break from hip-pop. If only sales didn't matter as much as they do.