From becoming the lead singer of ska band No Doubt, to branching off into a solo career, to starting her own fashion line, high-octane frontwoman, Gwen Stefani has always done things her own way. In the early 90s, at the height of grunge, Stefani wasn’t tempted to hit the distortion and scream (like most other bands of the era) but she more than embodied the ethos of ‘grrrl power’ with her lyrical themes and superhuman ability to do push-ups live onstage, without missing a beat.
Gwen Stefani’s ability to interpret the attitude of the times and reflect it back in her own, unique way has always kept her a step ahead in a career that spans three decades. Today, the singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer celebrates her 50th birthday, so we are celebrating her with a look back at some of her best moments.
No Doubt | “Just a Girl” [1995]
Railing against female stereotypes and sexism with one of the catchiest pop-rock singles of the Nineties, "Just a Girl" proved Stefani's own hyperfeminine brand of grrrl power was just as potent as any hard-hitting rock song. Especially when it’s kicked off with a set of push-ups…
No Doubt | “Don't Speak” [Official Music Video] [1995]
"Don't Speak" isn’t just one of No Doubt's best songs, it was one of the biggest songs of the decade. Showing no fear of wearing her heart on her sleeve, the intoxicatingly dramatic ballad tackled the end of a seven-year relationship between Stefani and No Doubt's bassist Tony Kanal.
No Doubt | “Spiderwebs” [Official Video] [1995]
The dark, reggae-infused opener off Tragic Kingdom, “Spiderwebs” takes aim at those who don’t, won’t or can’t take a hint. Stefani flexes her fierce independence with the catchy anthem dedicated to personal space.
No Doubt | “Sunday Morning” [Official Music Video] [1995]
Who would have thought a reggae song about Sunday mornings could pack such an attitude punch! Stefani’s powerhouse vocal is a constant build of raucous energy, right up to the snarling delivery of the final chorus that’s joyous and aching all at once.
No Doubt | “Bathwater” [2000]
No Doubt's "Bathwater" slows down the band’s typically adrenaline-fueled structure and introduces a glossy brass section into the mix as Stefani laments on the romantically enticing idea that love is blind with the kind of dedication we all spend our lives searcing for.
No Doubt | “Simple Kind Of Life” [Official Video] [2000]
"Simple Kind of Life" is easily one of the rawest, saddest songs No Doubt ever released. It cuts deep with its moody and lo-fi undertones and self-confessional lyrics as Stefani explores the inner conflict of wanting a family, but not at the expense of her independence.
Gwen Stefani | “What You Waiting For?” [2004]
And then she went pop! While the eccentric single, “What You Waiting For” was more polished than her past, Stefani wasn't shying away from being real. Instead, she channelled her brazen band persona into the genre and proved that, in the right hands, pop music easily lends itself to a psyche deep dive, exploring all her fears about going solo and overcoming writer's block.
Gwen Stefani | “Cool” [Official Music Video] [2004]
Stefani's "Cool" is a sparkling and heartbreaking look back at perseverance with its ‘time heals’ sentiment in what feels like an epilogue to "Don't Speak," introducing a decade worth of perspective after her break up with No Doubt bassist, Tony Kanal.
Gwen Stefani | “Hollaback Girl” [Official Music Video] [2004]
Thanks to the first two singles off Love. Angel. Music. Baby, Stefani's solo career had already hit the ground running, but the stomping banger "Hollaback Girl" solidified her place at the top. Not backing down on her dedication to her own brand of grrrl power, the semi-ridiculous single that taught everyone how to spell "bananas" was actually a response to Courtney Love calling Stefani a cheerleader.
Celebrate one of the coolest and most original stars on the planet with This Is Gwen Stefani on Spotify:
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