Album Review: Gwen Stefani – Bouquet

Gwen Stefani is no stranger to evolution and adaption. Looking at her career as a whole, starting with No Doubt, she has dabbled in Ska, Punk, Rock, Pop, and every variation in between to massive success. Her first two solo records saw a slew of hits, including the immortalised Hollerback Girl and The Sweet Escape. Now, after a relatively dry spell sprinkled with Christmas records, she returned with the country-tinged Bouquet.

Somebody Else’s kicks things off with immediacy, driving drums and electric guitar hinting at the direction the album is going in. Gwen’s passionate performance no only sells the tune, but shows that she really suits the style. It’s a by-the-book breakup song that stands out with a great mix and well-written lyrics. Title track Bouquet follows, traversing true power ballad territory. It doesn’t shine as brightly as following track Pretty does, but the pair seem to go hand in hand, Gwen singing about being empowered by those around her. The latter is directed at someone in particular, while the former is a group affair. Empty Vase is stripped back somewhat, highlighting the gorgeous melody and excellent acoustic guitar playing. The lyrical themes of flowers re-blooming and being looked after continue here, acting as an effective metaphor for starting again. Marigolds takes this one step further, linking in the country aesthetic to the overarching theme. It brings the record together in a wonderful way, going further than just the songs themselves.

Late To Bloom is another driving track, Gwen singing about the disbelief of meeting someone special so far into being alive. It’s lyrically sweet and instrumentally confident, by the numbers but well executed. Swallow My Tears follows a similar pattern, while Reminders slows things down and brings in the slide guitars and highlighted backing vocals. It melds together into a beautiful late-album highlight. All My Fault breezes past with no real individuality, but closer Purple Irises hits harder than expected. Featuring country star and husband Blake Shelton, Gwen sings of her own mortality. ‘Put me in a vase, but you can’t; you can’t stop time; it’s not 1999; but this face is still mine’. It’s hopeful despite the subject matter, leaving the album on bright and loving note.

Bouquet is a well thought out and brilliantly made record. The understated country sheen manages to hit somewhere between full blown modern country and contemporary pop, Gwen’s voice sitting comfortably in its guitar, bass, and drums surroundings. It’ll most likely be a surprise genre shift for die-hard fans, but it’s an album well worth your time.

Ryan Bulbeck

Writer and Musician, Ryan Bulbeck has been published with a number of online publications, and has worked with a myriad of great artists, both as a performer, and as a producer. His most recent band The 295 are still active, playing shows around the UK.