album Gwen Stefani - 'Bouquet'

[skwonderfactory]

6 minutes ago, vipanonymous said:

TIWTTFL is really underrated.

Thank you for the review @skwonderfactory, do you think the vibe of the album is more country or pop/punk? In some way the preview of Swallow My Tears got me worried all tracks would sound similar.

Overall, it's mostly pop-rock with punk elements throughout. The closest we get to "country" on the album are "Empty Vase" and "Purple Irises", the former because it has a bit more of a twangy acoustic guitar. "Reminders" will probably be called country by some because of the melody but it's far from it.

[Dark Miracles]

Those snippets of lyrics sound really promising

[GwennyGwenGwen]

Curious which songs you think would have the most mass appeal/make sense as singles @skwonderfactory? Not that i think anything is going to be a hit at this point haha, but just curious!

[sk8erfan]

1 hour ago, skwonderfactory said:

Alright, so as I have previously mentioned, I am fortunate to have early access to this album. Full review in the spoiler tag below...

 

  Reveal hidden contents

1. "Somebody Else's": We all know this song and it is definitely a great one! It feels like a proper album opener and the lyrics are pretty solid. 8/10

 

2. "Bouquet": Well, well, the title track. It features an overarching theme of growth using lyrics like "Clouds are like miracles / Appearin' overhead, but raining when you need some peace" and "You go on pickin' the petals and I'll just smile". Basically it's about coming with terms the fact is that you might not need someone to make you happy and it's better if you go your separate ways becuase she doesn't need a bouquet. Sonically, it's similar to "Somebody Else's" but features more prominent bass. 7.5/10

 

3. "Pretty": Whew!!! The lyrics on this one are a DAMN SERVE!! "Memories are sentimental 'cause we're not who we used to be / Sometimes you lose, sometimes you weep as it creeps / Through the backyards on common ground, we do not stand / Oh my, there is coincidence and then there is circumstance". It has a certain groove to it but it also sounds kinda dark and myserteous (?)! This is for sure one of my favorites on the record. 9.5/10

 

4. "Empty Vase": Mmm... I understand the concept, but like, I find this song to be a bit boring, truth be told. It's entirely built off of acoustic guitar—which is fine—but it sort of goes nowhere. Also, the outro will definitely catch you off guard the first time because she starts whispering and it's very intimate. 7/10

 

5. "Marigolds": Okay, VOCALS!!!! She is singing her a*s off here, especially in the final chorus. "Watch me die a little bit each time I come alive". This could have used a bridge but it's one of the tracks that stands out sonically. It's almost reggae but also kind of punk-ish at the same time. 8/10 

 

6. "Late To Bloom": I truly appreciate Gwen diving into the subject matters she does on the song. It's basically about it being too late to realize what you had and/or being emotionally mature enough to fully appreciate someone, but they're already gone. "Maybe I'll see you in the next lifetime, maybe I won't / But first a little pit stop to catch a few rays of sunshine / I say see you at noon, but I'm always late to bloom". The production here is very Rock Steady No Doubt vibes. A highlight! 9/10

 

7. "Swallow My Tears": So, she posted a snippet of this on her social media and I honestly think she's kinda deceiving y'all. The song builds throughout, and at the final chorus, there's a "drop" with full on production that's comparable to "Guilty as Sin?" by Taylor Swift. It is a bit repetitive, but the bridge is one of the best moments on the album; she kind of sounds chaotic, but like panicked too, and it works ssooo well. 8.5/10

 

8. "Reminders": For sure, this is the most sentimental song on the album. It's got this early 2000's acoustic pop ballad vibe to it (think Nelly Furtado or even "Don't Speak" by No Doubt themselves). "I saved you a seat / Just like how you gave my heart a beat". 8/10

 

9. "All Your Fault": Well, if you like "Naughty" from This Is What the Truth Feels Like, you'll enjoy this. It has a very similar vocal style and even some quirky-ish lyrics. I am surprised Diane Warren wrote this one by herself because there are most definitely some signature Stefani lines in here like "Was pretty sure I ran out of power / But you got me lit every single hour" and "And I'll never be the same / Won't catch me taking the blame / Ahhh, it's all your fault!". Overall, I think this is a fun track but it's placement on the album is odd. 7.5/10

 

10. "Purple Irises" (featuring Blake Shelton): I suppose this works as a closer, but it feels a bit like an afterthought.... Truly, the song itself is fine but I believe it's supposed to make you feel nostalgic and I just feel relief (?). Maybe that's just me, who knows. 7.5/10

 

As a whole, I believe Bouquet is a pretty strong body of work by Gwen Stefani. It's a confident, self-assured put together collection of 10 nice tracks. I know I'm in the minority here but I still believe This Is What the Truth Feels Like is her strongest album to-date. But for those looking for something completely different, Bouquet is for you, bar elements of "All Your Fault". This album feels like it will age really well over time and I hope we get another No Doubt album in the feature because this is absolutely the closest we have gotten to one as a solo Gwen project.

 

@GwennyGwenGwen I know you've been anticipating this so I tagged you .

You're iconic for this!!  (and other moments ok this forum  ) Thank youuu, now I'm hyped!

[skwonderfactory]

6 minutes ago, GwennyGwenGwen said:

Curious which songs you think would have the most mass appeal/make sense as singles @skwonderfactory? Not that i think anything is going to be a hit at this point haha, but just curious!

Hhmmm, well it would be amazing if she did get a hit but at least she has her core fanbase like you. I think "Reminders" could go viral if people are feeling nostalgic or perhaps "Pretty" on TikTok with some of its shady-ish dark lines. Like people could lip sync to it or try to speculate who she is singing about. I actually think "Somebody Else's" is probably the best overall choice for the lead single. Where is the music video though??!!??!!

[Afterglow]

The review got me a little more excited, but it sounds like TIWTTFL will still be her best album

[GwennyGwenGwen]

1 hour ago, skwonderfactory said:

Hhmmm, well it would be amazing if she did get a hit but at least she has her core fanbase like you. I think "Reminders" could go viral if people are feeling nostalgic or perhaps "Pretty" on TikTok with some of its shady-ish dark lines. Like people could lip sync to it or try to speculate who she is singing about. I actually think "Somebody Else's" is probably the best overall choice for the lead single. Where is the music video though??!!??!!

thank you!! ugh the lack of a video is so frustrating...she's alluded to Interscope not being very supportive through the whole process of this album. Also, are there any true ballads on the album? 

[CVNT]

The title sounds funny in portuguese 🐟 ⚽️ 🐈‍⬛

[camilacabelloslaps]

I liked true babe and wish she followed that sound more 

[GwennyGwenGwen]

new clip! which song is this @skwonderfactory 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBSGJSsRWaU/

[skwonderfactory]

2 hours ago, GwennyGwenGwen said:

new clip! which song is this @skwonderfactory 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBSGJSsRWaU/

That's the ending of first pre-chorus into the first chorus for "Swallow My Tears". Yesterday's was the first chorus and ended jjst before the second verse starts, so if you play this first and then that, one you can start to get a clear idea of the song.

 

I'm assuming this is going to be promotional single since we have two snippets now!

[GwennyGwenGwen]

10 hours ago, skwonderfactory said:

That's the ending of first pre-chorus into the first chorus for "Swallow My Tears". Yesterday's was the first chorus and ended jjst before the second verse starts, so if you play this first and then that, one you can start to get a clear idea of the song.

 

I'm assuming this is going to be promotional single since we have two snippets now!

Thank you!!

 

Edited October 19 by GwennyGwenGwen

[xokuba]

Apple Music is updated with animated cover

[durrss]

1 hour ago, xokuba said:

Apple Music is updated with animated cover

they really thought they ate that

 

[chosensparkles]

19 hours ago, skwonderfactory said:

Alright, so as I have previously mentioned, I am fortunate to have early access to this album. Full review in the spoiler tag below...

 

  Hide contents

1. "Somebody Else's": We all know this song and it is definitely a great one! It feels like a proper album opener and the lyrics are pretty solid. 8/10

 

2. "Bouquet": Well, well, the title track. It features an overarching theme of growth using lyrics like "Clouds are like miracles / Appearin' overhead, but raining when you need some peace" and "You go on pickin' the petals and I'll just smile". Basically it's about coming with terms the fact is that you might not need someone to make you happy and it's better if you go your separate ways becuase she doesn't need a bouquet. Sonically, it's similar to "Somebody Else's" but features more prominent bass. 7.5/10

 

3. "Pretty": Whew!!! The lyrics on this one are a DAMN SERVE!! "Memories are sentimental 'cause we're not who we used to be / Sometimes you lose, sometimes you weep as it creeps / Through the backyards on common ground, we do not stand / Oh my, there is coincidence and then there is circumstance". It has a certain groove to it but it also sounds kinda dark and myserteous (?)! This is for sure one of my favorites on the record. 9.5/10

 

4. "Empty Vase": Mmm... I understand the concept, but like, I find this song to be a bit boring, truth be told. It's entirely built off of acoustic guitar—which is fine—but it sort of goes nowhere. Also, the outro will definitely catch you off guard the first time because she starts whispering and it's very intimate. 7/10

 

5. "Marigolds": Okay, VOCALS!!!! She is singing her a*s off here, especially in the final chorus. "Watch me die a little bit each time I come alive". This could have used a bridge but it's one of the tracks that stands out sonically. It's almost reggae but also kind of punk-ish at the same time. 8/10 

 

6. "Late To Bloom": I truly appreciate Gwen diving into the subject matters she does on the song. It's basically about it being too late to realize what you had and/or being emotionally mature enough to fully appreciate someone, but they're already gone. "Maybe I'll see you in the next lifetime, maybe I won't / But first a little pit stop to catch a few rays of sunshine / I say see you at noon, but I'm always late to bloom". The production here is very Rock Steady No Doubt vibes. A highlight! 9/10

 

7. "Swallow My Tears": So, she posted a snippet of this on her social media and I honestly think she's kinda deceiving y'all. The song builds throughout, and at the final chorus, there's a "drop" with full on production that's comparable to "Guilty as Sin?" by Taylor Swift. It is a bit repetitive, but the bridge is one of the best moments on the album; she kind of sounds chaotic, but like panicked too, and it works ssooo well. 8.5/10

 

8. "Reminders": For sure, this is the most sentimental song on the album. It's got this early 2000's acoustic pop ballad vibe to it (think Nelly Furtado or even "Don't Speak" by No Doubt themselves). "I saved you a seat / Just like how you gave my heart a beat". 8/10

 

9. "All Your Fault": Well, if you like "Naughty" from This Is What the Truth Feels Like, you'll enjoy this. It has a very similar vocal style and even some quirky-ish lyrics. I am surprised Diane Warren wrote this one by herself because there are most definitely some signature Stefani lines in here like "Was pretty sure I ran out of power / But you got me lit every single hour" and "And I'll never be the same / Won't catch me taking the blame / Ahhh, it's all your fault!". Overall, I think this is a fun track but it's placement on the album is odd. 7.5/10

 

10. "Purple Irises" (featuring Blake Shelton): I suppose this works as a closer, but it feels a bit like an afterthought.... Truly, the song itself is fine but I believe it's supposed to make you feel nostalgic and I just feel relief (?). Maybe that's just me, who knows. 7.5/10

 

As a whole, I believe Bouquet is a pretty strong body of work by Gwen Stefani. It's a confident, self-assured put together collection of 10 nice tracks. I know I'm in the minority here but I still believe This Is What the Truth Feels Like is her strongest album to-date. But for those looking for something completely different, Bouquet is for you, bar elements of "All Your Fault". This album feels like it will age really well over time and I hope we get another No Doubt album in the feature because this is absolutely the closest we have gotten to one as a solo Gwen project.

 

@GwennyGwenGwen I know you've been anticipating this so I tagged you .

oh my such an amazing review, I have high hopes for this album, TIWTTFL deserves its flowers

[Afterglow]

She should really release a new single with a video the day before or the day the album comes out. 

[ozlovezashlee]

5 hours ago, GwennyGwenGwen said:

Thank you!!

 

LOVEEEE

[xokuba]

Two songs comes out MIDNIGHT

 

 

[GwennyGwenGwen]

Pretty seems to be a stand out for a lot of the people that have heard this early. I know it was for you too @skwonderfactory...how would describe the genre of it? Or any other songs you might compare it to? thanks! (or just anything else you'd like to share about it!)

[skwonderfactory]

4 hours ago, GwennyGwenGwen said:

Pretty seems to be a stand out for a lot of the people that have heard this early. I know it was for you too @skwonderfactory...how would describe the genre of it? Or any other songs you might compare it to? thanks! (or just anything else you'd like to share about it!)

Well, I actually already got some backlash/in "trouble" ("Misery" who?) for saying what I did so it's best to not say anything right now about unreleased material. What I can confirm is the version of "Swallow My Tears" I have is different from the one she released digitally. In mine, the full production doesn't kick in until the final chorus and only builds slightly for the second pre-chorus and chorus. I believe this is the version that is going to be pressed to vinyl and maybe even CD. If not, I will l**k it myself after the album is officially out.

[GwennyGwenGwen]

4 hours ago, skwonderfactory said:

Well, I actually already got some backlash/in "trouble" ("Misery" who?) for saying what I did so it's best to not say anything right now about unreleased material. What I can confirm is the version of "Swallow My Tears" I have is different from the one she released digitally. In mine, the full production doesn't kick in until the final chorus and only builds slightly for the second pre-chorus and chorus. I believe this is the version that is going to be pressed to vinyl and maybe even CD. If not, I will l**k it myself after the album is officially out.

interesting! do you have a preference between the two?

[skwonderfactory]

1 hour ago, GwennyGwenGwen said:

interesting! do you have a preference between the two?

Mmm honestly, if I had to pick one, I would say the version she has officially released at this point in time. They are both good for different reasons, though I believe a happy medium where the second pre-chorus isn't so different from the first production wise would be best .

[Bubble Tea]

So does this album have any L.A.M.B. / Sweet Escape sized bops or....? I saw "feat. Blake Shelton" and shuddered.

[Edibles.]

This album cover is the biggest disservice to the 2 songs released thus far. I'm not counting that bonus track at the end with #Him on it. 

[Dark Miracles]

I really can't believe it's been 10 years since Baby Don't Lie came out...I love that song