I feel as if it were just yesterday I was throwing on my gigantic iPod Photo (the first color screen iPod – it’s large compared to todays standards) as I would lay to bed and flip on my favorite POP tunes before drifting to dream world. An album that always comes to mind and takes me back to late 2004/early 2005 is the debut album Love Angel Music Baby from Gwen Stefani. A well crafted POP album that brings out all the colors of a modern POP classic and happens to be one of my favorite POP records of all time.

With the killer overdrive anthem of a first single “What You Waiting For”, Gwen was aiming to take over Top 40 radio in no time and that she did indeed. We all know the other top singles (“Hollaback Girl”, “Cool”, “Rich Girl”, “Luxurious”) but what about the rest of the album tracks that were true POP masterpieces? Gwen wanted to reflect the sound of music she listened to while in high school and I think the success showed in two of the best tracks on the album that never saw the light of official single release – “The Real Thing” and “Serious”.

Gwen Stefani – Serious

/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Serious.mp3

There is something about “Serious” that just does it for me. Maybe it’s the use of strings or the “too cool for school” attitude Gwen displays in her sexy voice as she belts out the tracks lyrics. Whatever it is the track is a “serious” POP hit! Produced by Tony Kanal and written by Stefani and Kanal – Tony is the bassist for No Doubt and her ex whose relationship was portrayed in the “Cool” video. Apparently a video was produced for this track but was never released. You can watch a clip of it HERE.

Gwen Stefani – The Real Thing

/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Serious.mp3

“The Real Thing” is one of those tracks that shimmers with nostalgic POP glory. An early 80s/Madonna sensation echoes from beginning til’ end. A silky sweet POP song that carries plenty of heart, with Gwen proclaiming “you’re the one I want, and it’s not just a phase”, I can’t help but fall into the entrapment of cotton candy sounds that fill the genius production! Written by Gwen, Linda Perry, and her hubby Gavin Rossdale and produced by Nellee Hooper. This song is PERFECT, I can feel the love with every listen still.

Note: There is a ballad version of sorts for “The Real Thing” and it’s terrific, click HERE to listen to it.

Share]]>