CAIRO – 3 October 2017: October 3 marks the 48th birthday of superstar singer Gwen Stefani, part of pop band group No Doubt and a formidable solo talent of her own.
Born in 1969 in California, Stefani had an early interest in fashion and music that helped set the course for her grander-than-life future. It was her older brother that helped nurture her musical promise, and who also founded No Doubt. Stefani started off as their second vocalist until the lead singer’s suicide, after which Stefani stepped in to fill the void, and began a wild career.
“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt (1994)
One of Stefani’s earliest hits, “Don’t Speak” provided an interesting look at Stefani’s early start in the band. The song’s heartfelt message came out of her breakup with No Doubt’s lead bassist, Tony Kanal, and the song managed to reflect both Stefani’s emotional pain and the band’s growing pangs as she grew to become a talent far greater than the band.
“Just a Girl” by No Doubt (1995)
The release of the album “Tragic Kingdom” on October 10, 1995 proved to be the band’s first brush with success, helped in part by Stefani’s vocals. The song “Just a Girl” in particular helped cast the public eye on both Stefani’s voice and looks. The song’s message of women empowerment proved Stefani was more than just a pretty singer; she was a rebel, and a role model for a more daring generation of young women.
“Cool” from the album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby” (2004)
A prominent theme in Stefani’s music is her honesty, refusing to sugarcoat topics such as love or difficulties with fame. Drawing on her real-life experiences, Stefani infuses her music with an honesty that addresses the pain of heartbreak but the ability to overcome it as well. One of her more famous songs, “Cool,” marked her solo debut album, “Love. Angel. Music. Baby,” and topped the charts in over 40 countries.
”Hollaback Girl” from the album “Love. Angel. Music. Baby” (2004)
“Hollaback Girl” proved to be one of the biggest hits of the summer that year, with an outrageous music video and infectious style by Stefani that wormed its way into the ears of audiences worldwide. This year even saw Stefani make her film debut alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s historical drama “The Aviator.”
“The Sweet Escape” ft. Akon (2006)
“The Sweet Escape,” from the album of the same name, proved to be one of the most stylish of Stefani’s music videos. Her prison outfit proved to be an iconic representation of her fashion taste. The song was also notable for being a duet with famous rapper Akon, and their collaboration proved successful enough to earn them both a Grammy nomination.
“Make Me Like You” from the album “This Is What The Truth Feels Like” (2016)
After a long break, Stefani returned to the world of music with “This Is What the Truth Feels Like” and continues to prove she’s still got it. The song and album proved to be a massive commercial and critical success, and Stefani even thanked her fans on social media for supporting her.
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