In 2014, No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani seemed poised and ready to unleash her long-awaited third solo studio album, releasing two different yet energetic singles in support of the project. Comeback single "Baby Don't Lie" and "Spark The Fire" were not the commercial successes Stefani really needed them to be, and the tracks even divided critics (I thought they were great), but it feels like the "Hollaback Girl" singer has gotten The Sweet Escape's follow-up back on the right path.
During the Mastercard Priceless Surprises showcase in New York City this past weekend, Stefani premiered the touching ballad "Used To Love You", presumably inspired by her recent publicized divorce with ex-husband Gavin Rossdale. The new single, reminiscent of her more sentimental material such as "4 In The Morning" and "Cool", is an emotional and convincing heartbreaker where the artist shares details of a now defunct relationship.
"Used To Love You" steers far away from the reggae/hip-hop influences that might have turned critics off to her previous two releases, instead focusing attention on personal songwriting and a compelling vocal performance from Stefani, rather than loud, distracting production. The ballad lines up with the tender offerings found of her first two solo albums, tracks that resonated with her devoted fan base for evoking real meaning and emotion.
From the immediately depressing tone of lonely piano keys on the intro to the minimal overall production and a sense of pain in the artist's vocal delivery, the sincere ballad is the type of song Stefani should have released back in 2014. "Suitcase, band-aids, pulling back out the drive way, you go, I'll stay, you can keep all the memories," she sings as she struggles with the realization that her former lover really did not love her the most.
While Stefani has showcased over the years that she can successfully tackle a more upbeat effort, the recently revealed "Used To Love You" takes the artist toward a musical direction fans were hoping to hear last year. Stefani lets her vocal abilities do the bulk of the work, creating a personal connection as she shares details from her own life. It allows the single to have more of a lasting impact, a great quality for a radio promoted track.
With the surfacing of "Used To Love You", it is no surprise that Stefani announced that she scrapped her "previous" third studio album attempt, in order to begin the process all over again with a different perspective and goal. With the positive reception towards the new single's live debut, it seems like a very smart decision.
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