Album: This Is What the Truth Feels Like

Introduction
"This Is What the Truth Feels Like" is the third solo studio album by American vocalist and songwriter Gwen Stefani, launched in March 18, 2016, through Interscope Records. After concentrating on her work as the frontwoman of No Doubt and dealing with different other projects, Stefani refocused her efforts on developing a new solo album. This record included 12 tracks on the standard edition, with additional 5 tracks available on the luxurious variation. The album marked Stefani's go back to her solo profession after a decade-long hiatus considering that her 2nd album, "The Sweet Escape" (2006).

Background and Production
The initial prepare for the album began during Stefani's time as a judge on the US version of "The Voice" in 2014. She revealed that the reconciling of her music and personal life had not been easy, with a couple of false starts throughout the production procedure. The album's production was greatly influenced by Stefani's individual experiences, most significantly her divorce from musician Gavin Rossdale in 2015. The emotional turmoil of that duration pushed her to channel her sensations into producing brand-new music.

Stefani collaborated with numerous recognized producers for the album, including Greg Kurstin, Mattman & Robin, and Pharrell Williams, among others. The composition and recording process was hectic, with Stefani stating in interviews that some songs were conceived and tape-recorded in less than a day. The general sound of the album leans towards pop, with elements of R&B, reggae, and dancehall.

Styles and Lyrics
"This Is What the Truth Feels Like" provides a range of feelings and styles paralleling Stefani's own individual journey during the time of its creation. The album portrays a spectrum of emotions, from heartbreak and anger in tracks like "Used to Love You" and "Red Flag", reflecting upon her split from Rossdale, to bliss and new-found love with songs like "Make Me Like You" and "Misery", inspired by her blossoming relationship with fellow "The Voice" judge and nation vocalist Blake Shelton.

Additionally, Stefani reaffirms her durability and self-reliance with empowering anthems like "Me Without You" and "Truth". The lyrics bring a truthful vulnerability, showing Stefani's growth and ability to approach her emotions with openness. The album serves as a musical catharsis, letting fans into her personal life and sharing the emotional journey she went through throughout that difficult duration.

Reception and Commercial Performance
"This Is What the Truth Feels Like" received blended to positive reviews from music critics. Some praised Stefani's openness and raw emotions showed in the album, while others criticized it for its disjointed noise and production. The album debuted at top on the United States Billboard 200 chart, selling 84,000 album-equivalent systems in its very first week, making it Stefani's very first solo number-one album in the United States.

Three singles were released from the album: "Used to Love You", "Make Me Like You", and "Misery". The songs got moderate success on music charts in the United States and worldwide, with "Used to Love You" being the most effective, reaching number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In conclusion, "This Is What the Truth Feels Like" is an album that painted a true and raw picture of Gwen Stefani's life throughout her individual struggles and new beginnings. While consulted with combined reviews, it showcased her ability to carry her feelings into her music, letting fans get a glance into her world through her honest storytelling and captivating performances.