Top 10 Best Gwen Stefani Songs

#10: “4 in the Morning” The Sweet Escape (2006)

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Years before 80s retro became more prevalent in pop culture, Gwen released a highly underrated single, tinged with a little synth and some musings on love. Co-written and produced with No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, “4 in the Morning” is a nice departure from her more chaotic singles, with Gwen reflecting on those early morning feels. It’s not as iconic as some of her more beloved Billboard hits, but it’s still brilliantly written and certainly well produced. Released in early May of 2007, the single didn’t cause too much noise, however it’s a throwback production that die-hards can vibe to.

For nearly a decade, Gwen didn’t release a single studio album. But when she re-emerged, well, she came back with even more synth-pop jams. For “Used to Love You,” Gwen delivers far more than just the typical romance clichés, and considering her life in the public eye, well, the lyrics have a vulnerable feel. What’s even more impressive is that ”Used to Love You” not only sounds relevant but hits an emotional chord with the authentic vocals. In other words, you can feel it. Given the legacy of Gwen Stefani, well, this is yet another track that demonstrates why she’s such a timeless and admired artist.

For some of you, the opening sounds of this Gwen Stefani song may seem familiar. And that’s because The Notorious B.I.G. sampled The Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets” back in the 90s for “Big Poppa”. For her acclaimed solo debut, Gwen paid it forward, musically speaking, relishing in the feeling of love and delivering a seriously chilled-out track. After a long career with No Doubt, Gwen touches on some retro grooves, and “Luxurious” is fully in line with her carefree persona. As the fifth single off the album, this is actually one of Gwen’s more successful commercial releases, far more than just a filler track.

#7: “Baby Don’t Lie” “Baby Don’t Lie” single (2014)

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So, here’s the song that marked the digital age comeback of Gwen Stefani, and there’s no denying the music industry had evolved quite a bit in the seven years since her previous single. Lyrically, it’s not one of the strongest productions, but from her music video to the image to the vocals, Gwen proved that she hadn’t lost a beat. Nor does she ever seem to age, right? But for the music itself, the reggaeton sounds of “Baby Don’t Lie” took Gwen back to her ska roots, demonstrating that she is, and has always been, a rocker at heart.

Every once in a while, Gwen pays subtle homage to her influences. But for the second single off her debut solo album, she didn’t hold back that Harajuku and reggaeton style. For “Rich Girl,” Gwen enlisted the rapper Eve, and for a little background context, Gwen was featured on Eve’s 2001 hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”. So, this was a reunion of sorts, and by sampling a 90s song by London duo Louchie Lou and Michie One, Gwen once again shot up the Billboard charts. Despite the obvious commercial appeal, the song managed to distance the Orange Country artist from the more packaged productions of the time.

#5: “Early Winter” The Sweet Escape (2006)

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For the final single before a lengthy departure from pop music, Gwen collaborated with Tim Rice-Oxley of the British band Keane. As a result, “Early Winter” has an evocative feel that strays heavily from the more in-your-face style of Southern California music. Then again, there’s a touch of early 90s New Wave in “Early Winter,” a sound that emerged from the British punk scene of the late 70s. And perhaps that’s why Gwen never seems to fall behind, as she’s always in touch with modern trends while paying homage to the past. Though “Early Winter” surely was designed to be a massive hit, it’s definitely one of the more undervalued Gwen Stefani songs.

#4: “What You Waiting For?” Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004)

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In the 90s, Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes asked the world “What’s Up?”, and years later, Gwen hired the noted songwriter to collaborate for her debut release. The lyrics reference the singer’s hesitance to push forward, and they even reference Japanese culture and Harajuku Girls. Musically, “What You Waiting For” has a heavy Euro beat, not to mention some wailing vocals for Gwen, but it was only relatively successful on the charts. Buy hey – it’s the attitude and vibe that matters, and with this frenetic single, Gwen re-introduced herself, this time as supremely talented solo artist ready to let loose.

#3: “Cool” Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004)

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Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and for this early solo release, noted producer Dallas Austin found inspiration in No Doubt’s “Simple Kind of Life”. In other words, he was searching for that same aesthetic vibe. When Gwen stepped in to finalize the lyrics and production of “Cool,” well, she had a pop hit reminiscent of the early 90s New Wave. Lyrically, the sparse set of lyrics reference romantic conflict from verse to verse, and the retro musical vibe can easily pull one back into the past, certainly with a positive outlook. The vocals ring true, as Gwen has navigated the industry for years and still remains cool.

#2: “The Sweet Escape” feat. Akon The Sweet Escape (2006)

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Brilliant as she may be on her own, Gwen Stefani has a long history of collaborating with artists of the same musical ilk. For her second solo album, she joined forces with Akon, the popular hip-hop star who actually wrote “The Sweet Escape” for Gwen Stefani. It’s not the most dynamic song ever recorded, nor does it rely heavily on emotion, but “The Sweet Escape” does produce a meditative vibe, one that connected with the mainstream and fueled the album as a whole. Gwen actually reached #2 on the Billboard charts with this single, representing a defining moment in her career as pop culture trends and music accessibility changed throughout the world. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Misery” This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016) “Wind It Up” The Sweet Escape (2006) “Make Me Like You” This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016)

Believe it or not, this was actually the third single off Gwen Stefani’s solo debut,. And for a punk chick like Gwen Stefani, well, the sentiment of “Hollaback Girl” didn’t seem random or even inauthentic. With all the pomp and circumstance, though, and even the massive commercial success, it’s one of those songs that can wear out quickly. For the time, however, and for the artist communicating the message, it all made perfect sense. Back in the 90s, Gwen Stefani slayed a No Doubt track like “Don’t Speak,” and with this joint, she took a much different approach, all in the name of creativity and individuality. So, do you agree with our selections? What do you think is the best Gwen Stefani song? For more stylish Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.