This Is What the Truth Feels Like
Gwen Stefani
(Interscope Records)
Two stars
Gwen Stefani’s new solo album is fun and catchy: the hooks are cute and likeable, the beats will make your head bop and her voice is calm and cool.
But after listening to it, you’re on to the next thing.
This Is What the Truth Feels Like, Stefani's first solo album in 10 years, isn't memorable or distinctive. It's not that the songs are bad – because they aren't. But they aren't good either. The 12 tracks are an OK batch of pop tunes that don't reveal much about Stefani the singer or person.
Though the lyrical content of some is deep, the tracks don’t drip with emotion. Instead, the album sounds tailor-made for radio, and the songs lack in both originality and personality – a thing that’s usually a speciality of Stefani’s.
For all the talk that the album delves into her personal life, it’s hard to tell where that comes in. The content, even when it’s about heartbreak and ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, has a bubblegum feel. It’s as if Stefani is hiding behind the songs’ beat and hook, and her vocal tonality is on cruise control throughout – whether the subject is heartache or happiness.
Truth Feels Like features a number of hit-making producers, including Greg Kurstin (Sia, Pink, Lily Allen), J R Rotem (Jason Derulo, Empire TV series), Stargate (Rihanna, Ne-Yo) and Mattman & Robin (Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez).
But all that talent might be the reason the album doesn’t rise above average.
The project does have some highlights: Send Me a Picture, which is likely about boyfriend Blake Shelton, sounds a bit more experimental than the other tracks. Red Flags and Asking 4 It, which features rapper Fetty Wap, are high points, too.
But songs such as Naughty and the singles Used to Love You and Make Me Like You don't feel connected to Stefani – it's as if another pop star could sing the tracks and you wouldn't notice the difference. That's disappointing for a singer who is usually a standout on the pop music scene.
Holla back girl when you make your next album.
* Mesfin Fekadu
Brief scores
Day 1
Toss England, chose to bat
England, 1st innings 357-5 (87 overs): Root 184 not out, Moeen 61 not out, Stokes 56; Philander 3-46
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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COMPANY PROFILE
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Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
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Rating: 4/5
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MATCH INFO
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