This Is What the Truth Feels Like
by Gwen Stefani
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 188
  3. Negative: 22 out of 188
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  1. Tonyo
    Apr 18, 2016
    6
    Après avoir tâté le terrain avec quelques singles qui sont passés inaperçus, Gwen Stefani est de retour. 10 ans après son dernier album, elle propose des sons efficaces rappelant certains de ses anciens titres tout en étant ancrés dans leurs temps.

    Pistes à retenir: Misery, Truth, Used To Love You, Me Without You, Getting Warmer, Loveable.
  2. melihkurtulus
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    In 2016, I intended to listen so many album without skipping a song, but I failed. However, this is the first album that I listened without skipping. So many hits and emotional ballads. All of you should listen this album. Alsoi Gwen's voice is fabulous.
  3. Annah305
    Aug 18, 2018
    10
    Gorgeous,well produced album, Gwen's best solo album by far. Used To Love You is how you make a comeback.
  4. AndresGZ97
    Apr 19, 2016
    10
    The best album that i hear in this year, i love so much that gwen come back, i just love it, is more than i wait, Bravo gwen, ist very good for me!!!!
  5. RARE
    Sep 18, 2017
    10
    His return to solo marks the end of a long wait, the album is a power of different musical style as she knew always do from LAMB, a big favorite for "Rare", the album is perfect.

    A fan of France
  6. davidforever98
    Mar 19, 2016
    8
    This album is just amazing. No filler songs at all,Perfect and unique vocals,fun AND intelligent lyrics,perfect Production,VERY catchy and memorable melodies... It's the perfect comeback album.It will probably not be as successful as her old ones because she left for so many years,but it's definitely her best one
  7. longjetty7
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    I can't say I was really a fan of Gwen Stefani before, but she's definitely won me over with this album. It's delightfully fun and catchy, and it's paced very nicely. As I was listening, I was worried the album would be front loaded like most pop albums are, but actually it's consistently strong throughout, and there really isn't any filler. This is a very strong, enjoyable album. Props toI can't say I was really a fan of Gwen Stefani before, but she's definitely won me over with this album. It's delightfully fun and catchy, and it's paced very nicely. As I was listening, I was worried the album would be front loaded like most pop albums are, but actually it's consistently strong throughout, and there really isn't any filler. This is a very strong, enjoyable album. Props to Gwen for stepping up her game here!

    Standout tracks: You're My Favorite, Send Me a Picture, Me Without You, Rare    … Expand
  8. maxschwartzzz
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    Gwen Stefani's first solo endeavor in 10 years, 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like', is an honest, smooth, and ultimately refreshing album which documents the singer's recent events in her life (her divorce from Rossdale and new relationship with Shelton). On 'Where Would I Be', a reggae-pop gem, Stefani sings in a love fueled haze, stylistically reminiscent to her early days in No Doubt.Gwen Stefani's first solo endeavor in 10 years, 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like', is an honest, smooth, and ultimately refreshing album which documents the singer's recent events in her life (her divorce from Rossdale and new relationship with Shelton). On 'Where Would I Be', a reggae-pop gem, Stefani sings in a love fueled haze, stylistically reminiscent to her early days in No Doubt. Songs like 'Red Flag' and 'Naughty' seem to discuss her ex's infidelity and bring him to shame. The standout tracks are without a doubt 'Truth', a sweet, honest track where Stefani accepts the way her relationship has turned out, and 'Rare', a beautifully produced guitar driven, mid tempo track where Stefani sings about the new love she has found and how special it is to her. Without a doubt 'TIWTFL' is Stefani's best work as a solo artist and will hopefully be recognized as so.… Expand
  9. Electrique
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    Despite initial fears about this being a hastily cobbled together effort, it proved to be a surprisingly solid listen. None of the songs here quite reach the highs of her previous solo efforts, but they are all consistently good. It was well thought out: Everything that made a Gwen solo record unique (quirkiness, nostalgia, lyrics) are present and correctly updated in here. For me, it'sDespite initial fears about this being a hastily cobbled together effort, it proved to be a surprisingly solid listen. None of the songs here quite reach the highs of her previous solo efforts, but they are all consistently good. It was well thought out: Everything that made a Gwen solo record unique (quirkiness, nostalgia, lyrics) are present and correctly updated in here. For me, it's already a wonder that we got a new Gwen album (after 10 years!) but what makes this beyond amazing is that she delivered. Makes me so proud to be the biggest Gwen fan among my friends.… Expand
  10. racompto
    Mar 19, 2016
    10
    One of the best pop albums of 2016. She goes into the personal without being too literal, and turning every song into a ballad, she can make a song that's personal, but still fun and pop.
  11. will21
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    Gwen has always shined in the melancholy, letter-to-someone style songs ever since "Don't Speak" from No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom." Here, "Misery" and "Rare" are complete stand-outs in this vein, the strongest examples of the instantly lovable, melancholy bliss pop that are both just as good as Sweet Escape's "Cool."

    Mainstream music publications miss the point entirely with Gwen, by and    Gwen has always shined in the melancholy, letter-to-someone style songs ever since "Don't Speak" from No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom." Here, "Misery" and "Rare" are complete stand-outs in this vein, the strongest examples of the instantly lovable, melancholy bliss pop that are both just as good as Sweet Escape's "Cool."

    Mainstream music publications miss the point entirely with Gwen, by and large. Her current persona is a logical, matured evolution of the serious/silly, ska-punk, peacocking bad-ass she's been since "Just A Girl." While the 90's and 2000's music and culture sensibilities let Gwen inhabit the campier pockets of her image, 2016 critics have forgotten this is who she is in this regard and our ideas of pop culture have eschewed that "wink and a nod" aspect of pop. On tracks like "Naughty" and "Red Flag" her sarcasm and pomp are on full blast - again, classic Gwen in her sensibilities. She has always played up the humor in the brusque machismo she embodies, here that has never been more apparent.

    "Where Would I Be" is the Gwen-iest song yet, a sample of all her hallmark styles and musical history in one track. Yes, the album is of two faces in its tone (who says that's bad?) and this track is the perfect mesh of both sublime sad-pop and upbeat dance hall beats and chorus.

    She's an odd fit into today's pop landscape, but a welcome tonal diversion from the utterly sugared or overly serious pop acts of today. "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" succeeds by giving us both heart and energy.    … Expand
  12. yayokilos
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    "This is What the Truth Feels Like" is one of the best albums of this decade and definitely will make you a fan if you never were a fan of gwen! everything on the album is amazing
  13. Scraper
    Mar 19, 2016
    4
    I actually think Gwen Stefani can write a great pop song. The thing that irks me is her obsession with herself. The whole story of her break-up from that geek from Bush, her new relationship to some pop-country joker, and her new album happened in the span of a couple months. The album follows verbatim this uninteresting storyline of everything that we already know happened. "I was with aI actually think Gwen Stefani can write a great pop song. The thing that irks me is her obsession with herself. The whole story of her break-up from that geek from Bush, her new relationship to some pop-country joker, and her new album happened in the span of a couple months. The album follows verbatim this uninteresting storyline of everything that we already know happened. "I was with a guy for a long time, then it ended suddenly, but then I picked up some other vacuous hotty in a few minutes." It's not all that brave or revealing.… Expand
  14. ajax7
    Mar 22, 2016
    8
    A great album. I think I'm in the minority in thinking that Red Flag is perhaps the best track on the record (it's fun, interesting and has catchy beat). Send Me a Picture is the lowest point on the album.
    I just wish Gwen and her writers would consider not repeating EVERY LINE in her songs. Literally every verse repeats itself before going into the chorus, and most chorus' repeat the    A great album. I think I'm in the minority in thinking that Red Flag is perhaps the best track on the record (it's fun, interesting and has catchy beat). Send Me a Picture is the lowest point on the album.
    I just wish Gwen and her writers would consider not repeating EVERY LINE in her songs. Literally every verse repeats itself before going into the chorus, and most chorus' repeat the same line up to 4 times (Asking 4 It, Misery, Rare, Naughty).    … Expand
  15. Evic21
    Mar 22, 2016
    7
    After ten years of waiting, Gwen is finally back! I really do love this album. It's bubbly, fun, sarcastic and not to mention that her lyrics really shine this time around. She is so awesome, and she sounds fresh and rejuvenated from her ten year break. Love you Gwen! Keep it up!
  16. 4lm31d4
    Mar 18, 2016
    10
    Simplesmente uma das melhores surpresas e um dos melhores álbuns do ano. A espera, enfim, valeu a pena. A mudança de gêneros e ritmos dá um ar fresco, as melodias, cheias de assovios e sinos, fazem seu popozão dançar. Tô escrevendo vários cocos só pra aumentar a nota do álbum.
  17. fallouts
    Mar 27, 2016
    0
    9s and 10s? lol You kidding me? This is one of the most boring pop albums i've heard this year. The lyrics are so over the top and melodramatic at times, and other times she tries to bring the glory back from her past albums. It was just a complete fail IMO.

    PS. click on my username and see my other reviews of music and games.
  18. leocarli
    Jun 30, 2016
    4
    O que aconteceu com, Gwen? Demorou tanto pra lançar algo pop e veio com esse álbum que se você ouvir por completo uma vez nem se anima em ouvir de novo.
  19. musicismaths
    Mar 22, 2016
    10
    I also join other users in thinking the official critic reviews really miss the mark on that one.
    What they miss, among other things, in the album is it achieves something at an emotional level, it is about healing and it really captures that and shares that very well. You can hear wisdom and healing in gwen`s voice, and that is very comforting to people I am sure. I can tell it comforts    I also join other users in thinking the official critic reviews really miss the mark on that one.
    What they miss, among other things, in the album is it achieves something at an emotional level, it is about healing and it really captures that and shares that very well. You can hear wisdom and healing in gwen`s voice, and that is very comforting to people I am sure. I can tell it comforts me at any rate. It's really nice to have this element of emotional connection between listener and artist in an album, that should have been a part that was not missed by the critics, but I think they listen to things without much care sometimes and without expecting to find a more subtle meaning.
    The originality of the lyrics and melody should not eclipse the general meaning and emotional success of an artistic project.
    The album has a personal growth, spiritual beautiful peaceful aspect to it. I think the best art often has a spiritual aspect to it (which does not necessary mean religious, atheist artists can convey that sometimes). I mean spiritual in the sense we can hear her wisdom.
    Also its extremely interesting to see her evolution as an artist, from an exuberant phase as a solo artist to this version of her in a more tried time, and yet find the same personality behind both versions.
    One critic here criticised negatively the fact she speaks about herself. Its true, but why is it a problem, when she certainly does that in a very interesting way.

    My favorite songs are probably: me without you and you're my favorite, they are really interesting, because they capture both a past hardship and the relief. For exemple on one of these songs she sings 'oh I think I worked this out, finally worked this out' and at that moment the song captures the moment where you solve something, were you still remember the hardship but you made it through.    … Expand
  20. crunchycelery
    Mar 24, 2016
    6
    When Gwen was touting a new solo record with atrocious singles “Baby Don’t Lie” and “Spark the Fire” I was awaiting the pharrell fuelled dud that it inevitably would have been. “The Sweet Escape” was a mixed bag at best and paled in comparison to it’s predecessor and any No Doubt post “Tragic Kingdom”. When the record was scrapped to start a new I re-mained a little hopeful.
    With the    When Gwen was touting a new solo record with atrocious singles “Baby Don’t Lie” and “Spark the Fire” I was awaiting the pharrell fuelled dud that it inevitably would have been. “The Sweet Escape” was a mixed bag at best and paled in comparison to it’s predecessor and any No Doubt post “Tragic Kingdom”. When the record was scrapped to start a new I re-mained a little hopeful.
    With the release of “Make Me Like You” a sparked curiosity for the new record was restored. The summer-y 2000s California Pop number finds Stefani “oohing and ahing” over shimmery keyboards and snappy snares. Her signature coo delicately strutting overtop bouncy bass and angled guitar. It managed to stun in a way that previous “confessional” single “Used To Love You” didn’t quite.
    Confessional Gwen is what made Gwen famous. Her best songs have always been confessional. Some of which ironically were written about her now ex-husband (a supposed influencer to this material). But unfortunately this record doesn’t do a whole lot in dealing “Truth” but rather avoiding it. Which is perfectly fine, its Gwen’s prerogative to discuss what she wants to, but as a result the art suffers a bit.
    Instead of getting a sincere look into aftermath of her divorce, we get a lot of hashed adoration for her new beaux, fellow The Voice coach Blake Shelton. Most of which is sound tracked by fairly trendy but uninspired instrumentation. A 2015 brand bland-ish trap/pop hybrid. In a review for “The Sweet Escape” Stylus Magazine stated that Gwen’s at her best when she’s combining two or more genres together. A sentiment I agree with when you consider No Doubt’s successes in blending Ska/Punk/New Wave, or L.A.M.B’s hybrid of 80s/Dance/Pop. This is seen on “Where Would I Be” (a clear highlight) in which 2016 EDM meets Gwen’s Reggae tinged roots for a pretty lively banger sure to be a summer smash.
    The whole record is a little top heavy. With the aforementioned tracks highlights, as with the bouncy step “Misery”, the bitcrushed drip drop beat of “You’re My Favourite”, and the slight grower of first single “Used To Love You”.
    The rest is pretty filler, but not offensive missteps for the most part. The Soca tinged EDM in “Send Me a Picture” and “Asking For It” sound fine. And the attempt at sassy trap inspired “Red Flag” and “Naughty” feel like a grab for the sound of something current. Though the latter two divulge into some cringe (Gwen hasn’t really been able to pull of white girl rap since “Hollaback Girl”), “Red Flag” does intrigue from the offset trap verses with lamenting strings and choral harmonies.
    The ballads “Truth” and “Me Without You” aren’t anything particularly remarkable nor offensive. Electropop closer “Rare” ends on a similar note. Unless you’ve indulged in the deluxe edition in which many extra tracks of NOPE have been added (save for the 8-bit dancehall of “Getting Warmer” which could’ve easily been swapped for absolutely atrocious international edition closer “Loveable”, and perhaps some of the less then stellar standard tracks).
    I find “…Truth…” holds up more cohesively than “The Sweet Escape”, but it’s a bit of a missed opportunity. Perhaps the tragic subject matter would’ve been handled more interestingly on a No Doubt record (and it somewhat already has). Here’s to hoping that next time Gwen finds back her pop charm.    … Expand
  21. jrodfilms
    Mar 20, 2016
    6
    for the most part, its the same ole gwen. the best songs are where would i be, make me like you, red flag, and naughty. the problem is there are no strong songs like cool or 4 in the morning like on her other two albums.
  22. Carbrera
    Mar 27, 2016
    10
    Despite two years of hinted release dates and cancelled singles, Stefani's recent release doesn't disappoint. Catchy opener "Misery" is a high, starting the album on a minty fresh note. "You're My Favorite" somehow manages to successfully incorporate synths reminiscent of video games, while the marvelous "Where Would I Be?" manages to be stuck in your head until your deathbed. "Make MeDespite two years of hinted release dates and cancelled singles, Stefani's recent release doesn't disappoint. Catchy opener "Misery" is a high, starting the album on a minty fresh note. "You're My Favorite" somehow manages to successfully incorporate synths reminiscent of video games, while the marvelous "Where Would I Be?" manages to be stuck in your head until your deathbed. "Make Me Like You"'s disco vibe is another high point, while the soulful titular track, "Truth", is comparable to the work of Ryan Tedder. "Used to Love You", easily the album's track with the best lyrics is heart-wrenching and at times, emotional. "Send Me a Picture" is a playful, risqué track that hints at sexting Blake Shelton. "Red Flag" is a bit odd, but just enough to work; it's definitely not a bad song, just a bit out of place. "Asking 4 It" will be an obvious candidate for a single release, despite Fetty Wap's incomprehensible contribution. "Naughty" has so much sass that you may need to pause for a second after listening to let it sink in. "Me Without You" and "Rare" are probably some of the album's best work, allowing Stefani to close the album on a successful and high note. In the deluxe edition, "Rocket Ship" also is single worthy. The EDM-inspired "Getting Warmer" is an example of how much Stefani's sound has changed, and how good it sounds. "Obsessed" and "Splash" are both good, but no necessarily the quality of the album's majority. Overall, This Is What the Truth Feels Like is a successful album for a singer who deserves more attention. I wish the best to Stefani and her first #1 in 20 years, since 1996's fantastic Tragic Kingdom.

    Listen to: "Where Would I Be?", "Rare", "Getting Warmer"    … Expand
  23. isthatbrandon
    Aug 22, 2016
    10
    This could possibly be Gwen's best album. A masterpiece. It doesn't feel like an album that's been rushed or has fillers, it feels like something Gwen really did want to put out.
  24. theworst
    Mar 23, 2016
    8
    Tracks like make me like you, used to love you and asking 4 it stand out the most, this one of her best works and the best of Gwen Stefani she returns with a good pop record.
  25. AaronNabena
    Mar 28, 2016
    9
    At first I wasn't sure if I should get this album but after listening to it for the first time it was totally worth it. It isn't the boring same old generic pop record. No fillers here for me. I really like rare, obsessed and Truth
  26. salvador1355
    Apr 1, 2016
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not the best Gwen Stefani's album, even The Sweet Escape have most memorable songs in it. This Is What the Truth Feels Like is an album full of emotional lyrics, but with a sound less memorable. The big songs are Used to love you, Truth and Make me like you. But with Send me a picture, Asking 4 it and Getting warmer make this record like a disaster. It's not bad, but she can do it better.… Expand
  27. nagnagnag
    Apr 4, 2016
    5
    Gwen Stefani has been the 'it girl' of pop music for quite a while now, both when in No Doubt and solo. She's know to be both feminine and tough, a stylish peacock and a zesty punk-poppette under one ultra-blonde roof. But lately as of the past 4 years, Gwen has not been able to capitalize on what allured the public back in the 90s through early 00s. The comeback record with her band,Gwen Stefani has been the 'it girl' of pop music for quite a while now, both when in No Doubt and solo. She's know to be both feminine and tough, a stylish peacock and a zesty punk-poppette under one ultra-blonde roof. But lately as of the past 4 years, Gwen has not been able to capitalize on what allured the public back in the 90s through early 00s. The comeback record with her band, 2012's Push and Shove was one overproduced career suicide. She then has had another child and reinvented herself as a Judge in The Voice, drawing a whole new audience that had not been there when she hit it big. The Truth Is What The Feels Like comes hot in the heels of a turbulent period in her life: a divorce to Gavin Rossdale and the start of a new relationship with her Voice-costar, Blake Shelton. She presents the album as a healing vehicle for this period of upheaval, and decided to record only as a form of catharsis. Gwen has never shied away from honesty both in and off record, and the lyrics in Truth are intimidating and even at times awkward in their naked transparency. Songwriting through grief is never easy but it seems like fertile terrain for the energetic, theatrical vocals that have become Stefani's trademark, and that served moments like Don't Speak or Ex Girlfriend so well. Despite some use of autotune here and there, most of the time Gwen sounds terrific. Sadly, the same can't be said of the production and songwriting: at their worst, the former can be painfully plastic and the songwriting laughably disjointed. Gwen herself claimed that this the message of the songs had been more important than the sound this, and you can tell. Nobody's asking her to go back to the cool mash-up aesthetic of her first two solo records, she no longer has it in her, but the production courtesy of Rotem, Mattman and Robin and Kurstin is almost dispirited in its pop trendiness: some icy trap beats here, some exotic Diplo-style breakdowns there and the rest all minimal and graceful arrangements. And the songwriting varies from very good (seldom), frustrating (most of the time) or completely awful (a case or two). Songs like ''Asking For It'' and ''Me Without You'' have beautiful verses only to then trail into senseless and blandly repetitive choruses that suck out all their emotion and personality, while the dancehall sampled chorus and cheerleader chants of ''Where Would I Be'' feel strangely tacked-in and forced. It seems that Gwen and her team should have taken more time with the record, to polish the sounds as much as the songwriting. Because despite all the inspiration and emotional investment put on it there still seems to be a level of compromise beneath it all, given the rushed and lazy results. The only perfect track here is ''Rare'' a sweet and ethereal disco number that has sounds like an instant classic. The rest is mostly missed potential.… Expand
  28. GFactor
    Jun 10, 2016
    9
    Gwen Stefani is a legend! All her albuns are amazing and extremely pop, in a good way. And after 10 years, her new CD still sounds like that. No, we don't have anthems like Hollaback Girl or The Sweet Escape, but songs like "Obsessed" and "Asking 4 it" , they are potencial hits. We also have honest and simple songs like "Used to Love You", with perfect lyrics. Unfortunately "Baby don'tGwen Stefani is a legend! All her albuns are amazing and extremely pop, in a good way. And after 10 years, her new CD still sounds like that. No, we don't have anthems like Hollaback Girl or The Sweet Escape, but songs like "Obsessed" and "Asking 4 it" , they are potencial hits. We also have honest and simple songs like "Used to Love You", with perfect lyrics. Unfortunately "Baby don't Lie" isn't on album.
    Compared to the other two albums , "This is What the True Feels Like" is an average, but also great.    … Expand
  29. MusicLove
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    This album is so addictive.I love Getting Warmer, Obssesed, Make Me Like You and Rocket Ship. In conclusion this is album is AMAZING. After this album I am a fan of Gwen Stefani
  30. andrescritic
    Oct 19, 2016
    10
    Sin duda, el mejor álbum del 2016, experimenta con sonidos nuevos, pero sin dejar a un lado el toque pop que la ha hecho tan famosa, una lástima su bajo rendimiento en las listas, pero sin duda un gran trabajo.
  31. Jespervw
    Oct 23, 2016
    8
    A very different album for Gwen Stefani. The album channels the journey from a divorce to eventually finding love again. The production of the album is less innovative than her first two solo efforts, but overall this record serves a different more emotional side of the singer.
  32. BossCharn
    Nov 30, 2016
    6
    A huge step back from her last album. I actually expected something more fun and better than this album. She just tried to make a come back look the same as her last album but it's kinda boring instead.

    My Top 3;
    1. Misery
    2. Me Without You
    3. Truth
  33. gabsgomes
    Oct 26, 2017
    10
    FADA QUE LANÇA MÚSICAS BOAS. Ainda bem que ela lançou essa delícia de álbum, repleto de composições maravilhosas e uma bela mistura de ritmos. No aguardo de mais músicas boas assim.
  34. mathsadboy
    Jan 18, 2020
    9
    Álbum envolvente e verdadeiro, da primeira a última música percebe-se que faz parte de uma história de amor.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 8, 2016
    60
    The over-sauced, finger-wagging Naughty might take the joyful retribution to far in the panto direction but I Will Survive update Me Without You and joyful dancefloor rebirth Rare prove that Stefani has lost none of her pop spirit. [Jun 2016, p.117]
  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 4, 2016
    60
    Although it's a bright and buoyant effort--with recognisable touches of ska and reggae--her new album lacks the left-field flourishes that make her special.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Mar 24, 2016
    40
    Only reggae-lite skank Where Would I Be hints at Stefani’s once playful personality. But the truth is that this feels like little more than careerist chart fodder.
    Read full review
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