The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Wednesday, December 13, 2006 - 7 Despite guests, Gwen can barely 'Escape' By ABBY FRACKMAN Daily Arts Writer The cover of The Sweet Escape, the lat- est release from Gwen Stefani, features a glamorous headshotof the singer. The photo ** A is flashy and clean -e (thank you, airbrush- Gwen ing), two qualities Stefani only briefly present on The Sweet Escape the album. It features interscope a handful of vari- ous producers (The Neptunes and Swiss Beatz among them) who each attempt to lay down their own unique sound atop Stefani's vocals. The result is a mish-mash of songs, ranging from the catchy to the mun- dane. The album opens with its first single, "Wind It Up." Just as "Rich Girl" (from 2004's Love.Angel. Music.Baby) referenced "If I ere a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof, "Wind It Up" also recalls a famous musi- cal. This time, it's The Sound of Music - the singer is apparently quite the fan - and the allusion is heard in the yodeling throughout the song. The beat is contagious, and the lyrics are uptempo and catchy, two qualities which make this song the ideal dance club track - and one of the album's few redeeming songs. "4 in the Morning" showcases the qui- eter, more subdued side of Stefani. It's easy to tell that she's a talented singer just based on this song. Her vocals are smooth and controlled, as she pleads to give her that which she gives so freely. Could this be a hint to Gavin, perhaps? In any case, the effective instrumentation, most nota- bly the brief piano solo, helps convey Ste- fani's emotions. While "Wind It Up" and "4 in the Morn- ing" are indeed solid tracks, they are the strongest songs on Escape. The remaining cuts quickly lose steam, sometimes cross- ing the line into boring and obnoxious. "Orange County Girl" has Stefani busting out her mildly whiny, baby-talk voice as she sings "I'm just an Orange County girl / Livin' in an extraordinary world." While Stefani can't capitalize on hype, guest producers. the vocals are reminiscent of "Just a Girl" off of No Doubt's 1995 release Tragic Kingdom, no other comparisons should be drawn between the two songs. "Just a Girl" will always remain a classic anthem, Gwen Stefani can sure as hell look good, but when it comes to albums, only her liner notes make the cut. while "OC Girl," well, won't. "Breakin' up" is the most obnoxious song on Escape, and yes, it really is that obnoxious. The lyrics are overly repetitive and unoriginal ("Hold up, I think you're cutting out / Hold up, I think I'm losing you / Tell me can you hear me now /We're breakin' up, up, up, up"). If those lyrics look unappealing on the page, imagine Stefani talk-singing them countless times throughout the song, while the minimal beat drags agonizingly along. "Yummy" features guest vocals by Pharrell - a move that unfortunately falls flat on its face. Stefani's vocals plod along in a monotone as she sings (talks?) about "feeling yummy," and "bein' off making babies." The background consists of a constant drumbeat, handclaps and even a baby's cry. It's telling when the best part of the track is the break near the end when the vocals cut out in favor of sounds akin to a car that just won't start. The title track - and the album's closer - admittedly grows more appealing with each listen, but it's still not as strong as the rest of the album, which hardly builds enough momentum as it is. Akon's vocals on "Smack That" are infectious, and succeed in distracting the listener's away from Stefani's annoying contributions. The Sweet Escape is without a doubt a disappointing nalbum. It was expected, and hoped, that Stefani's use of multiple producers would lead to a diverse mix of exciting and noteworthy tracks. Sadly, this isn't the case, as the majority of the album is subpar and well below that' of which Stefani is clearly capable. On the bright side, at least "Hollaback Girl" isn't on it. hPHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY the michigan daily MIKE HUSSIEBUS/Daily BE PART OF SOMETHING BIG. Join a co-op! Fumished, free food, laundry, utilities, and fun. Diverse environ- ments. North & Central Campus. 662-4414 or www.icc.coop BIG HOUSE AVAIL. Fall '07.9 bdrms., 4 bath., 2 kitch., prkg., free Idry., approx. 3 blocks from campus. $4300 neg. + util. 606 Catherine. Call today: 734.996.1991. BIG HOUSES FOR RENT 429 Hamilton 7 bedrooms RSaeC : THE university or SEEKING AN EXPERIENCED, re- 1315 Cambridge #1 6 bedrooms Michigan Geriatrics Department is sponsible nanny to take care of our two 1315in Cambridgeig #1s6iohedroomsl 1315 Cambridge #2 5/6 bedrooms seeking the following positions far fall children (6 & 4 yrs.) in our home. If in- 514E. 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SAGITTARIUS TAURUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) (April 20 to May 20) A female friend wants to have a confi- This is good day for business and dential conversation with you today. working with co-workers. Others are (Possibly, the reverse is true.) Either willing to give you the support - both way, try to let this happen. practical and financial - that you need. CAPRICORN GEMINI (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) (May 21to June 20) For some reason, at some point today, Your creative skills are hot today. people will notice you more than usual. Working with children, the arts and any- Be aware of this. Conversations with thing having to do with show business or parents or bosses are important today. the entertainment world will please you. AQUARIUS CANCER (Jan. 20to Feb. 18) (June 21to July 22) This is a good day to make travel plans This is a good day for family discus- or explore further educational opportuni- sions. It's also a nice time to entertain at ties. Try to do something differentso that home or enjoy being by yourself in the you can expand your horizons a bit privacy of your own world. today. LEO PISCES (July 23 to Aug. 22) (Feb. 19 to March 20) Your communication skills are won- The wealth of others can benefit you derful today. This isa good day to teach, today. In some manner, gifts and goodies act, market, sell or persuade others to do are likely to fall in your lap. Just say what you want. "thank you." (How else can others be VIRGO generous?) (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) YOU BORN TODAY You're intelli- This is an excellent day for business gent and very perceptive. You're excel- and commerce. You might see new ways lent with details to the point of perfec- of making money or new ways to expand tion. Many of you will finely hone your your earnings (especially with travel or craft. You always take a long-range view dealing with foreign countries). of everything - your partnerships and LIBRA your job. You have big ideas and major (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) goals. Increased solitude this year will This is a strong day for you. The Moon help you learn something important. is in your sign. Furthermore, it makes a Birthdate of: Jamie Foxx, actor; lovely aspect to moneybags Jupiter. Go Christopher Plummer, actor; Dick Van after whatever you want; you just might Dyke, actor. s2006King Features Syndicate. Inc. 4