Interscope Records
Release Date: June 23rd 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Gwen Stefani– True Babe (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- True Babe
Over the past few years, I had always thought that Christian music was good, and the rest was bad. I know you are probably sick of me saying this statement… but it’s true. it’s only because of this blog series that both my brother Jon and I are still in the middle of, that I have finally come to terms with God speaking through anything that He chooses… no matter if it is a mainstream song or not. While we as a country and as a global society have felt the full force of COVID-19 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and while we are all looking for some inspiration and relief and encouragement and reassurance; well you’d think that would come in the form of an uplifting and inspirational Christian song, right? Well, yeah, that has happened throughout the past few years (case in point is Crowder’s “Good God Almighty”, as well as Matthew West’s duet with Carly Pearce in “Truth Be Told”!); however one such song that has been refreshing and a joy to listen to, despite the chaos and calamity of the world recently, is Gwen Stefani’s “Let Me Reintroduce Myself”! A straight up pop song. Let me just let that sink in for you for just a second.
Now I’ve already briefly touched upon “Let Me Reintroduce Myself” here a couple of years ago, but let me just say once again that Gwen Stefani is an artist who has been around for a long, long while. For me to write about her history and her hit songs and what they all mean… well they’d amount to a blog length, wouldn’t you say? So I’ll let you all read about our blog about Gwen… but for all of you who eagerly want to know what this talented and respected singer has been recording over the years; well there’s Wikipedia for that! And now that you’ve all caught up, let me say that as much as I loved the song and the concept behind “Let Me Reintroduce Myself”, Gwen’s first solo pop single in 4 years (aside from Christmas releases and her country collaborations with Blake Shelton!); her follow up track “Slow Clap” (reviewed here, and also recorded with rapper Saweetie!), is just as compelling and inspiring. Only 2 and a half minutes in length, Gwen sings about the fact that she can indeed congratulate herself for every success that has happened so far in her life- that she can be thankful and grateful and appreciative for the highs and the lows, we are reminded that we can see the world in wide eyed wonder and optimism. The song is about acknowledging greatness when there is greatness- even if it does come from yourself- and this track, though seemingly sounding arrogant, is rather quite the opposite- it’s acknowledging your strengths and knowing what you are good at; and sharing gratitude and thanks (to God?) for these gifts. With “Slow Clap” being fun, positive, bubbly and a joy to listen to; I’ve instantly become a fan of Gwen and her music. After a listen from this highly infectious and energetic pop number, how could you not be a fan after this? Fast forward to now, and Gwen has dropped another op banger. “True Babe” is a catchy pop anthem where Gwen highlights that she is genuine and honest and true whenever she is with her husband Blake, and that all of her friends and her family and her children and her husband Blake know this- and thus she can declare that she is real and ‘true’ in the presence of Blake, without the sentiment coming across as egocentric of facetious at all- because those who know her know the truth to that statement. Musically, this song is also one that will lift your spirits and will bring an immense smile to your face. I know it did for me! So what are you waiting for? Crank up the volume to eleven and sing out loud. It’s not as impactful as “Let Me Introduce Myself” nor “Slow Clap”, but it does come close. So well done Gwen Stefani, I can’t wait to hear what God has in store for you next!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Selena Gomez, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Jennifer Lopez, Jessie J, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa