No Doubt took a break after their success with Rock Steady and a greatest hits album in 2003. Gwen Stefani used the time to record her first solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., which came out on November 12, 2004. It was preceded by the single "What You Waiting For?," and later had five more hit single releases: "Rich Girl," "Hollaback Girl," "Cool," "Luxurious," and "Crash." Whereas her music with No Doubt was usually alternative rock and ska punk, Gwen decided to go in a more feminine, dance direction for LAMB. She took inspiration from '80s pop, and combined it with hip hop, R&B, and electropop. It was the perfect combination, because Love. Angel. Music. Baby. went on to sell over 7 million copies and earn six Grammy nominations. Although Gwen had just planned to do the one solo album, its huge success and longevity resulted in her return to the studio for round two.
Highlights on Love. Angel. Music. Baby. include "What You Waiting For?," "Rich Girl," "Hollaback Girl," "Cool," and "The Real Thing."
Singles
Tracklist
| 1 | What You Waiting For? | Gwen Stefani, Linda Perry | |
| 2 | Rich Girl (feat. Eve) | Gwen Stefani, Eve, Kara DioGuardi, Chantal Kreviazuk, Andre Young, Jerry Bock, Mark Batson, Mike Elizondo, Sheldon Harnick | |
| 3 | Hollaback Girl | Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo | |
| 4 | Cool | Gwen Stefani, Dallas Austin | |
| 5 | Bubble Pop Electric (feat. Johnny Vulture) | Gwen Stefani, André Benjamin, Seven | |
| 6 | Luxurious | Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Ronald Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Rudolph Isley, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, Chis Jasper | |
| 7 | Harajuku Girls | Gwen Stefani, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, James Quenton Wright, Bobby Ross Avila, Issiah J. Avila | |
| 8 | Crash | Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal | |
| 9 | The Real Thing | Gwen Stefani, Linda Perry, GMR | |
| 10 | Serious | Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal | |
| 11 | Danger Zone | Gwen Stefani, Linda Perry, Dallas Austin | |
| 12 | Long Way To Go (feat. André 3000) | Gwen Stefani, André Benjamin |