Singles Roundup: Sept. 23

Singles Round Up – The Arts and Entertainment Department takes a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.

“Somebody Else’s” - Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani has been a powerhouse singer both in her band No Doubt and as a solo artist. With hits like “It’s My Life,” “Don’t Speak,” “Sweet Escape” and “Hollaback Girl,” Stefani has put her stamp on history.

“Somebody Else’s” really showcased Stefani’s remarkable vocal abilities. However, it was almost too much.

While her voice is gorgeous she was playing vocal Olympics. Every other word had some sort of flair to it.

The lyrics were alright but seemed redundant at times. Her heart was broken, they get to bother someone else now. Understood.

Something particularly odd was that based on the single’s cover, one would assume the single to be country. It was not.

She and her husband, Blake Shelton, topped the country charts with singles, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.” Ever since then, Stefani has been trying to continue as a country artist.

Sadly, her sound contradicts her intentions. In “Somebody Else’s” she sounds just as she did in the 90s. No instrumentation or vocal arrangements were remotely country, but instead classic pop.

Overall, this single was just okay. Sorry, Gwen!

Isabel Sweet is a third-year majoring in film production. To contact her, email ips5219@psu.edu.