Gwen Stefani - Love Angel Music Baby (Limited Edition Special Packaging) (CD 2004)

This special limited edition version is housed in burlap wrapping with a gold embossed booklet and keyring which adds to the newly glamorous image of Gwen. Not coincidentally, the album's lyrics are filled with guilt-free references to consumption. This may be a turn-off for Gwen's old No Doubt's ska-punk fans, but she's made many new pop fans with this album even though it's not totally devoid of filler.

There are some great songs on it most notably "What You Waiting For" and "Hollaback Girl" which reminds the listener of that American tradition - cheerleaders and bands at the football game. Gwen also makes references to the old musicals - borrowing the chorus from "If I Were A Rich Man" from "Fiddler On The Roof" - something she'd practice again on her second album. Gwen has succeeded where perhaps her former punk peers would fear to tread - creating a chart-friendly but great pop album.