In 2004, Gwen Stefani, lead singer of the multiple Grammy-winning band No Doubt, invited us into her creative world with Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The pay-off was mindblowing. Seven million copies sold worldwide, including over 3.8 million in the U.S. Smash hits "Hollaback Girl" (#1 for 4 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100), "Rich Girl" (which featured Eve), "Cool," "Luxurious" and "What You Waiting For?" A sold-out tour. So when it came time for Gwen Stefani to record a second album, you would think there would be pressure - to make not just another great record, but also to satisfy the expectations that come with massive success. Think again. As she's done throughout her career, Gwen hasn't let anyone dictate what she should do. That's because she relies on instinct, integrity, and eclectic, heartfelt sources of inspiration. "For me, the music just brings a lot of confidence. Making music is very rewarding," Gwen says. "It's really fun to have people listen to your music and get something, whatever that is out of it. So when all is said and done, I hope people enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying it."

Gwen's much anticipated sophomore album is The Sweet Escape and as she did on Love. Angel. Music. Baby., one of rock/pop's most admired, and just straight-up cool singers, brings an unmistakable ability to cross-pollinate genres with effortless joy. Joining Gwen are fellow sonic adventurers, including The Neptunes, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, Akon, Swizz Beats, Sean Garrett, and Keane's Tim Rice-Oxley. If that line-up seems far-reaching, it's deliberate. "All my inspirations were completely different on this record," Gwen explains. "The last time, it was all about doing a dance record. It was all about '80s-inspired music, the music I danced to when I was growing up. But this time, I felt like I was in a whole different place. I have a lot more melodic songs. There are beats but it's also more. The Sweet Escape is a perfect title because the music takes you away."