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Written by Gwen Stefani, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco, and Noel Zancanella

Produced by Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco

Released October 2014 by Interscope

Pros

• Percussive instrumental track that is as catchy as the sung chorus
• Gwen Stefani's authoritative voice
• Strong hip hop influenced bridge

Cons

• Trendy and lacking in arresting originality

While certainly not on a par with "Hollaback Girl," Gwen Stefani's new song "Baby Don't Lie" is a solid return that should easily light up mainstream pop radio playlists.

It has been six long years since the last solo single from the No Doubt lead vocalist.  During that time the band returned with the disappointing Push and Shove which has failed to reach gold status after two years.  However, with the wind of being a coach on The Voice at her back, it looks like we will be welcoming solo Gwen Stefani back to the upper reaches of pop charts.

The song kicks of with a familiar pop reggae vibe and Gwen Stefani's familiar voice is a pleasure. Both Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder co-wrote and co-produced "Baby Don't Lie." The insistent percussion on the track matches much of Ryan Tedder's other work including the hits of his group OneRepublic. The end of phrase yelps in Gwen Stefani's singing will be familiar to any pop fan who loved Tegan and Sara's "Closer," but they also fit the song's overall desperate hint of impending relationship doom.

The lyrics of "Baby Don't Lie" detail the experience of hearing words from a lover that don't match what you see in their eyes.

When the song breaks down into a hip hop influenced "What you hidin' for?" bridge, all fans of Gwen Stefani's first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. will smile. It is a clever reminder of past triumphs. The chorus returns for a final time, and don't be surprised if you are singing along.

"Baby Don't Lie" sounds tailor made for contemporary pop radio. The instrumental track is as catchy as the sung chorus. Some fans may be disappointed that Gwen Stefani stays so close to current sounds of other artists.  However, this is the type of song that is likely to win over radio programmers. Also, if past experience is any indication of future patterns, Gwen Stefani did not release the strongest singles off either of her two solo albums as the first. 

There is no specific word yet on a release date for Gwen Stefani's upcoming third solo album.   However, Billboard reports that it will appear in December and Benny Blanco is the executive producer on the project. Reportedly, she has also worked with Pharrell Williams, the architect of "Hollaback Girl," on new tracks for the album.

Another ace in the hole for Gwen Stefani is that she is currently gaining weekly exposure from her appearance on The Voice.  Just ask Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera about how helpful that can be for one's pop music career. No Doubt's return was disappointing, but it looks like Gwen Stefani has corrected the commercial errors of that project. "Baby Don't Lie" is already in the top 15 on the iTunes sales chart in advance of this week's The Voice episodes, and Interscope is promoting the song strongly to mainstream pop radio.  Welcome back Gwen!