CD Review
Artist: Gavin Rossdale
Album: Wanderlust
Label: Universal
Release Date: May 20th 2008 

Reviewed By: Rosemary Newton (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

Wanderlust is Gavin Rossdale's debut solo album; the British rocker is best known for his years as lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Bush. Oh yeah, and he's married to a little known artist named Gwen Stefani. His rock royalty marriage may make the headlines more than his music nowadays, but Rossdale seeks to change that with Wanderlust.

For the most part Rossdale plays it safe; the majority of the album is filled with fairly formulaic songs, melodramatic lyrics and catchy hooks. His voice is undeniably easy to listen to, with a rough and sexy tone perfect for the kind of emotional rock ballads he seems prone to. The CD starts off with ‘Can't Stop The World,' which is catchy, and although somewhat unremarkable, has hit single potential. ‘Frontline' follows, which is a track that I absolutely love, despite the melancholy lyrics. It's also a perfect track for Rossdale's gravelly voice.

‘Love Remains the Same' is an ultra emotional, borderline sappy ballad. Nonetheless, it's a good listen with romantic lyrics about love withstanding the tests of time (I wonder if he sings it to Gwen?). He succeeds enormously in these three tracks, as he does with ‘Forever You May Run.' All are songs with considerable depth and showcase Rossdale's vocal talent well (although he does somewhat sound like Sting in a few of these songs, which, depending on your tastes, is a good or bad thing). 

On the down side, ‘Future World' stands out as the most unique of all the tracks, and also the most depressing, with lyrics like "Oh teardrop you know you make me so sad/This heartbeat could be my last." ‘This is Happiness' is the most "grunge" of all the tracks, and with its rough melody, is not particularly enjoyable to listen to. At the tail end of the album is ‘This Place Is On Fire.' Granted, this is not so much as a song as it is a conclusion, but it's horribly annoying and the album could have easily done without it. 

Wanderlust is not a bad album; No tracks stand out as particularly horrible, the trouble is, none stand out as particularly amazing either. Die hard fans should like this album, as will anyone who enjoys semi-moving, catchy, radio friendly rock music with a little more substance than the norm. The veteran rocker's first effort is not unique. It is a tad bit forgettable and runs the risk of getting lost amongst the hoards of rockers coming out with almost identical material.

Mr. Stefani (as some refer to him) is a talented artist, and Wanderlust is passable. For his next album however, Gwen might give him some tips on originality. 

1) Can't Stop The World
2) Frontline
3) Forever May You Run
4) The Skin I'm In
5) Drive
6) Future World
7) Love Remains The Same
8) If You're Not With Us You Are Against Us
9) This Is Happiness
10) Another Night In The Hills
11) The Trouble I'm In
12) Beauty In The Beast
13) This Place Is On Fire