Used to Love You

Last updated

"Used to Love You"
Used to Love You.png
Single by Gwen Stefani
from the album This Is What the Truth Feels Like
ReleasedOctober 20, 2015 (2015-10-20)
Recorded2015; Westlake Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre Synth-pop
Length3:47
Label Interscope
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) J.R. Rotem
Gwen Stefani singles chronology
"Kings Never Die"
(2015)		"Used to Love You"
(2015)		"Make Me Like You"
(2016)
Music video
"Used to Love You" on YouTube

"Used to Love You" is a song recorded by American singer Gwen Stefani for her third studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016). It was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, J.R. Rotem and Teal Douville, and produced by Rotem. After scrapping the album and its two singles, "Baby Don't Lie", and "Spark the Fire", in favor to start over, Interscope Records released "Used to Love You" as the album's first official single on October 20, 2015. It was then serviced to mainstream radio on October 27, 2015.

Contents

"Used to Love You" is an emotional midtempo synthpop ballad, with its instrumentation consisting of a piano, restrained synths and drum taps. Lyrically, the song talks about a painful break-up, with the protagonist questioning why she fell in love. Stefani described the song as being inspired by the end of her 13-year marriage with Bush lead singer, Gavin Rossdale.

"Used to Love You" received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising its lyrical content and Stefani's emotional delivery. Others appreciated it for being a heartbreaking song. Critics viewed the single as an improvement over her 2014 releases, which Stefani herself later described as "rushed". Stefani first premiered the song during a concert on October 17, 2015, and its music video was released three days later. The music video is a single shot of Stefani on a black background, displaying her emotions, and occasionally mouthing some of the words of the song. The song received its first televised performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on October 26, 2015.

Background and release

In October 2014, Stefani released her first solo single in six years, "Baby Don't Lie", and following its moderate impact and reception, a new single, "Spark the Fire", was released in December of the same year. However, both singles underperformed on the charts, [1] [2] [3] prompting the album to be postponed for a 2015 release. [4] After months with no updates on the album, Stefani revealed in an interview for Entertainment Weekly that she scrapped the entire album in favor of starting over, since she did not feel fulfilled and totally involved with the previous project. [5] Stefani started writing new material in June 2015, and following her divorce from Gavin Rossdale a month later, she felt very inspired. In the same interview, Stefani claimed: "I needed to go through what I needed to go through to write the record that I needed to write. [...] These songs are really natural – they’re from not worrying about what happened or what’s going to happen but about living in the moment, from trying to be present and trying to feel." [5]

A&R President Aaron Bay-Schuck at Interscope Records asked songwriters and producers J.R. Rotem, Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels to work with Stefani on the album. Stefani recalled saying the following to them during a recording session: "'Listen, I don’t care about anything. I don’t care about hits. I don’t care about anything except for coming in this room right now…all I want to do is just say the truth. I just want the truth to come out'." [6] Michaels, revealed that "Gwen had written down of all of these things she was feeling at that moment. There was this one phrase that read, 'I don't know why I cry but I think it's because I remembered for the first time since I hated you that I used to love you.' I said, 'Whoa, what a crazy line that is.' She just goes, 'Cool, make it a melody. Let's go." [7] The song was written after Stefani was told by her label that the album was too personal to release; she rebelled against their advice and continued writing personal songs. The next day she ended up writing what she thought was the least commercial song on the album, "Used to Love You", and they approved it. [8]

On October 17, 2015, Stefani performed at a MasterCard Priceless Surprises concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. [9] Prior performing the show's encore, she wrote on her official Twitter account, "Ready for the encore? Hold tight—new single in 5–4–3–2–1!". [10] Before performing "Used to Love You", she said, "I just want to share a song that I wrote recently. This song is really special." [9] On October 19, 2015, Stefani revealed the single's cover art featuring a close-up picture of herself. [11] A day later, October 20, 2015, the song was released to digital download on iTunes and other online platforms, [12] [13] [14] while on October 27, 2015, Interscope Records serviced the song to mainstream radio as the official lead-single from the album. [11] [15] [16]

Composition

JR Rotem LF.JPG
J.R. Rotem wrote and produced several songs with Stefani, including "Used to Love You".

"Used to Love You" was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels and J.R. Rotem; Rotem is also one of the song's producers. [17] [18] The song is a vulnerable and "emotional" midtempo synthpop ballad, [19] [20] having a "driving piano melody", with a length of three minutes and forty-seven seconds. [21] Spin 's James Grebey wrote that the song "largely showcases her passionate, conflicted vocals over restrained, electropop-leaning swells of emotional synths and drum taps." [22] Lyrically, "Used to Love You" is a break-up anthem, where Stefani is questioning how she fell in love with her ex in the first place. [1] The majority of music critics noted that the song is inspired by Stefani's divorce from Gavin Rossdale, after a 13-year marriage. [17] In an interview for Today's Matt Lauer, Stefani confirmed that the track was inspired by the end of her marriage, claiming: "I’ve never put a record out where I’m actually going through things in real time. [But t]his is like, I wrote that song like a couple weeks ago." [23] According to Daniel Kreps of Rolling Stone that could be seen in the lines of the chorus, "I don't know why I cry / But I think it's cause I remember for the first time / Since I hated you / That I used to love you." [17] In other poignant lyrics, she sings, "I guess nobody taught you, nobody taught you how to love." [24] Kreps further compared the lyrical content of "Used to Love You" to "Dreaming the Same Dream", a song from No Doubt's sixth album Push and Shove . [17] Alex Kritselis of Bustle claimed that the song "recalls some of [her] best ballads, like 'Cool', 'Early Winter', and '4 in the Morning'." [1]

Critical reception

Since its release, "Used to Love You" has received critical acclaim from contemporary music critics. [25] Madison Vain of Entertainment Weekly felt the song's "hyper-personal lyrics" were "immediate and affecting". [5] Immediately following its release, Maeve McDermott from USA Today awarded the track "Song of the Week" in October, further adding that "[t]he song's spiritual sibling is another of Stefani's best works: 1996's No Doubt classic 'Don't Speak'," but noting that "this time around, coming from a more mature artist with fewer things to prove, the pain feels dizzyingly fresh." [26] Bianca Gracie of Idolator praised the fact that the singer was "stepping away from the pumped-up vibes of previous tracks like 'Spark The Fire' & 'Baby Don’t Lie', also noting that "[h]eartache is immediately relatable (just ask Adele) and Gwen is often praised for her underrated slow songs [...], so it is refreshing to witness her jumpstart this current album era with a new vibe." [21] Alex Kritselis of Bustle called it "a fantastic 'comeback single' – a tremendous improvement over 'Baby Don't Lie'," praising that "when she repeatedly sings, 'I don't know why I used to love you,' during the climax, you feel it." [1] Music Times's Carolyn Menyes agreed, noting that "we haven't heard a breakup anthem from this girl since her Tragic Kingdom days. After a series of less-than-stellar singles, it's safe to say Stefani is back." [27] In a later review of the parent album, Menyes stated she was "impressed with the vulnerability [...] displayed", comparing it to Stefani's previous singles "Cool" and "Ex-Girlfriend". [28] Menyes concluded by saying the potential on This Is What the Truth Feels Like is evident on tracks like "Used to Love You". [28]

Sean Fitz-Gerald of Vulture wrote that "the song veers toward Stefani's more mellifluous, sentimental fare," calling it a "heartrending track". [29] Amanda Dykan of AltWire praised the track, stating: "[it] reaches through, wraps its acrylic-nailed fingers around your pulsating heart, rips it from your chest, throws it on the floor, and stomps all over it." [30] Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork Media claimed that "Stefani – now 20 years wiser – flips it"; she continued with: "It’s a rare moment on the album where you can pick out Stefani from a sea of other pop singers." [31] Mapes concluded by claiming that "Used to Love You" was her greatest song since "Don't Speak", comparing its effect to Madonna's 1989 single "Like a Prayer". Sean Fitz-Gerald of Vulture warned that when listening to this "heartending track" that "tissues are a must". [32] Consequence of Sound critic Adam Kivel enjoyed the track, calling it a "recognizable moment in heartbreak delivered in a charming falsetto burble". [33] Nate Jackson from OC Weekly appreciated the "somber[ness]" of the track, [34] while Marcus Floyd from Renowned for Sound awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, claiming that "every lyric and every note are sung with heart and chorus just gets you". [35] Michael Smith from the same website acknowledged "Used to Love You" as one of the strongest songs on This Is What the Truth Feels Like, calling it "unexpectedly heartfelt". [36]

Spencer Kornhaber, writing for The Atlantic , called "Used to Love You" the "most heartbreaking" on the parent album, due to "its sentiment and execution". [37] However, Kornhaber stated: "A raw observation and vocal squeak in the chorus might prompt tears like the ones in the accompanying video, but the rest of the song struggles." In a mixed review, Adam R. Holz of Plugged In found Stefani's "loiter[ing] precariously close to bitterness". [38] However, Holz complimented the singer for "illsutrat[ing] the beautiful sanctity of matrimony [...] when its sacredness is violated". [39] Mesfin Fekadu, a critic for The National , claimed the single "do[es]n't feel connected to Stefani – it's as if another pop star could sing the track and you wouldn't notice the difference". [40]

Chart performance

In the United States, "Used to Love You" debuted at number three on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, which serves as an extension to the Billboard Hot 100. [41] It entered the Hot 100 at number 84 for the week ending November 14, 2015, in addition to debuting at number 40 on the Pop Songs component chart. [42] Following a performance at the American Music Awards of 2015, "Used to Love You" re-entered the Hot 100 at number 77, its new peak. [43] The performance helped sell an additional 29,000 digital copies, also prompting her to chart on the Artist 100 at number 82. [44] The single lasted a total of nine weeks on the Hot 100, peaking at number 52 in December 2015, [45] and departing its position of number 80 in January 2016. [46] The week after Stefani performed "Used to Love You" on The Voice, the single peaked at number 14 on the Digital Songs component chart, given Stefani the highest increase for the week ending December 19, 2015. [47] On October 27, 2015, it was released to contemporary hit radio in the United States. [15] Its radio adds prompted the track to enter the Adult Top 40, where it peaked at number 10, spending a total of 15 weeks on the charts. [48] It was Stefani's second highest peak on the chart, nearing 2005's "Cool" peak of number 4. For the week ending January 16, 2016, the song peaked at number 21 on the Adult Contemporary chart and Mainstream Top 40 charts, her highest entry ever for the former, and second lowest entry for the latter. [49] [50] On March 11, 2016, "Used to Love You" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, reporting sales of over 500,000 copies. [51] This marked Stefani's first certification since her single "Hollaback Girl" in 2005. [51]

Outside of the United States, "Used to Love You" was less successful, peaking in only four other countries. In Canada, the track peaked at number 57, becoming Stefani's lowest charting single; however, her follow-up single "Make Me Like You" would later becoming her lowest charting single, peaking at number 62 in February 2016. [52] Additionally, the single spent several weeks on the Canadian radio charts, spending seven weeks on the Adult Contemporary chart, where it peaked at number 30. [53] It spent eight weeks on the CHR/Top 40 chart, where it peaked at number 37, [54] in addition to spending 12 weeks on the Hot AC list, where it charted at number 31. [55] "Used to Love You" failed to enter the top 100 in the United Kingdom, instead peaking at number 157 on the UK Singles Chart on October 31, 2015. [56] On the ARIA Charts in Australia, the single debuted and peaked at number 58, [57] while in Scotland, it peaked at number 87 for the week of October 30 to November 5, 2015. [58]

Music video

On October 20, 2015, the same day of the song's release, Stefani premiered the music video, directed by Sophie Muller, on Facebook. [59] The minimalistic one-shot video shows Stefani on the verge of tears while sitting in a dark space with a white tank top. [60] Stefani noted that the video had been filmed inside of her dressing room for her New York performance, and was not intended to be released as the track's official music video. [61] Carolyn Menyes of Music Times remarked that "though most of the video is spent near tears, Stefani sings key lyrics, just for an additional emotional trigger." [27] McKenna Aiello of E! Online emphasized that "it's her ability to hold them back [tears] that really reveals Stefani's strong sense of self." [62] Marc Inocencio, writing for Seacrest's website, noted that the video "is simple, yet, it’s enough to tell the story behind a recent heartbreak," calling it "really, really heartbreaking." [60] Erin Strecker of Billboard echoed the same thought, [63] while Joe Satran of The Huffington Post called it "spare, vulnerable and raw: the exact opposite of the exuberant, even maximalist videos we've come to expect from the No Doubt frontwoman." [64] Bianca Gracie of Idolator described it as "poignant" and "raw". [21]

Live performances

On October 17, 2015, Stefani performed "Used to Love You" live during a concert for MasterCard users at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. [65] Stefani made the television debut of the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on October 26, 2015. [66] In regards to Stefani's live performance, Joe Satran of The Huffington Post considered it "quite moving", [64] while Caily Lindberg of Music Times called it "an emotional rendition". [67] Robbie Daw wrote for Idolator that "[w]hile her black-clad band stood in the shadows quietly playing along and singing backup vocals, Gwen was front and center with her emotional breakup tune during her Ellen appearance, looking quite anguished but sounding on-point." [68] On November 22, 2015, Stefani performed "Used to Love You" at the American Music Awards of 2015. [69] Stefani performed the song live during various public appearances, including The Voice , [70] The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , [71] and New Year's Eve with Carson Daly shortly after the countdown to the new year had ended. [72]

Track listing

Digital download [73]
No.TitleLength
1."Used to Love You"3:47
Digital download (MAIZE Remix) [74]
No.TitleLength
1."Used to Love You (MAIZE Remix)"3:32

Credits and personnel

Recording

Recorded at Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, California

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of This Is What the Truth Feels Like . [75]

Charts

Chart performance for "Used to Love You"
Chart (2015–2016)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [57] 58
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [52] 57
Canada AC ( Billboard ) [53] 30
Canada CHR/Top 40 ( Billboard ) [54] 37
Canada Hot AC ( Billboard ) [55] 31
Scotland (OCC) [58] 87
UK Singles (OCC) [56] 157
US Billboard Hot 100 [76] 52
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [49] 21
US Adult Top 40 ( Billboard ) [48] 10
US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard ) [50] 21

Certifications

Certifications for "Used to Love You"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [51] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
Various [77] October 20, 2015 Digital download Interscope
United States [15] October 27, 2015 Mainstream radio
United States [78] December 31, 2015Digital download (Maize Remix)
France [79] January 5, 2016 Polydor
United Kingdom [80]
Germany [81] Universal
Italy [82]
Japan [83]
Spain [84]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Rossdale</span> British musician

Gavin McGregor Rossdale is a British musician, best known as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Bush. He helped form Bush in 1992; on the band's separation in 2002, he became the lead singer and guitarist for Institute and later began a solo career. He resumed his role in Bush when the band reunited in 2010. In 2013, he received the British Academy's Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gwen Stefani</span> American musician (born 1969)

Gwen Renée Stefani is an American singer and songwriter. She is a co-founder, lead vocalist, and the primary songwriter of the band No Doubt, whose singles include "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak", from their 1995 breakthrough studio album Tragic Kingdom, as well as "Hey Baby" and "It's My Life" from later albums.

<i>Love. Angel. Music. Baby.</i> 2004 studio album by Gwen Stefani

Love. Angel. Music. Baby. is the debut solo studio album by American singer Gwen Stefani, released on November 12, 2004, by Interscope Records. Stefani, who had previously released five studio albums as lead singer of the rock band No Doubt, began recording solo material in early 2003. She began working on Love. Angel. Music. Baby. as a side project that would become a full album after No Doubt went on hiatus. Stefani co-wrote every song on the album, collaborating with various songwriters and producers including André 3000, Dallas Austin, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the Neptunes and Linda Perry. The album also features guest appearances by Eve and André 3000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What You Waiting For?</span> 2004 song by Gwen Stefani

"What You Waiting For?" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani from her debut solo studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). Written by Stefani and Linda Perry, the song is the album's opening track and was released as Stefani's debut solo single. Lyrically, "What You Waiting For?" details Stefani's lack of inspiration and fear of producing the album, as well as her reaction to pressures exerted by her record label. It is primarily an electropop song and introduces Stefani's four backup dancers, the Harajuku Girls, who had a major input into the album's production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hollaback Girl</span> 2005 single by Gwen Stefani

"Hollaback Girl" is a song by American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani from her debut solo studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). It is a hip-hop song that draws influence from 1980s hip-hop and dance music. The song was written by Stefani, Pharrell Williams, and Chad Hugo, with the latter two handling production as the Neptunes. The song was released as the album's third single on March 22, 2005, and was one of the year's most popular songs, peaking inside the top 10 of the majority of the charts it entered. It reached number one in Australia and the United States, where it became the first digital download to sell one million copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luxurious</span> 2005 single by Gwen Stefani

"Luxurious" is a song by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her debut solo studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). Written by Stefani and fellow No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, the track contains a sample of the Isley Brothers' 1983 song "Between the Sheets".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gwen Stefani discography</span>

American singer Gwen Stefani has released four studio albums, two extended plays, 33 singles, six promotional singles, one video album, and 28 music videos. She has sold more than nine million albums as a solo artist. Stefani is also the lead singer of the rock band No Doubt, with which she has released several albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Real Thing (Gwen Stefani song)</span> 2005 promotional single by Gwen Stefani

"The Real Thing" is a song by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her debut studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. (2004). It was produced by Nellee Hooper and written by Stefani, Linda Perry, and Stefani's then-husband Gavin Rossdale, who is credited under the moniker GMR. In 2005, the song was released as a promotional single in the Philippines, where Interscope Records distributed a CD single. Inspired by the music of New Order, Stefani approached the group with the idea of collaborating. Despite initially declining, they eventually changed their minds and lent members Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook to perform background vocals and bass, respectively. American duo Wendy & Lisa also contribute to the song's instrumentation, playing guitar and keyboards, and created a "Slow Jam Remix" of the song which appears on the select editions of the parent album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby Don't Lie</span> 2014 single by Gwen Stefani

"Baby Don't Lie" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani. Written by Stefani, Ryan Tedder, Benny Blanco and Noel Zancanella, and produced by Tedder and Blanco, "Baby Don't Lie" is a midtempo electropop and reggae-pop track. The song was made available for digital download on October 20, 2014, and a day later to mainstream radio stations. It served as Stefani's musical comeback as a solo artist; her previous solo single, "Early Winter", was released in January 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Misery (Gwen Stefani song)</span> 2016 single by Gwen Stefani

"Misery" is a song recorded by American singer Gwen Stefani for her third solo studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016). Initially released as a promotional single, it became the record's third and final single on May 23, 2016, when it was sent to hot adult contemporary radio. Stefani co-wrote the song with Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Mattias Larsson, and Robin Frediksson, with the latter two serving as the producers. An electropop song, "Misery" uses digital hand clapping and an upbeat samba to produce a futuristic-sounding melody. The lyrics describe a lover who has recently started a relationship and is confused over what to think about it. Several critics drew comparisons between these lyrics to Stefani's personal and romantic life with her boyfriend, Blake Shelton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make Me Like You</span> 2016 single by Gwen Stefani

"Make Me Like You" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani for her third solo studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016). The record's second single, it was released digitally on February 12, 2016, and distributed to contemporary hit radio on February 16 in the United States by Interscope. Mattias Larsson and Robin Frediksson produced the song, which was co-written by Stefani, Larsson, Frediksson, Justin Tranter, and Julia Michaels. A pop and disco recording, "Make Me Like You" incorporates light rock, with guitars and digital harps over an uptempo melody. The lyrics, which were inspired by Stefani's relationship with singer Blake Shelton, explore finding and renewing love after a fractured relationship.

<i>This Is What the Truth Feels Like</i> 2016 studio album by Gwen Stefani

This Is What the Truth Feels Like is the third studio album by American singer Gwen Stefani. It was released on March 18, 2016, by Interscope Records. Initially, the album was scheduled to be released in December 2014 with Stefani working with a handful of high-profile producers, and Benny Blanco serving as executive producer. However, after the underperformance of her 2014 singles and the writer's block Stefani suffered, she did not feel comfortable curating an album and scrapped the whole record in favor of starting again. The album's release was scheduled after Stefani hinted at it on her Twitter account.

"Asking 4 It" is a song by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her third studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016). The song features guest vocals from American rapper Fetty Wap. It was released on March 18, 2016, as the ninth track on This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Interscope Records. The track was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Tor Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen, and Fetty Wap. The track's production was handled by Stargate, while additional production was made by Tim Blacksmith and Danny D.

"Rare" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her third studio album, This Is What the Truth Feels Like, which was released on March 18, 2016, by Interscope Records. The album's closing track, it was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, and its producer Greg Kurstin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MasterCard Priceless Surprises Presents Gwen Stefani</span> 2015–16 concert tour by Gwen Stefani

MasterCard Priceless Surprises Presents Gwen Stefani is a promotional concert tour by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani as part of their Priceless campaign. This became Stefani's first tour since 2007's The Sweet Escape Tour; however, tickets available for the tour were only accessible to MasterCard holders. Stefani's recent partnership with MasterCard allowed her to create a concert experience for her fans in a more intimate setting, as she did not perform in large concert venues. The shows contained material from Stefani's first two studio albums, as well as songs that would later appear on her third release, This Is What the Truth Feels Like (2016).

"Start a War" is an unreleased song recorded by American singer Gwen Stefani. Originally intended for her third studio album, the ballad was written by Stefani and Sia and produced by Arnthor Birgisson. Stefani said she was grateful for Sia's help with the composition. In the end, the song did not make the final cut of This Is What the Truth Feels Like, Stefani's third studio album released in 2016. The song was intended to serve as a bonus track on a CD maxi single for her 2014 single "Baby Don't Lie", although the distribution was scrapped by Interscope and Mad Love Records. After it was registered with a UPC, Universal Music Group announced that it would be issued as a standalone digital download on November 9, 2015, but these plans were also cancelled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Gift Is You</span> 2017 song by Gwen Stefani

"My Gift Is You" is a song by American singer and songwriter Gwen Stefani from her fourth studio album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas (2017). It was released digitally on October 6, 2017, along with the rest of the parent album, through Interscope Records. The track was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, and Busbee while production was handled by Busbee and Eric Valentine. Musically, the track is a Christmas song that contains elements of pop-soul music.

<i>You Make It Feel Like Christmas</i> 2017 Gwen Stefani album

You Make It Feel Like Christmas is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani. The album, which is Stefani's first full-length Christmas-themed album, was released on October 6, 2017, by Interscope Records. The record was executively produced by Stefani and Busbee, with additional production coming from Eric Valentine. The standard version of You Make It Feel Like Christmas contains twelve songs, featuring six original songs penned by Stefani, Busbee and Justin Tranter, and six cover versions of Christmas standards. While going on a nature walk near the Oklahoma ranch house belonging to boyfriend Blake Shelton, Stefani felt inspired to record a Christmas album and began writing what would later become "Christmas Eve". Recording sessions took place in the summer months of 2017; several of the tracks' titles leaked in August, leaving Stefani to confirm the project in September. The album's original songs make references to Stefani's newfound love and relationship with Shelton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Make It Feel Like Christmas (song)</span> 2017 single by Gwen Stefani featuring Blake Shelton

"You Make It Feel Like Christmas" is a song by American singer Gwen Stefani from her fourth studio album of the same name (2017). It features guest vocals from her husband, Blake Shelton. The song was written by Stefani, Justin Tranter, Shelton and busbee, while production was handled by busbee and Eric Valentine. It was recorded during the summer months, with the song title leaking in August 2017. The song was eventually released for digital download and streaming as the lead single from the album by Interscope on September 22, 2017. It was influenced by popular holiday music from Stefani's childhood and marks Stefani and Shelton's second collaboration following their duet "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" in 2016. A Christmas track, the song includes country and pop music elements, with lyrics describing a romantic holiday season.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kritselis, Alex. "Gwen Stefani Single "Used To Love You" Is The Perfect Comeback Track – LISTEN". Bustle . Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  2. ↑ Carley, Brennan (December 8, 2014). "Gwen Stefani Never Planned to Return to Her Solo Career". Spin . Archived from the original on April 22, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  3. ↑ Gracie, Bianca (January 16, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Claims She's Taking Her Time On New Album, Continuously Tests Our Patience". Idolator . Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  4. ↑ Riotta, Chris (August 14, 2015). "Gwen Stefani New Album 2015: Latest on Her Next Release". Music.Mic. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 Vain, Madison (October 19, 2015). "Gwen Stefani scrapped an entire album and started again: 'It didn't feel right'". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  6. ↑ Carroll, Sarah (November 2, 2015). "Interview: Gwen Stefani Opens Up About Her Divorce, New Music, & More With Carson Daly". 97.1 AMP Radio. Archived from the original on February 6, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  7. ↑ Wood Rudulph, Heather (November 2, 2015). "Get That Life: How I Became a Hit Songwriter by Age 21". Cosmopolitan . Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 25, 2015.
  8. ↑ Innocencio, Marc (November 3, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Talks New Single 'Used to Love You,' Gavin Rossdale & Blake Shelton Rumors". iHeart Radio. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Debuts New Song 'Used to Love You' at New York Show: Watch". Billboard . October 18, 2015. Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  10. ↑ Russell, Erica (October 17, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Debuts New Ballad 'Used To Love You' In NYC". PopCrush. Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  11. 1 2 Wass, Mike (October 19, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Reveals "Used To Love You" Cover Art, Says She Scrapped Her Third Album And Started Over". Idolator . Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Used to Love You – Single by Gwen Stefani on iTunes". iTunes . Apple Inc. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Amazon.com: Used to Love You: Gwen Stefani: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com . Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Used To Love You (Single) by Gwen Stefani : Rhapsody". Rhapsody.com . Archived from the original on October 31, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  15. 1 2 3 "FMQB: Available for Airplay". FMQB . Archived from the original on August 28, 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  16. ↑ Satran, Joe (October 26, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Gets Emotional Singing 'Used To Love You' On 'Ellen'". Huffington Post . Archived from the original on October 29, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Kreps, Daniel (October 18, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional Ballad 'Used to Love You' at Solo Show". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Used to Love You – Gwen Stefani | Allmusic". Allmusic . Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on December 9, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2015.
  19. ↑ Reed, Ryan (February 15, 2016). "Gwen Stefani Creates Live 'Make Me Like You' Video During Grammys". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 22, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  20. ↑ Jackson, Nate (October 21, 2015). "What Gwen Stefani Was Really Thinking In the "Used to Love You" Music Video". OC Weekly . Voice Media Group. Archived from the original on November 3, 2015. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
  21. 1 2 3 Gracie, Bianca (October 20, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Releases Poignant "Used To Love You" Video: Watch". Idolator . SpinMedia. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  22. ↑ Grebey, James (October 18, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Debuts Passionate New Song, 'Used to Love You'". Spin . Archived from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Gwen Stefani Caught Off Guard By Divorce Question". TooFab.com. October 27, 2015. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  24. ↑ Jensen, Erin (October 18, 2015). "Your heart will break with Gwen Stefani's when you hear 'Used to Love You'". USA Today . Archived from the original on October 20, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  25. ↑ Frederick, Brittany (December 1, 2015). "Gwen Stefani brings new single 'Used To Love You' to 'The Voice'". AXS. Archived from the original on October 13, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
  26. ↑ McDermott, Maeve. "Song of the week: Gwen Stefani, 'Used To Love You'". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
  27. 1 2 Menyes, Carolyn (October 20, 2015). "Gwen Stefani's 'Used to Love You' Music Video is Heartbreaking in Wake of Gavin Rossdale Split". Music Times. Archived from the original on October 21, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  28. 1 2 Menyes, Carolyn; Middleton, Ryan; Niles, Jon (March 22, 2016). "Gwen Stefani 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like' Review: Junk Mail". Music Times. Archived from the original on July 6, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  29. ↑ Fitz-Gerald, Sean (October 20, 2015). "Listen to Gwen Stefani's Latest Single, the Heartbreaking 'Used to Love You'". Vulture . Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  30. ↑ Dykan, Amanda (May 13, 2016). "Review: Gwen Stefani – "This is What the Truth Feels Like"". Altwire.net. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  31. ↑ Mapes, Jillian (March 21, 2016). "Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like". Pitchfork Media . Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  32. ↑ Fitz-Gerald, Sean (October 20, 2015). "Listen to Gwen Stefani's Latest Single, the Heartbreaking 'Used to Love You'". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  33. ↑ Kivel, Adam (March 17, 2016). "Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like". Consequence of Sound . Archived from the original on March 21, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  34. ↑ Jackson, Nate (October 21, 2015). "What Gwen Stefani Was Really Thinking In the "Used to Love You" Music Video". OC Weekly . Archived from the original on July 17, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  35. ↑ Floyd, Marcus (October 29, 2015). "Single Review: Gwen Stefani – 'Used To Love You'". Renowned for Sound. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  36. ↑ Smith, Michael (March 24, 2016). "Album Review: Gwen Stefani – 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like'". Renowned for Sound. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  37. ↑ Kornhaber, Spencer (March 18, 2016). "Truth as Marketing: Gwen Stefani's Pop Confession". The Atlantic . Archived from the original on June 27, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  38. ↑ Holz, Adam R. "Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like". Plugged In . Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  39. ↑ Holz, Adam R. "Gwen Stefani – Used To Love You". Plugged In. Archived from the original on May 29, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  40. ↑ Fekadu, Mesfin (March 21, 2016). "Album review: Gwen Stefani's This Is What the Truth Feels Like is catchy but doesn't rise above average". The National . Archived from the original on June 25, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  41. ↑ Jenny (November 3, 2015). ""Used To Love You" Debuts on the Billboard Charts". beaconstreetonline.net. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  42. ↑ Trust, Gary (November 5, 2015). "Hot 100 Chart Moves: Gwen Stefani Returns With 'Used to Love You'". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  43. ↑ Trust, Gary (December 2, 2015). "Adele Dominates Billboard Artist 100 Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  44. ↑ "The No. 1s". Billboard. Vol. 127, no. 38. December 19, 2015.
  45. ↑ "The Hot 100 – The Week Of December 19, 2015". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  46. ↑ "The Hot 100 – The Week Of January 30, 2016". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 15, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Gwen Stefani – Chart History: Digital Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  48. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  49. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  50. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  51. 1 2 3 "American single certifications – Gwen Stefani – Used to Love You". Recording Industry Association of America. March 11, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  52. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 4, 2015.
  53. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  54. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  55. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  56. 1 2 Chart Log UK: "Update 31.10.2015". UK Singles Chart. Zobbel.de. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  57. 1 2 "Gwen Stefani – Used to Love You". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
  58. 1 2 "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  59. ↑ "Gwen Stefani – Used to Love You". Facebook. Archived from the original on 26 May 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  60. 1 2 Inocencio, Marc (October 20, 2015). "Gwen Stefani's 'Used to Love You' Video Is Really, Really Heartbreaking". RyanSeacrest.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  61. ↑ Ryan Seacrest (3 November 2015). "Gwen Stefani Talks Breakup, "Used To Love You"". YouTube. Archived from the original on 25 March 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
  62. ↑ McKenna, Aiello (20 October 2015). "Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional Music Video for Breakup Ballad "Used to Love You"". E! Online . Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  63. ↑ Strecker, Erin (October 20, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Premieres Heartbreaking Video for Breakup Song 'Used to Love You'". Billboard . Archived from the original on November 13, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  64. 1 2 Satran, Joe (October 26, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Gets Emotional Singing 'Used To Love You' On 'Ellen'". Huffington Post . Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  65. ↑ Maslow, Nick. "Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional Single 'Used to Love You' After Split from Gavin Rossdale". People . Archived from the original on 19 October 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  66. ↑ Inocencio, Marc. "Gwen Stefani Broke Hearts With 'Used to Love You' Performance on 'Ellen'". Ryan Seacrest. Archived from the original on December 15, 2015. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  67. ↑ Lindberg, Cailey (October 27, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Performs 'Used To Love You' on 'Ellen' as Gavin Rossdale Divorce Settled". Music Times. Archived from the original on October 28, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  68. ↑ Daw, Robbie (October 26, 2015). "Gwen Stefani Performs "Used To Love You" Live On TV For The First Time On 'Ellen': Watch". Idolator. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  69. ↑ Spanos, Brittany (November 22, 2015). "Watch Gwen Stefani Belt 'Used to Love You' at 2015 AMAs". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  70. ↑ Dawn, Randee. "Gwen Stefani's emotional 'Voice' performance brings coaches to their feet". The Today Show. Archived from the original on 2 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  71. ↑ Gracie, Bianca (4 December 2015). "Gwen Stefani Performs "Used To Love You" On 'Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon': Watch". Idolator . Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  72. ↑ "Gwen Performs "Used To Love You" Live on 'New Years Eve with Carson Daly' (Updated)". December 31, 2015. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
  73. ↑ "iTunes (U.S.) – Music – Gwen Stefani – Used to Love You – Single". iTunes (U.S.). October 20, 2015. Archived from the original on December 16, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2015.
  74. ↑ "Used to Love You". HMV Digital Media. January 1, 2016. Archived from the original on March 14, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  75. ↑ This Is What the Truth Feels Like (CD liner notes). Gwen Stefani. Interscope Records. 2016. B0022397-02.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  76. ↑ "Gwen Stefani Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  77. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.com. October 20, 2015. Archived from the original on November 28, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  78. ↑ ""Used to Love You (Maize Remix)" by Gwen Stefani on iTunes". iTunes Store (US). December 31, 2015. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  79. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.com (in French). January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  80. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.co.uk. January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  81. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.de (in German). January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  82. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.it (in Italian). January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  83. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – グウェン・ステファ". Amazon.com (in Japanese). January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  84. ↑ "Used To Love You (Maize Remix) – Gwen Stefani". Amazon.com (in Spanish). January 5, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.