Gavin Rossdale: Wanderlust - Review

Mixed reviews for three summer albums - Arts

On June 3, Gavin Rossdale, formerly of the band Bush, released his solo album, “Wanderlust.” After listening to the album, it seems that Rossdale had something to prove and might not have succeeded.

Visibly trying to find himself as a solo artist, he portrays his struggle in some of the lyrics and tries a variety of styles, which does not go over well. The best example of this weird experimentation is the song This Place Is on Fire found at the end of the album.

The first two songs are good enough to keep one listening, but not good enough to get one excited about “Wanderlust.” It is not until one gets to Forever May You Run, that one is finally able to truly hear Rossdale and his talents.

The best songs on this record are slow and with no pretensions, unlike the other songs where the listener will be able to tell that Rossdale is trying too hard. It might be ironic that in the song Love Remains the Same, one of the better songs on this album, the lyrics go “the truth is, I am done pretending.” His website, gavinrossdale.com, claims that “Wanderlust” explores a more mature Gavin, with a sense of freedom, emotion, and musical depth never heard from the grunge-era superstar.”

Overall, it’s a decent record with some hits and misses. It is more slow paced and mellow than loud and fast even though Rossdale does attempt slow songs here and there. You should only buy “Wanderlust” if you are Rossdale fan. If you are just looking for something new to listen to, keep looking.

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