This Is What the Truth Feels Like

After giving birth to her third son on February 28, 2014, Gwen Stefani made her first public appearance at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 12, 2014, performing "Hollaback Girl" at the request of her longtime collaborator and friend Pharrell Williams, who was one of the festival's headliners.{{cite magazine|last=Lipshut|first=Jason|title=Gwen Stefani's Coachella Cameo Hints At Solo Return?|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6051859/gwen-stefanis-coachella-cameo-hints-at-solo-return|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210211128/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6051859/gwen-stefanis-coachella-cameo-hints-at-solo-return|archive-date=February 10, 2017}} After the performance, Williams hinted at a possible return for the singer. In September 2014, she revealed she was writing for two records: her third solo studio album and her band No Doubt's seventh studio album. She told MTV News: "At this point I'm thinking about both, I can do both. [...] And it's just an amazing time; so many opportunities. I'm going into the studio tonight with Pharrell [Williams], I'm going to be writing and also just seeing what comes along my way. I've been recording a few things."{{cite news|last=Garibaldi|first=Christina|title=Gwen Stefani Back In The Studio With Pharrell And She's 'Killing It'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1924501/gwen-stefani-pharrell-no-doubt-album/|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=MTV News|date=September 8, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426212205/http://www.mtv.com/news/1924501/gwen-stefani-pharrell-no-doubt-album/|archive-date=April 26, 2016}} In the same month, Stefani's manager Irving Azoff confirmed she was finishing the record with Williams, as well as planning to perform its lead single live on The Voice. Interscope Records chairman John Janick also revealed that producer Benny Blanco would be the album's executive producer and that it was slated to be released sometime in December 2014.{{cite magazine|last1=Buerger|first1=Megan|last2=Hampp|first2=Andrew|title=Gwen Stefani Finishing New Solo Album With Pharrell|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6266642/gwen-stefani-new-solo-album-pharrell|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=September 29, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210045033/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6266642/gwen-stefani-new-solo-album-pharrell|archive-date=February 10, 2016}}

On October 20, 2014, Stefani released "Baby Don't Lie", produced by Blanco and Ryan Tedder, as the album's tentative lead-single.{{cite magazine|last=Feeney|first=Nolan|title=Hear Gwen Stefani's Solo Comeback Song 'Baby Don't Lie'|url=https://time.com/3524409/gwen-stefani-baby-dont-lie/|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Time|date=October 20, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214100446/http://time.com/3524409/gwen-stefani-baby-dont-lie/|archive-date=February 14, 2016}} The song met with a mixed response from critics{{cite web|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|title=Gwen Stefani's "Baby Don't Lie": Review Revue|url=http://www.idolator.com/7567137/gwen-stefani-baby-dont-lie-review-revue|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=Idolator|date=October 20, 2014|archive-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216050413/http://www.idolator.com/7567137/gwen-stefani-baby-dont-lie-review-revue|url-status=dead}} and saw moderate success on the charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/14921b/Gwen-Stefani-Baby-Don't-Lie|title=Gwen Stefani – Baby Don't Lie|website=Ultratop|language=nl|access-date=August 18, 2018}} Soon after it was announced that a new song titled "Spark the Fire" would be released;{{cite magazine|last=Leight|first=Elias|title=Gwen Stefani Releases 'Spark the Fire,' New Pharrell-Produced Single|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6327622/gwen-stefani-releases-new-single-spark-the-fire|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=November 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130055216/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6327622/gwen-stefani-releases-new-single-spark-the-fire|archive-date=January 30, 2016}} produced by Pharrell Williams, it was released on December 1, 2014.{{cite web|title="Spark the Fire" by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/spark-the-fire-single/1445172577|website=iTunes Store (US)|date=December 1, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121841/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spark-the-fire-single/id947109786|archive-date=September 24, 2015}} She revealed to Spin in December 2014 that she worked with Calvin Harris, Charli XCX, and Sia on the album, and her desire to work with Chris Martin and Diplo at some point in the future.{{cite news|last=Carley|first=Brennan|title=Gwen Stefani Never Planned to Return to Her Solo Career|url=http://www.spin.com/2014/12/gwen-stefani-interview-spark-the-fire-solo-no-doubt/|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=Spin|date=December 8, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422124412/http://www.spin.com/2014/12/gwen-stefani-interview-spark-the-fire-solo-no-doubt/|archive-date=April 22, 2016}} Despite performing the Sia-penned track "Start a War" during a concert,{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Gwen Stefani Debuts New Ballad 'Start a War' at Solo Show|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/gwen-stefani-debuts-new-ballad-start-a-war-at-solo-show-20150208|access-date=July 3, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 8, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507144245/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/gwen-stefani-debuts-new-ballad-start-a-war-at-solo-show-20150208|archive-date=May 7, 2016}} and registering two Charli XCX tracks ("Hard 2 Love" and "Hell Yeah Baby") with the BMI,{{cite web|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/DetailView.aspx?detail=titleid&keyid=18394838&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True|title=Hard 2 Love|website=BMI|access-date=August 18, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/DetailView.aspx?detail=titleid&keyid=18394839&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&blnAltTitles=True|title=Hell Yeah Baby|website=BMI|access-date=August 18, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} they were never released physically. In January 2015, the singer revealed she had decided to slow the album's recording process because she felt it was not complete.{{cite news|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|title=Gwen Stefani Talks Onstage Comeback, New Album: Performing Solo "Is Not Natural"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/gwen-stefani-talks-onstage-comeback-765965|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125022448/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/gwen-stefani-talks-onstage-comeback-765965|archive-date=November 25, 2015}} In May 2015, rapper LunchMoney Lewis told Ryan Seacrest he was working with Stefani on the record.{{cite news|last=Riotta|first=Chris|title=Gwen Stefani New Album 2015: Latest on Her Next Release|url=http://mic.com/articles/123895/gwen-stefani-new-album-2015-latest-on-her-next-release#.zTLqpkkdZ|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=Mic|date=August 14, 2015}}

In August, Stefani filed for divorce from her husband Gavin Rossdale after almost thirteen years of marriage.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/03/gwen-stefani-gavin-rossdale-divorce|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 3, 2015|access-date=August 1, 2016|title=Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale are divorcing|first=Will|last=Robinson|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412065658/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/03/gwen-stefani-gavin-rossdale-divorce|archive-date=April 12, 2016}} In October, Stefani revealed to Entertainment Weekly that she scrapped the album and started again, since "[i]t didn't feel right. [...] I didn't feel fulfilled. That record with Benny was done that way because I had just given birth and had just started on The Voice and felt like I should do something in music, but what was I going to do? There wasn't enough time. So I tried to make a record where I was just kind of involved—which is how a lot of people do it, but it didn't work for me".{{cite magazine|last=Vain|first=Madison|title=Gwen Stefani scrapped an entire album and started again: 'It didn't feel right'|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/19/gwen-stefani-third-album|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301234845/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/10/19/gwen-stefani-third-album|archive-date=March 1, 2016}} She later told Zane Lowe that she had attempted to curate an entire album, but it did not feel right and she needed to write her own material.{{cite news|last=Innocencio|first=Marc|title=Gwen Stefani Talks New Single 'Used to Love You,' Gavin Rossdale & Blake Shelton Rumors|url=http://news.iheart.com/onair/ryan-seacrest-52241/gwen-stefani-talks-new-single-used-14091088/|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=iHeartRadio|date=November 3, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222120842/http://news.iheart.com/onair/ryan-seacrest-52241/gwen-stefani-talks-new-single-used-14091088/|archive-date=February 22, 2016}} She also revealed that she felt inspired again and started writing a lot of songs in a rapid progression, revealing: "I think I have enough for probably two albums. [...] I have to write a few more songs, because I feel like, might as well keep going while it's there. [...] I got 20 songs. I have a whole record in eight weeks, but I want to keep writing."{{cite magazine|last=Weiner|first=Natalie|title=Gwen Stefani Says She Has Enough New Music For Two Albums|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6752806/gwen-stefani-new-music-two-albums-zane-lowe-interview|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=November 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210232448/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6752806/gwen-stefani-new-music-two-albums-zane-lowe-interview|archive-date=February 10, 2016}}{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Gwen Stefani: 'I Have Enough for Probably Two Albums'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-i-have-enough-for-probably-two-albums-20151102|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215015357/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-i-have-enough-for-probably-two-albums-20151102|archive-date=February 15, 2016}} Stefani also revealed she had worked with musicians Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Greg Kurstin,{{cite news|last=Ganz|first=Caryn|title=Gwen Stefani Climbs Back From the Abyss|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/arts/music/gwen-stefani-truth-feels-like.html?_r=0|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=March 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314033928/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/arts/music/gwen-stefani-truth-feels-like.html?_r=0|archive-date=March 14, 2016}} in addition to production duo Mattman & Robin and the Stargate production team.{{cite news|last=Wass|first=Mike|title=Gwen Stefani Preps New Single "Make Me Like You," Hits The Studio With Stargate|url=http://www.idolator.com/7622484/gwen-stefani-new-single-make-me-like-studio-stargate|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=Idolator|date=February 4, 2016|archive-date=February 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208090525/http://www.idolator.com/7622484/gwen-stefani-new-single-make-me-like-studio-stargate|url-status=dead}} The album was completed in January 2016. Stefani revealed in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on February 25 that "'four of five' songs" were written in the previous month.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Zach|title=Ellen DeGeneres Asks Gwen Stefani to Describe How Blake Shelton "Popped the Big Question" (No, Not That One)|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/743175/ellen-degeneres-asks-gwen-stefani-to-describe-how-blake-shelton-popped-the-big-question-no-not-that-one|access-date=July 27, 2016|work=E! News|date=February 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805151359/http://www.eonline.com/news/743175/ellen-degeneres-asks-gwen-stefani-to-describe-how-blake-shelton-popped-the-big-question-no-not-that-one|archive-date=August 5, 2016}}

{{quote box|align=right|width=25em|quote=There's this crazy thing where I was given this gift – which I didn't know about until it happened – that I could write these songs. But I was always so not confident about it and worried about it, and like writer's block, and all these things, and I was like that, I was so blocked for so long [...] But now it's happening again, and it's like the most incredible thing ever. It's so incredible to be able to use my gift again.|source=—Stefani about being inspired again to write songs for the album.}}

Thematically, Stefani considered the album to be mainly "a breakup record",{{cite news|last=Wilkins|first=Vanessa|title=Gwen Stefani Considers Her New Album to Be a 'Breakup Record'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gwen-stefani-considers-album-breakup-record/story?id=35134496|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=ABC News|date=November 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211233931/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gwen-stefani-considers-album-breakup-record/story?id=35134496|archive-date=February 11, 2016}} declaring: "I would consider it a breakup record. [...] It just makes me believe in God and my journey. My cross to bear was to go through these heartbreaks and write these songs and help people."{{cite magazine|last=Nelson|first=Jeff|title=Gwen Stefani calls her next album a 'breakup record'|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/11/gwen-stefani-next-album-breakup-record|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 11, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412074113/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/11/gwen-stefani-next-album-breakup-record|archive-date=April 12, 2016}} The singer also told Ryan Seacrest that while writing the songs for the album during her personal struggles with the end of her marriage, she felt the process was therapeutic. She commented: "The record company was like, 'Listen, we really think your record is too personal and no one is going to relate to this record and maybe you should just put it out as an artistic body of work—don't even think about radio'." She described the sensation of hearing this was like being punched in the stomach.

According to Stefani, the various emotions she had experienced in the past year would be reflected on the album. The first songs written for the album had a sarcastic and humorous vibe, while she later described the other songs as having a "realness" to them. The first song written for the album was "You Don't Know Me", a personal song penned with Rick Nowels. According to the singer, the song was "the first opening of the channel" of her songwriting inspiration.{{cite news|last=Carroll|first=Sarah|title=Interview: Gwen Stefani Opens Up About Her Divorce, New Music, & More With Carson Daly|url=http://amp.cbslocal.com/2015/11/02/interview-gwen-stefani-opens-up-about-her-divorce-new-music-more-with-carson-daly/|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=97.1 AMP Radio|date=November 2, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206175921/http://amp.cbslocal.com/2015/11/02/interview-gwen-stefani-opens-up-about-her-divorce-new-music-more-with-carson-daly/|archive-date=February 6, 2016}} In the early stages, she also wrote a song with Linda Perry called "Medicine Man" while flying to No Doubt's Jazz Festival show in New Orleans. Another song, "Red Flag", was the first song she wrote with J.R. Rotem, Justin Tranter and Julia Michaels. She described it as a "work of art" for "express[ing] so clearly what [she] was [going through] at the time".{{cite web|url=https://repertoire.bmi.com/DetailView.aspx?detail=titleid&keyid=21327965&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&blnAltTitles=True|title=Red Flag|website=BMI|access-date=August 18, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} They also worked on other songs, such as "Naughty", "Misery", which she considered a "really happy song," and "Make Me Like You", produced by Mattman & Robin,{{cite news|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|title=Gwen Stefani Returns To Vibrant Pop With Her "Make Me Like You" Single: Listen|url=http://www.idolator.com/7623363/gwen-stefani-returns-to-vibrant-pop-with-her-make-me-like-you-single-listen|access-date=February 17, 2016|website=Idolator|date=February 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160312004608/http://www.idolator.com/7623363/gwen-stefani-returns-to-vibrant-pop-with-her-make-me-like-you-single-listen|archive-date=March 12, 2016}} which, having been surprised by the result, she called "so good"!{{cite news|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|title=Gwen Stefani's "Make Me Like You": New Single Coming Soon|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2016/02/gwen-stefani-new-song-make-me-like-you|access-date=February 10, 2016|website=Fuse|date=February 5, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213205457/http://www.fuse.tv/2016/02/gwen-stefani-new-song-make-me-like-you|archive-date=February 13, 2016}}

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This Is What the Truth Feels Like focuses on several themes, including "moving on from a broken relationship" to "falling in love again". Her divorce from Gavin Rossdale served as the main source of inspiration for the former, while her subsequent romance with Blake Shelton served as an inspiration for the latter. The singer intended the album to show her desire for "forgiveness" instead of "revenge".{{cite news|last=Robinson|first=Lisa|title=Gwen Stefani Talks Blake Shelton, The Voice, and Music After Gavin Rossdale|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/03/gwen-stefani-music-blake-shelton-the-voice|access-date=August 14, 2016|work=Vanity Fair|date=April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810141923/http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/03/gwen-stefani-music-blake-shelton-the-voice|archive-date=August 10, 2016}} Stefani's take on her "messy divorce" is evident in the single "Used to Love You", while tracks like "Send Me a Picture" and "Rare" find her embracing a new love. She kept the news of her divorce hidden from her writing and production teams during the recording sessions, however, Stefani "suspect[ed] her collaborators knew she was in crisis because of her lyrics".{{cite magazine|last=Feeney|first=Nolan|title=Gwen Stefani: How Making My New Album Saved My Life|url=https://time.com/4257624/gwen-stefani-interview-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-blake-shelton/|access-date=July 5, 2016|magazine=Time|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708154705/http://time.com/4257624/gwen-stefani-interview-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-blake-shelton/|archive-date=July 8, 2016}} When asked in a GQ interview: "Did you think this project was going to be a heartbreak album? It seems like a falling-in-love album. Was that a surprise?" Stefani responded:

You are right. I did not think anything. I wasn't thinking. I was feeling and I was dying. And then I was just like, You can't go down like this! You have to turn this into music. You have to try, at least. I was so embarrassed by just everything. I just didn't want to be that person that just went down after all of that. A lot of the time in the sessions, they weren't letting me write. They were giving me tracks and doing it all. I was like, Why am I here? Then I got the perfect combination of people to really support me and make me feel confident. It was an amazing awakening. I walked into the session and I was like, You gotta know, I don't care about anything except the truth right here.{{cite news|last=Lange|first=Maggie|title=Gwen Stefani Wants the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth|url=https://www.gq.com/story/gwen-stefani-truth-interview|access-date=July 5, 2016|work=GQ|date=March 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708000204/http://www.gq.com/story/gwen-stefani-truth-interview|archive-date=July 8, 2016}}

John Janick, the chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records,{{cite magazine|last=Christman|first=Ed|title=John Janick to Succeed Jimmy Iovine as Chairman, CEO of Interscope Geffen & A&M|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6099404/john-janick-jimmy-iovine-interscope-geffen-am|access-date=August 16, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=May 28, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801220603/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/6099404/john-janick-jimmy-iovine-interscope-geffen-am|archive-date=August 1, 2015}} told Stefani that he was unsure of her songs "connect[ing] with people", encouraging her to create an "artistic record" and to skip radio altogether. Janick later changed his mind and got in touch with Stefani after listening to "Used to Love You". She called it "the most personal song" she had ever written and appreciated Janick's decision commenting: "That's never happened in my entire career." After writing "Truth", she was inspired to title the album with something similar. By the time several personal themed tracks were completed, Stefani began creating songs dealing with her newfound relationship with Shelton; "Make Me Like You" details "the early stage of their romance", while the title track suggests what the public might think of their romance, with lyrics such as: "They're all gonna say I'm rebounding, so rebound all over me".

This Is What the Truth Feels Like features a range of genres; including pop, reggae, disco and dancehall, R&B, hip hop and "punky" electro-pop music.{{cite web|last=Jack|first=Malcolm|url=http://www.bigissue.com/reviews/music-reviews/6380/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review|title=Gwen Stefani: This Is What The Truth Feels Like – review|work=The Big Issue|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2016|quote=R&B, hip hop and punky electro-pop set|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812121303/http://www.bigissue.com/reviews/music-reviews/6380/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review|archive-date=August 12, 2016}} Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly viewed it as "an album so directly torn from Stefani's recent, much-documented romantic upheavals that it could be called 'The Ballad of Blake and Gavin{{'"}}. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic added that: "Stefani spends roughly half of the record singing breezy songs of liberation." Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine commented: "While an artist converting personal tragedy into creative capital is hardly new, the nakedness with which Stefani assesses the ruins of her relationship is stark, especially compared to the self-proclaimed guilty pleasures of Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and The Sweet Escape." On writing about both relationships, Stefani claimed: "I don't have any secrets; I don't have anything to hide. I haven't done anything wrong. I'm happy to share my story. [This] is really the only record I've written that's mostly happy; all the others are about heartbreak. And there's some of that on here—it needed that, to make the rest feel as good as it feels."{{cite magazine|last=Vain|first=Madison|title=Gwen Stefani reborn: How the pop star turned heartbreak into massive hits|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/17/gwen-stefani-reborn|access-date=March 21, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320150657/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/17/gwen-stefani-reborn|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

This Is What the Truth Feels Like begins with "Misery". An electropop song{{cite web |last=Cills |first=Hazel |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2795557/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/ |title=Gwen Stefani Moves Forward Messily on This Is What The Truth Feels Like |website=MTV News |date=March 17, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320150918/http://www.mtv.com/news/2795557/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/ |archive-date=March 20, 2016}} with "future-disco beats", the album's third single "captures the highs and lows of being gobsmacked in love". According to Nicki Gostin, writing for the New York Daily News, the song's lyrics are unclear and either detail Stefani's former relationship with Rossdale, or her current relationship with Shelton.{{cite news|last=Gostin|first=Nicki|title=Is Gwen Stefani's latest single 'Misery' about new boyfriend Blake Shelton or ex Gavin Rossdale?|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/gwen-stefani-drops-new-single-misery-article-1.2561116|work=New York Daily News|access-date=March 14, 2016|date=March 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312092939/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/gwen-stefani-drops-new-single-misery-article-1.2561116|archive-date=March 12, 2016}} The track makes several references to love and drugs through the use of hyperbole and cliches.{{cite news|last1=Elone|first1=Emmanuel|last2=Conaton|first2=Chris|last3=Stroud|first3=Pryor|last4=Ingalls|first4=Chris|last5=Beaudoin|first5=Jedd|last6=Miller|first6=Chad|title=Gwen Stefani – "Misery" (Singles Going Steady)|url=https://www.popmatters.com/post/gwen-stefani-misery-singles-going-steady/|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=PopMatters|date=June 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627012757/http://www.popmatters.com/post/gwen-stefani-misery-singles-going-steady/|archive-date=June 27, 2016}} "You're My Favorite" has "Super Mario 64 cave synths and [a] tinny, trap-adjacent percussion".{{cite news|last=Kivel|first=Adam|title=Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/album-review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|access-date=March 21, 2016|work=Consequence of Sound|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321062708/http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/album-review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|archive-date=March 21, 2016}} The song was dubbed "the most 'Stefani-esque'" by Nicholaus James Jodlowski of Reporter magazine,{{cite news|last=Jodlowski|first=Nicholaus James|title=Album Review: "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" by Gwen Stefani|url=http://reporter.rit.edu/leisure/album-review-what-truth-feels-gwen-stefani|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=Reporter|date=April 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525135910/http://reporter.rit.edu/leisure/album-review-what-truth-feels-gwen-stefani|archive-date=May 25, 2016}} while Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork found it comparable to Top 40 music. It was compared to her earlier songs, "Simple Kind of Life", "Underneath It All" and "Serious" by Theon Weber of Spin magazine. The third track, "Where Would I Be?", produced by Kurstin, is a reggae-flavored ska song. Its bridge has a "cheerleader taunt" and, according to Leonie Cooper of NME, it "sounds like she doesn't give a shit". Lyrically it mentions the possibilities of finding love, particularly in the line "Fill up my Solo Cup when I'm feeling so lonely." Weber found similarities between "Where Would I Be?" and Kurstin's earlier work with Lily Allen. The album's second single, "Make Me Like You", is a pop and disco song, written by Stefani, Tranter, Michaels, Mattias Larsson, and Robin Fredikkson. After the group completed the track, Stefani commented: "We were losing our minds." Its lyrics detail the "complicated feeling of falling hard when [one] least expect[s]", as well as reflecting Stefani's personal life.{{cite news|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|title=Gwen Stefani Is Revitalized in "Live" Music Video "Make Me Like You"|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/gwen-stefanis-live-music-video-for-make-me-like-you-is-an-exhilarating-rebirth|access-date=February 18, 2016|work=Slant Magazine|date=February 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220003600/http://www.slantmagazine.com/house/article/gwen-stefanis-live-music-video-for-make-me-like-you-is-an-exhilarating-rebirth|archive-date=February 20, 2016}}

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center

| align = left

| width1 = 214

| image1 = Greg Kurstin studio 7053 Peter Hill (cropped).jpg

| alt1 = Color picture of producer Greg Kurstin

| footer = Greg Kurstin produced tracks "You're My Favorite", "Where Would I Be?", "Send Me a Picture" and "Rare".

}}

"Truth", the album's title track, is an electropop composition with a guitar hook. According to Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe, Shelton was the source of inspiration for the track, which reveals Stefani's "giddy new-crush enthusiasm". Both "Truth" and lead single "Used to Love You" are described as "truth-telling" songs by Kitty Empire of The Observer. With "Used to Love You", Stefani comes to terms with herself, dealing with the aftermath of her divorce,{{cite news|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|title='This Is What the Truth Feels Like' review: Gwen Stefani dares on every level|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review-gwen-stefani-dares-on-every-level-1.11582870|access-date=March 21, 2016|work=Newsday|date=March 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319231827/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review-gwen-stefani-dares-on-every-level-1.11582870|archive-date=March 19, 2016}} and realizing that her relationship with Rossdale is over. Produced by Rotem, the track is a "vulnerable" and "emotional" midtempo synth-pop ballad,{{cite magazine|last=Reed|first=Ryan|title=Gwen Stefani Creates Live 'Make Me Like You' Video During Grammys|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-creates-make-me-like-you-video-during-grammys-20160215|access-date=February 17, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216075546/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-creates-make-me-like-you-video-during-grammys-20160215|archive-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Nate |url=http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/2015/10/what_gwen_stefani_was_really_thinking_in_the_used_to_love_you_music_video.php |title=What Gwen Stefani Was Really Thinking In the "Used to Love You" Music Video |work=OC Weekly |date=October 21, 2015 |access-date=November 8, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103070613/http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/2015/10/what_gwen_stefani_was_really_thinking_in_the_used_to_love_you_music_video.php |archive-date=November 3, 2015 }} designed to "showcase her passionate, conflicted vocals".{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-new-song-used-to-love-you-watch-stream/|title=Gwen Stefani Debuts Passionate New Song, 'Used to Love You'|work=Spin|last=Grebey|first=James|date=October 18, 2015|access-date=October 20, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019142048/http://www.spin.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-new-song-used-to-love-you-watch-stream/|archive-date=October 19, 2015}} In an interview with Today{{'}}s Matt Lauer, Stefani confirmed that the track was inspired by the end of her marriage, and claimed that the song was only written a few weeks before its release.{{cite news|title=Gwen Stefani Caught Off Guard By Divorce Question|url=http://toofab.com/2015/10/27/the-voice-karaoke-the-tonight-show/|access-date=November 1, 2015|work=TooFab.com|date=October 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030013812/http://toofab.com/2015/10/27/the-voice-karaoke-the-tonight-show/|archive-date=October 30, 2015}} The seventh track, "Send Me a Picture", has dancehall elements, and was described as a sexting ode by several publications;{{cite news|last=Raible|first=Allan|title=Gwen Stefani's "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" **1/2|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gwen-stefani-iggy-pop-soul-asylum-music-reviews/story?id=37852108#1|access-date=March 25, 2016|website=ABC News|date=March 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325075829/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gwen-stefani-iggy-pop-soul-asylum-music-reviews/story?id=37852108#1|archive-date=March 25, 2016}} furthermore, Mapes stated the song has a "Bieber-hits-the-islands vibe", while Annie Zaleski of The A.V. Club summarized its meaning as "captur[ing] the delicious anticipation of a crush potentially texting a snap". "Red Flag" begins with "an intro that sounds like a melting violin",{{cite news|last=Sears|first=Stephen|title=Gwen Stefani's 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like': Album Review|url=http://www.idolator.com/7626908/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=Idolator|date=March 18, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622001227/http://www.idolator.com/7626908/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-review|url-status=dead}} followed by Stefani scorning her ex: "This is what happens when you don't listen to what your mother say." Amanda Dykan of AltWire found it reminiscent of 2000's "Ex-Girlfriend" and compared Stefani's rapping style to that of Lady Gaga's.{{cite web|last=Dykan|first=Amanda|title=Review: Gwen Stefani – "This is What the Truth Feels Like"|url=http://www.altwire.net/2016/05/13/review-gwen-stefani/|website=AltWire|date=13 May 2016 |access-date=July 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630201204/http://www.altwire.net/2016/05/13/review-gwen-stefani/|archive-date=June 30, 2016}}

Track nine, "Asking 4 It", features rapper Fetty Wap.{{cite news|last=Kuperinsky|first=Amy|title=Fetty Wap slated to be only guest artist on Gwen Stefani's album|url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/03/fetty_wap_gwen_stefani_album.html|access-date=May 18, 2016|website=NJ.com|date=March 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419215318/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/03/fetty_wap_gwen_stefani_album.html|archive-date=April 19, 2016}} The composition consists of a "bopping, hip hop tinged beat flecked with dancey synths",{{cite web|title=Gwen Stefani – Asking 4 It (ft. Fetty Wap)|url=http://www.hitsync.net/gwen-stefani-asking-4-it-feat-fetty-wap/|website=Hitsync|access-date=March 23, 2016|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320075111/http://www.hitsync.net/gwen-stefani-asking-4-it-feat-fetty-wap/|archive-date=March 20, 2016}} while lyrically Stefani "asks a crush if they're sure about being with her". Stefani felt Fetty Wap had "a voice with so much character", so she told her team that she wanted to collaborate with him. Due to several scheduling conflicts with Fetty, the collaboration barely occurred, with Stefani calling it "a miracle" that it even happened.{{cite web|title=Gwen Stefani Says Her Kids Are Excited for Fetty Wap Collab|url=http://wixx.com/news/articles/2016/mar/17/gwen-stefani-says-her-kids-are-excited-for-fetty-wap-collab/|website=WIXX|access-date=March 18, 2016|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328044945/http://wixx.com/news/articles/2016/mar/17/gwen-stefani-says-her-kids-are-excited-for-fetty-wap-collab/|archive-date=March 28, 2016}} "Naughty"'s lyrics serve as a "kiss-off to a no-good guy who's been 'shady'". A "sly" and "bratty new wave" track, Stefani "chides someone for keeping secrets". In addition, the song has "piano swagger, Radiohead references, and a finger-wagging cheerleader chant". The next track, "Me Without You", finds Stefani "embrac[ing] a new life without a toxic partner" and "capturing the sense of relief and possibility" that follows a "painful breakup". Influenced by hip hop, it is primarily a ballad. The standard edition album closer, "Rare", is a folk song accompanied by an acoustic guitar and galloping beat. Several critics speculated that a particular lyric may have been aimed at Shelton's ex-wife, Miranda Lambert;{{cite web|last=DuBois|first=Lauren|title=Gwen Stefani 'Rare': Did Blake Shelton's New Girlfriend Diss Ex-Wife Miranda Lambert In Song? [Photo]|url=http://www.enstarz.com/articles/149066/20160318/gwen-stefani-rare-did-blake-sheltons-new-girlfriend-diss-ex-wife-miranda-lambert-in-song-photo.htm|website=EnStars|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320073154/http://www.enstarz.com/articles/149066/20160318/gwen-stefani-rare-did-blake-sheltons-new-girlfriend-diss-ex-wife-miranda-lambert-in-song-photo.htm|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}{{cite web|last=Leung|first=Andrew|title=Gwen Stefani "Rare" Lyrics and Meaning — And Possible Shots Fired at Miranda Lambert?|url=http://mic.com/articles/138333/gwen-stefani-rare-lyrics-and-meaning-and-possible-shots-fired-at-miranda-lambert#.rKFarnoFq|website=Mic|date=18 March 2016 |access-date=March 20, 2016}} an article from Fox News reported that "the lyrics appear to be a slam at Lambert for letting Shelton go", particularly: "You're rare / And only a stupid girl would let it go."{{cite news|title=New Gwen Stefani lyrics suggest Miranda Lambert left Blake Shelton|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/new-gwen-stefani-lyrics-suggest-miranda-lambert-left-blake-shelton/|access-date=March 20, 2016|website=Fox News|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320022500/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2016/03/17/new-gwen-stefani-lyrics-suggest-miranda-lambert-left-blake-shelton/|archive-date=March 20, 2016}} Chuck Campbell of Go Knoxville compared Stefani's vocals in "Rare" to Ariana Grande's.{{cite news|last=Campbell|first=Chuck|title='Tuned In': Gwen Stefani feels honest, yet derivative|url=http://www.knoxnews.com/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/tuned-in-gwen-stefani-feels-honest-yet-derivative-2e9860ef-6ce1-2bff-e053-0100007fd6cb-373106961.html|access-date=March 22, 2016|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326003309/http://www.knoxnews.com/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/tuned-in-gwen-stefani-feels-honest-yet-derivative-2e9860ef-6ce1-2bff-e053-0100007fd6cb-373106961.html|archive-date=March 26, 2016}}

On the Target deluxe edition of This Is What the Truth Feels Like, "Rocket Ship" is the thirteenth track.{{cite web|url=https://www.target.com/p/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-target-exclusive/-/A-50801410|title=Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like (Target Exclusive)|website=Target|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614142726/http://www.target.com/p/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-target-exclusive/-/A-50801410|archive-date=June 14, 2017}} It is a "chorus-less" song with a "solid hip hop arrangement" and a "melodic use of vocal samples".{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Michael|title=Album Review: Gwen Stefani – This Is What The Truth Feels Like|url=http://renownedforsound.com/index.php/album-review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|access-date=July 3, 2016|date=March 24, 2016|website=Renowned for Sound|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620001747/http://renownedforsound.com/index.php/album-review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|archive-date=June 20, 2016}} "Obsessed" contains "batty vocals" and the "hip hop style" that was displayed before on "Rocket Ship". The sixteenth track, "Splash", is the last song on the Target edition. The international edition of the album features bonus track "Loveable", while Japan-exclusive "War Paint" is a tribal song,{{cite news|last=Unterberger|first=Lindsey|title=Gwen Stefani on Why Women Are Lucky to Wear Makeup|url=http://www.glamour.com/story/gwen-stefani-tells-us-why-wome|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=Glamour|date=November 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804050103/http://www.glamour.com/story/gwen-stefani-tells-us-why-wome|archive-date=August 4, 2016}} with a critic from Est. '97 thinking of it as "an anti bully jam where confidence is key to protecting oneself".{{cite web|author1=Keenan|title=Album Review: Gwen Stefani's 'Truth' reaches new heights|url=http://www.est1997.com/music/album-review-gwen-stefanis-truth-reaches-new-heights/|website=est1997.com|access-date=July 3, 2016|date=April 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814161344/http://est1997.com/music/album-review-gwen-stefanis-truth-reaches-new-heights/|archive-date=August 14, 2016}}

During promotional interviews about "Used to Love You", Stefani confirmed the album was to be released in 2016. Since the release of "Baby Don't Lie" and "Spark the Fire", her then-untitled album was among many magazine's lists of The Most Anticipated Albums, for both 2015{{cite magazine|title=30 Most Anticipated Albums of 2015|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/6406578/30-most-anticipated-albums-of-2015/28|access-date=July 25, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=December 30, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117045040/http://www.billboard.com/photos/6406578/30-most-anticipated-albums-of-2015/28|archive-date=November 17, 2016}}{{cite web|last=Hughes|first=Hilary|title=30 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2015|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2015/01/30-most-anticipated-albums-of-2015#14|website=Fuse|access-date=July 25, 2015|date=January 13, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704073053/http://www.fuse.tv/2015/01/30-most-anticipated-albums-of-2015#14|archive-date=July 4, 2015}} and 2016.{{cite magazine|last1=Anderson|first1=Kyle|last2=Vain|first2=Madison|last3=Bacle|first3=Ariana|last4=Brown|first4=Eric Renner|last5=O'Donnell|first5=Kevin|last6=Holub|first6=Christian|last7=Falcone|first7=Dana Rose|last8=Goodman|first8=Jessica|title=31 most anticipated albums of 2016|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/12/most-anticipated-albums-2016|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305200704/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/12/most-anticipated-albums-2016|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}{{cite news|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|title=10 Of The Most Anticipated Pop Albums Of 2016|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/01/02/10-of-the-most-anticipated-pop-albums-of-2016/|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=Forbes|date=January 2, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216130716/http://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/01/02/10-of-the-most-anticipated-pop-albums-of-2016/|archive-date=February 16, 2016}}{{cite magazine|title=Gwen Stefani – 20 Most Anticipated Pop Albums of 2016|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/20-most-anticipated-pop-albums-of-2016-20160108/gwen-stefani-20160107|access-date=February 10, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 8, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203203405/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/20-most-anticipated-pop-albums-of-2016-20160108/gwen-stefani-20160107|archive-date=February 3, 2016}} On February 9, 2016, she posted the album's track list through her Twitter account with the caption "This Is What the Truth Feels Like...", which was later confirmed as the album's title.{{cite magazine|last=Stutz|first=Colin|title=Gwen Stefani Reveals New Album Track List & Cover|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6874041/gwen-stefani-teases-new-album-tracklist-title-twitter|access-date=July 25, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=February 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714210129/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6874041/gwen-stefani-teases-new-album-tracklist-title-twitter|archive-date=July 14, 2016}}{{cite news|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|title=Gwen Stefani Teases New Solo Album: See The Tracklist & Title|url=http://www.idolator.com/7623108/gwen-stefani-teases-new-solo-album-see-the-tracklist-title|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=Idolator|date=February 10, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211090048/http://www.idolator.com/7623108/gwen-stefani-teases-new-solo-album-see-the-tracklist-title|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last=Daw|first=Robbie|title=Gwen Stefani 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Album Cover, Target Bonus Tracks Revealed|url=http://www.idolator.com/7623139/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-target-bonus-tracks-make-me-like-you-video-details|access-date=July 25, 2016|work=Idolator|date=February 10, 2016|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616140557/http://www.idolator.com/7623139/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-target-bonus-tracks-make-me-like-you-video-details|url-status=dead}} A day later, the album's art cover was released, along with the titles of four bonus tracks exclusive to the Target edition. The release date was scheduled for March 18, 2016.{{cite web|last=Carley|first=Brennan|title=Gwen Stefani Officially Announces New Solo Album, Details Track List|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/02/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-third-album-solo/|work=Spin|date=10 February 2016|access-date=February 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211091440/http://www.spin.com/2016/02/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-third-album-solo/|archive-date=February 11, 2016}} The cover features a close-up shot of Stefani with "hand drawn hearts, tears and flowers", which according to Carolyn Menyes of Music Times, "giv[es] the record a sense of femininity and raw emotion".{{cite news|last=Menyes|first=Carolyn|title=Gwen Stefani's New Album 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Gets Release Date, Artwork|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/64940/20160210/gwen-stefani-new-album-what-truth-feels-release-date-artwork.htm|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=Music Times|date=February 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212100220/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/64940/20160210/gwen-stefani-new-album-what-truth-feels-release-date-artwork.htm|archive-date=February 12, 2016}} Using Stefani's official website, fans were able to create their own album cover with the same doodles on it by uploading a picture of their face to the site.{{cite web|title=Make Me Like Gwen... Create & Share Your Own Doodle!|url=https://www.gwenstefani.com/gwendoodle|website=GwenStefani.com|access-date=July 25, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919050039/https://www.gwenstefani.com/gwendoodle|archive-date=September 19, 2016}} Regarding the deluxe edition cover of the album, Christina Marfice from SheKnows Media speculated that it "includes a secret dis aimed at" her ex-husband; she stated: "And, in the corner, a ring drawn on her finger with a frowny face [is] connected to it by an arrow."{{cite web|last=Marfice|first=Christina|title=Gwen Stefani throws major shade at Gavin Rossdale with album cover (Photo)|url=http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/1112415/does-gwen-stefani-album-cover-include-a-secret-dis-at-gavin-rossdale-photo|website=SheKnows Media|access-date=July 25, 2016|date=February 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820062303/http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/1112415/does-gwen-stefani-album-cover-include-a-secret-dis-at-gavin-rossdale-photo|archive-date=August 20, 2016}} However, the drawing was ultimately covered up by a sticker on this edition. Prior to the release of Shelton's tenth studio album, If I'm Honest (2016), several publications compared the cover to Stefani's,{{cite web|last1=Schreader|first1=Mason|last2=Hoesly|first2=Zach "Remy"|last3=Cole|first3=Amber "Alabama"|title=Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani reveal noticeably similar album covers|url=http://big955chicago.iheart.com/onair/mason-remy-and-alabama-55858/blake-shelton-and-gwen-stefani-reveal-14623733/|website=WEBG|access-date=July 25, 2016|date=April 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918094958/http://big955chicago.iheart.com/onair/mason-remy-and-alabama-55858/blake-shelton-and-gwen-stefani-reveal-14623733/|archive-date=September 18, 2016}} with Maeve McDermott of USA Today calling them "eerily similar".{{cite news|last=McDermott|first=Maeve|title=Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's album covers are eerily similar|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/19/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-similar-album-covers-titles/83234660/|access-date=July 25, 2016|work=USA Today|date=April 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621212229/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/19/blake-shelton-gwen-stefani-similar-album-covers-titles/83234660/|archive-date=June 21, 2016}}

{{See also|MasterCard Priceless Surprises Presents Gwen Stefani}}On October 17, 2015, Stefani performed "Used to Love You" at her first concert in over eight months at a MasterCard Priceless Surprises concert at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.{{cite web|last=Golding|first=Shenequa|title=Gwen Stefani Lights Up The Stage At The Hammerstein Ballroom|url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-new-york-master-card-concert/|work=Vibe|access-date=April 10, 2016|date=October 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513162606/http://www.vibe.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-new-york-master-card-concert/|archive-date=May 13, 2016}} The singer wore a black turtle neck and striped skirt for the rendition; the performance was deemed "heart-wrenching",{{cite news|title=Gwen Stefani Performs an Emotional Ballad; New Single for Gavin Rossdale? [Watch]|url=http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/43965/20151019/gwen-stefani-performs-emotional-ballad-new-single-gavin-rossdale-watch.htm|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Realty Today|date=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422123238/http://www.realtytoday.com/articles/43965/20151019/gwen-stefani-performs-emotional-ballad-new-single-gavin-rossdale-watch.htm|archive-date=April 22, 2016}} "powerful", and "emotional" by critics.{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional Ballad 'Used to Love You'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-debuts-emotional-ballad-used-to-love-you-at-solo-show-20151018|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708041010/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-debuts-emotional-ballad-used-to-love-you-at-solo-show-20151018|archive-date=July 8, 2016}} Following the performance, it was announced that it would be released as the lead single from her upcoming album.{{cite web|last=Maslow|first=Nick|title=Gwen Stefani Debuts Emotional Single 'Used to Love You' After Split from Gavin Rossdale|url=http://www.people.com/article/gwen-stefani-new-single-used-to-love-you-gavin-rossdale|work=People|access-date=October 18, 2015|date=October 17, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019123121/http://www.people.com/article/gwen-stefani-new-single-used-to-love-you-gavin-rossdale|archive-date=October 19, 2015}} She also sang the single at the 2015 American Music Awards accompanied by a group of backup dancers who dressed and acted like ninjas while on stage.{{cite magazine|last=Payne|first=Chris|title=Gwen Stefani Performs 'Used to Love You' at the 2015 American Music Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/amas/6770344/gwen-stefani-used-love-you-amas-2015-american-music-awards|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=November 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511110205/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/amas/6770344/gwen-stefani-used-love-you-amas-2015-american-music-awards|archive-date=May 11, 2016}} Stefani also performed "Used to Love You" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show,{{cite news|last=Satran|first=Joe|title=Gwen Stefani Gets Emotional Singing 'Used To Love You' On 'Ellen'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gwen-stefani-ellen-used-to-love-you_us_562e62a2e4b06317990eb411|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=HuffPost|date=October 26, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911113319/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gwen-stefani-ellen-used-to-love-you_us_562e62a2e4b06317990eb411|archive-date=September 11, 2016}} The Voice,{{cite web|last=Dawn|first=Randee|title=Gwen Stefani's emotional 'Voice' performance brings coaches to their feet|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefanis-emotional-voice-performance-brings-coaches-their-feet-t58816|website=Today|date=December 2015 |access-date=December 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202072440/http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefanis-emotional-voice-performance-brings-coaches-their-feet-t58816|archive-date=December 2, 2015}} and immediately after midnight on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve.{{cite web|title=Gwen Performs "Used To Love You" Live on 'New Years Eve with Carson Daly' (Updated)|url=http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/gwen-performing-on-nbcs-new-years-eve-with-carson-daly-dec-31|website=Beacon Street Online|access-date=December 31, 2015|date=December 31, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104170134/http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/gwen-performing-on-nbcs-new-years-eve-with-carson-daly-dec-31|archive-date=January 4, 2016}}

Stefani announced in February 2016 that "Make Me Like You" was the album's second single and that its music video would be filmed on live television, the first video produced this way, and aired during the Grammys.{{cite news|last=Heller|first=Corinne|title=Gwen Stefani to Make History at the Grammys 2016 With New Music Video Before Third Solo Album Release|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/738707/gwen-stefani-to-make-history-at-the-grammys-2016-with-new-music-video-before-third-album-release|access-date=February 10, 2016|work=E! Online|date=February 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708114233/http://www.eonline.com/news/738707/gwen-stefani-to-make-history-at-the-grammys-2016-with-new-music-video-before-third-album-release|archive-date=July 8, 2016}} She partnered with Target for the event. It cost $12 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive music videos ever made.{{cite magazine|last=Gensler|first=Andy|title=Down to Brass Tacks: Gwen Stefani's $12 Million Live Music Video for Target New Centerpiece to a Emerging Trend|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6882920/brass-tacks-gwen-stefani-12-million-live-music-video-target-trend|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=February 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702065500/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6882920/brass-tacks-gwen-stefani-12-million-live-music-video-target-trend|archive-date=July 2, 2016}} The performance went as planned, with a body double of Stefani taking a fake tumble towards the end of the video, leading several critics to believe Stefani herself messed up on live television.{{cite news|last=Delbyck|first=Cole|title=An Investigation Into Gwen Stefani's Confusing Grammy's 'Fall' [Update]|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gwen-stefani-fall-grammys_us_56c32d10e4b0c3c550528a0d|access-date=June 11, 2016|work=HuffPost|date=February 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612044755/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gwen-stefani-fall-grammys_us_56c32d10e4b0c3c550528a0d|archive-date=June 12, 2016}} The following evening, Stefani appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and confirmed that the tumble was planned.{{cite news|last=Saad|first=Nardine|title=Gwen Stefani confirms 'Make Me Like You' is about beau Blake Shelton|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-gwen-stefani-make-me-like-you-blake-shelton-grammys-kimmel-20160217-story.html|access-date=July 1, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=February 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622055809/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-gwen-stefani-make-me-like-you-blake-shelton-grammys-kimmel-20160217-story.html|archive-date=June 22, 2016}} At another MasterCard concert in Tokyo on March 16, 2016, "Misery" was performed live for the first time.{{cite web|title=2016|url=http://beaconstreetonline.net/set-lists/2016-3|website=Beacon Street Online|access-date=April 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407165644/http://beaconstreetonline.net/set-lists/2016-3|archive-date=April 7, 2016}} Her outfit consisted of "cropped red track pants and a red sequined cage top over a black bra" as the lyric video was displayed as the backdrop; the track was followed by "Make Me Like You".{{cite web|last=Wetherille|first=Kelly|title=Gwen Stefani Rocks Out in Tokyo|url=http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/gwen-stefani-tokyo-10392027/|work=Women's Wear Daily|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320073309/http://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/gwen-stefani-tokyo-10392027/|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

Following the album's release, Stefani continued promoting This Is What the Truth Feels Like with several more television appearances. She performed "Misery" and "Make Me Like You" during a Saturday Night Live episode on April 2, 2016.{{cite magazine|last=Platon|first=Adelle|title=Gwen Stefani Rocks 'Space Shorts,' Performs 'Make Me Like You' & 'Misery' on 'Saturday Night Live'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7318825/gwen-stefani-saturday-night-live-space-pants-make-me-like-you-misery|access-date=July 4, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=April 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702065728/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7318825/gwen-stefani-saturday-night-live-space-pants-make-me-like-you-misery|archive-date=July 2, 2016}}{{cite magazine|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|title=Peter Dinklage to host Saturday Night Live with Gwen Stefani as musical guest|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/13/snl-peter-dinklage-gwen-stefani|access-date=March 25, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 13, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316010858/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/13/snl-peter-dinklage-gwen-stefani|archive-date=March 16, 2016}} She wore torn jeans and a high-waisted top, and was accompanied by several backup singers, including No Doubt touring members Gabrial McNair and Stephen Bradley.{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Watch Gwen Stefani Rock Space Shorts, Bring 'Misery' to 'SNL'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/watch-gwen-stefani-rock-space-shorts-bring-misery-to-snl-20160403|access-date=April 3, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 3, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403193021/http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/watch-gwen-stefani-rock-space-shorts-bring-misery-to-snl-20160403|archive-date=April 3, 2016}} Two weeks later, she sang "Misery" on The Voice where it was announced as the album's third commercial single. On stage, Stefani and her backup dancers wore "colorful, tribal style ensembles" and performed using "a trippy, psychedelic lighting scheme".{{cite web|last=Seemayer|first=Zach|title=Blake Shelton Beams, Gives Standing Ovation After Gwen Stefani's Performance of 'Misery' on 'The Voice'|url=http://www.etonline.com/tv/187080_blake_shelton_beams_gives_standing_ovation_after_gwen_stefani_performance_of_misery_on_the_voice/|work=Entertainment Tonight|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=April 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420235430/http://www.etonline.com/tv/187080_blake_shelton_beams_gives_standing_ovation_after_gwen_stefani_performance_of_misery_on_the_voice/|archive-date=April 20, 2016}} On July 1, 2016, it was revealed that the singer would be joining Today{{'}}s "Summer Concert Series" on the fifteenth of the same month.{{cite web|last=Brennan|first=Danielle|title=Gwen Stefani Today concert: What you need to know|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefani-today-concert-what-you-need-know-t93476|website=Today|access-date=August 2, 2016|date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808063723/http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefani-today-concert-what-you-need-know-t93476|archive-date=August 8, 2016}} For that show, she performed "Make Me Like You" and "Misery" from the parent album, in addition to earlier solo singles "The Sweet Escape" and "Hollaback Girl".{{cite web|last=Dawn|first=Randee|title=Gwen Stefani fans go 'bananas' as singer takes over Today plaza|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefani-fans-go-bananas-singer-takes-over-today-plaza-t100855|website=Today|access-date=August 2, 2016|date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808065723/http://www.today.com/popculture/gwen-stefani-fans-go-bananas-singer-takes-over-today-plaza-t100855|archive-date=August 8, 2016}}

The album's lead single "Used to Love You" was released on October 20, 2015, three days after its live premiere.{{cite web|title=Used To Love You (Single) by Gwen Stefani : Rhapsody|url=http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/gwen-stefani/album/used-to-love-you|website=Rhapsody|access-date=November 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031085106/http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/gwen-stefani/album/used-to-love-you|archive-date=October 31, 2015}}{{cite web|title="Used To Love You" Available Now!|url=http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/official-used-to-love-you-releasing-today|website=Beacon Street Online|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619151841/http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/official-used-to-love-you-releasing-today|archive-date=June 19, 2016}} It was sent for radio airplay in the US on October 27.{{cite web|title=FMQB: Available for Airplay|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691|website=FMQB|access-date=November 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702215958/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691|archive-date=July 2, 2013}} The song was critically acclaimed, with USA Today awarding it "Song of the Week" in late October, calling it the "spiritual sibling" of No Doubt's 1996 single "Don't Speak".{{cite web|last=McDermott|first=Maeve|title=Song of the week: Gwen Stefani, 'Used To Love You'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/10/22/song-of-the-week-gwen-stefani-used-to-love-you/74337376/|work=USA Today|access-date=July 1, 2016|date=October 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731011444/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/10/22/song-of-the-week-gwen-stefani-used-to-love-you/74337376/|archive-date=July 31, 2016}} An accompanying music video was released on the same day as the song. It consists in a single shot of Stefani in a white tank top, blue brassiere and gold necklace on a black background, emoting, and occasionally mouthing some of the song's words.{{cite news|last=Carley|first=Brennan|title=Gwen Stefani's One-Take 'Used to Love You' Video Is Totally Devastating|url=http://www.spin.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-used-to-love-you-music-video-watch/|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Spin|date=October 20, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918123951/http://www.spin.com/2015/10/gwen-stefani-used-to-love-you-music-video-watch/|archive-date=September 18, 2016}} The song performed moderately on the charts, peaking at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=379|title=Chart History – Gwen Stefani: The Hot 100|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411164333/http://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=379|archive-date=April 11, 2016}} and number 10 on the Adult Pop Songs, where it became Stefani's second highest entry on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen+Stefani/chart?f=343|title=Chart History – Gwen Stefani: Adult Pop Songs|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624095702/http://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen+Stefani/chart?f=343|archive-date=June 24, 2016}} Elsewhere, it reached the lower regions of charts in Australia,{{cite web|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-singles-adele-says-hello-no-1-20151031|title=ARIA Singles: Adele Says 'Hello' No 1|website=Noise11|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|date=October 31, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230729/http://www.noise11.com/news/music-news-aria-singles-adele-says-hello-no-1-20151031|archive-date=March 3, 2016}} Canada,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=793|title=Chart History – Gwen Stefani: Billboard Canadian Hot 100|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624095441/http://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=793|archive-date=June 24, 2016}} and Scotland.{{cite web|title=Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100: 30 October 2015 – 05 November 2015|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20151030/41/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803064925/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20151030/41/|archive-date=August 3, 2016}} Coinciding with her New Year's Eve performance, a MAIZE remix of the single was released on December 31.{{cite web|url = https://hmvdigital.com/releases/5008254|title = Used to Love You|access-date = January 1, 2016|website=HMV Digital|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160314012834/https://hmvdigital.com/releases/5008254|archive-date = March 14, 2016}} On March 11, 2016, "Used to Love You" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales of 500,000 copies.{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=Gwen Stefani|title=Used to Love You|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2018}}

"Make Me Like You" was released as the album's second single on February 12, 2016.{{cite web|last=Timmons|first=Lisa|title=Superstar Soccer Mom Gwen Stefani to Release Next Single 'Make Me Like You'|url=http://www.celebuzz.com/2016-02-06/superstar-soccer-mom-gwen-stefani-release-next-single-make-me-like-you/|website=Celebuzz|date=6 February 2016|access-date=February 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210014424/http://www.celebuzz.com/2016-02-06/superstar-soccer-mom-gwen-stefani-release-next-single-make-me-like-you/|archive-date=February 10, 2016}} It was first sent to mainstream radio in the United States on February 16, 2016,{{cite web|title=Top 40 Mainstream – Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|website=All Access Music Group|access-date=February 4, 2016|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1455726853EPVBSHWBWJ?url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|archive-date=February 17, 2016}} followed by an Italian radio release on March 25, 2016.{{cite web|title=Gwen Stefani – Make Me Like You Radiodate|url=http://radiodate.it/radio-date/gwen-stefani-make-me-like-you-144320-25-03-2016-radiodate/|website=Radio Airplay Italia|language=it|access-date=March 23, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404025628/http://radiodate.it/radio-date/gwen-stefani-make-me-like-you-144320-25-03-2016-radiodate/|archive-date=April 4, 2016}} Its music video was directed by Sophie Muller, and filmed on live television during the 2016 Grammy Awards, the first to be produced this way. Several easter eggs appear in the video, including references to her relationship with Shelton, in addition to cameos from her hairstylist, makeup artist, and various celebrities.{{cite web|last=Nudd|first=Tim|title=Ad of the Day: Watch Gwen Stefani and Target's Live Four-Minute Ad on the Grammys|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-watch-gwen-stefani-and-targets-live-four-minute-ad-grammys-169664|work=Adweek|date=16 February 2016 |access-date=February 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218044002/http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-watch-gwen-stefani-and-targets-live-four-minute-ad-grammys-169664|archive-date=February 18, 2016}} The finished project was later posted on Vevo. The single was also moderately successful, peaking at number 54 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in the mid-regions of charts in Canada, France,{{cite web|title=Gwen Stefani – Make Me Like You|url=http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gwen+Stefani&titel=Make+Me+Like+You&cat=s|website=lescharts.com|access-date=July 1, 2016|language=fr|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818084952/http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Gwen+Stefani&titel=Make+Me+Like+You&cat=s|archive-date=August 18, 2016}} and Japan.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=848|title=Chart History – Gwen Stefani: Japan Hot 100|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730172830/http://www.billboard.com/artist/303280/Gwen%20Stefani/chart?f=848|archive-date=July 30, 2016}} A remix EP featuring three different renditions of the track was made available on April 22, 2016, as a digital download.{{cite web|title="Make Me Like You (The Remixes)" by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/make-me-like-you-remixes-single/1104096588|website=iTunes Store (US)|date=April 22, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921214418/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-me-like-you-remixes-single/id1104096588|archive-date=September 21, 2016}} They were uploaded to Stefani's Vevo account the same day.{{cite web|title=GwenStefaniVEVO – Uploads|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/GwenStefaniVEVO/videos|website=YouTube|access-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025010023/https://www.youtube.com/user/GwenStefaniVEVO/videos|archive-date=October 25, 2015}}

One week before the album's release, "Misery" was issued as a promotional single on March 11, 2016,{{cite web|last=Wass|first=Mike|title=Gwen Stefani Preps "Misery" As Next 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Buzz Single|url=http://www.idolator.com/7625696/gwen-stefani-misery-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-buzz-single|website=Idolator|date=7 March 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=8 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308114825/http://www.idolator.com/7625696/gwen-stefani-misery-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-buzz-single|url-status=dead}} followed by the release of a lyric video including hand-drawn lyrics and illustrations created by Stefani herself.{{cite web|last=Daly|first=Rhian|title=Gwen Stefani shares new song 'Misery' – listen|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gwen-stefani/92231|work=NME|access-date=March 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314160551/http://www.nme.com/news/gwen-stefani/92231|archive-date=March 14, 2016}} The then-promo single charted in the lower regions of several countries. In Scotland it peaked at number 72,{{cite web|title=Official Scottish Singles Chart Top 100: 18 March 2016 – 24 March 2016|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20160318/41/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604105331/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/20160318/41/|archive-date=June 4, 2016}} in Australia it peaked at number 74,{{cite web|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-singles-lukas-graham-7-years-no-1-for-5th-week-20160319|title=ARIA Singles: Lukas Graham '7 Years' No 1 for 5th Week|website=Noise11|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|date=March 19, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323184254/http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-singles-lukas-graham-7-years-no-1-for-5th-week-20160319|archive-date=March 23, 2016}} and in the United States it peaked at number 11 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles extension chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AGwen+Stefani&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A344&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Gwen+Stefani|title=Chart History – Gwen Stefani: Bubbling Under Hot 100|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Billboard}} Stefani announced on Instagram that "Misery" would be the album's third single in April 2016.{{cite news|author=Jenny|title=Update: Gwen Returns to 'The Voice' with "Misery" Performance|url=http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/gwen-returning-to-the-voice-to-perform-misery-apr-19|website=Beacon Street Online|access-date=July 2, 2016|date=April 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807150546/http://beaconstreetonline.net/gwen-stefani/gwen-returning-to-the-voice-to-perform-misery-apr-19|archive-date=August 7, 2016}} The song was sent to hot adult contemporary radio stations on May 23, 2016,{{cite web|title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases|url=http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|website=All Access Music Group|access-date=May 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524224937/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases|archive-date=May 24, 2016|url-status=dead}} and peaked at number 34 on the Adult Top 40 chart in the US, becoming her third consecutive entry from the parent album. As had been done with "Make Me Like You", a "Misery" three-track remix EP was released on June 24.{{cite web|title="Misery (Remixed)" by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/misery-remixed-single/1125263460|website=iTunes Store (US)|date=June 24, 2016}}

{{Main|This Is What the Truth Feels Like Tour}}

File:Gwen Stefani – This Is What the Truth Feels Like Tour ("Hella Good").jpg's "Hella Good" during the This Is What the Truth Feels Like Tour.]]

To further promote the album, Stefani announced on April 18, 2016, that she would embark on her third solo concert tour, the This Is What the Truth Feels Like Tour, visiting 28 venues the United States and Canada, beginning July 12, 2016. American rapper Eve toured with the singer as a guest artist.{{cite magazine|last=Feeney|first=Nolan|title=Gwen Stefani announces This is What the Truth Feels Like tour with Eve|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/18/gwen-stefani-tour-eve|access-date=May 8, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514124155/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/18/gwen-stefani-tour-eve|archive-date=May 14, 2016}} The concert series ended on October 15–16, 2016, with a two-night performance at The Forum in Inglewood, California.{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Gwen Stefani Plots 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Summer Tour|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-plots-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-summer-tour-20160418|access-date=July 1, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622114657/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gwen-stefani-plots-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-summer-tour-20160418|archive-date=June 22, 2016}} The This Is What the Truth Feels Like Tour marked Stefani's first solo tour since The Sweet Escape Tour (2007) and first overall tour since the No Doubt 2009 Summer Tour. Through a partnership between Live Nation Entertainment and Yahoo! Music, a live feed was generated for the opening show at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts.{{cite magazine|last=Slead|first=Evan|title=See Gwen Stefani's This is What the Truth Feels Like opening night concert live now|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/12/gwen-stefani-this-what-truth-feels-concert-opening-night|access-date=July 30, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717160609/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/12/gwen-stefani-this-what-truth-feels-concert-opening-night|archive-date=July 17, 2016}} Several costume designers and stylists were commissioned for the tour's entirety, including The Blonds fashion house, and Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi.{{cite magazine|last=Karsen|first=Shira|title=Gwen Stefani's Tour Couture: The Blonds Talk About Her 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like' Fashion|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lifestyle/7445677/gwen-stefani-tour-the-blonds|access-date=July 30, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=July 19, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722041108/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lifestyle/7445677/gwen-stefani-tour-the-blonds|archive-date=July 22, 2016}} Corsets were a centerpiece of her wardrobe, with three originally designed pieces created for the singer. Her costumes generated positive reviews from critics, with Michelle Amabile Angermiller from Billboard nothing that her presence was "incredibly fun to watch".{{cite news|last=Angermiller|first=Michelle Amabile|title=Gwen Stefani Winds it Up at 'This is What the Truth Feels Like' Show|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7445766/gwen-stefani-winds-it-up-at-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-show|access-date=July 30, 2016|date=July 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723164756/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7445766/gwen-stefani-winds-it-up-at-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-show|archive-date=July 23, 2016}}

In March 2016, the Los Angeles Times announced that the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre would close in the fall, during its thirty-fifth year of seasonal performances.{{cite news|last=Morrison|first=Matt|title=Curtain to close on Irvine Meadows Amphitheater|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-0312-irvine-meadows-20160311-story.html|access-date=November 4, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113121943/http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-0312-irvine-meadows-20160311-story.html|archive-date=November 13, 2016}} Prior to the news of the closure, City of Irvine officials discussed continuing the expansion of a local apartment development, which would be built atop the site.{{cite news|last=Boessenkool|first=Antonie|title=Closing time nears for Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/irvine-691157-amphitheater-county.html|access-date=November 4, 2016|work=Orange County Register|date=November 8, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106080548/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/irvine-691157-amphitheater-county.html|archive-date=November 6, 2016}} Representatives working with Stefani announced on September 9, 2016, that she would be the final act to perform in the theater in an event called Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre Final Shows, before deconstruction of the facilities began. She spoke of its closure: "I have so many memories at Irvine Meadows [...] It has been such an important part of my life both as an artist and as a fan and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I am humbled to perform there once again as it comes to a close."{{cite news|last=Lewis|first=Randy|title=Gwen Stefani to play Irvine Meadows' swan song shows Oct. 29–30|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gwen-stefani-irvine-meadows-20160909-snap-story.html|access-date=November 4, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108081642/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gwen-stefani-irvine-meadows-20160909-snap-story.html|archive-date=November 8, 2016}} In an interview earlier in the week on a California radio show, she expressed her devastation at the closure. It was the venue for her first live performance with her band No Doubt opening for Ziggy Marley in 1990.{{cite news|last=Fadrowski|first=Kelli Skye|title=Gwen Stefani to perform final Irvine Meadows concerts before it closes next month|url=http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tour-728424-stefani-doubt.html|access-date=November 4, 2016|work=Orange County Register|date=September 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115153135/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/tour-728424-stefani-doubt.html|archive-date=November 15, 2016}}

{{Music ratings

| MC = 62/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-mw0002917797|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like – Gwen Stefani|website=AllMusic|last=Thomas Erlewine|first=Stephen|access-date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323044309/http://www.allmusic.com/album/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-mw0002917797|archive-date=March 23, 2016}}

| rev2 = The A.V. Club

| rev2Score = C+{{cite web|last=Zaleski|first=Annie|title=Gwen Stefani goes her own way on This Is What The Truth Feels Like|url=https://www.avclub.com/gwen-stefani-goes-her-own-way-on-this-is-what-the-truth-1798187097|access-date=March 20, 2025|date=March 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323055939/http://www.avclub.com/review/gwen-stefani-goes-her-own-way-what-truth-feels-234060|archive-date=March 23, 2016}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = A−

| rev4 = NME

| rev4Score = 3/5{{cite news|last=Cooper|first=Leoni|title=Gwen Stefani – 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like' Review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/gwen-stefani/16424|access-date=March 18, 2016|work=NME|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320115909/http://www.nme.com/reviews/gwen-stefani/16424|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

| rev5 = The Observer

| rev5Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite news|last=Empire|first=Kitty|author-link=Kitty Empire|title=Gwen Stefani: This Is What the Truth Feels Like CD review – timid breakup pop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/20/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-cd-review-timid-breakup-pop|access-date=March 20, 2016|work=The Observer|date=March 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320110124/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/20/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-cd-review-timid-breakup-pop|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

| rev6 = Pitchfork

| rev6Score = 5.9/10{{cite news|last=Mapes|first=Jillian|title=Gwen Stefani: This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21647-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|access-date=March 21, 2016|work=Pitchfork|date=March 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323044201/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21647-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|archive-date=March 23, 2016}}

| rev7 = Rolling Stone

| rev7Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|title=Gwen Stefani's New Album: This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-20160318|access-date=March 18, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320190422/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like-20160318|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

| rev8 = Slant Magazine

| rev8Score = {{rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|title=Gwen Stefani: This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like|work=Slant Magazine|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320090925/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

| rev9 = Spin

| rev9Score = 5/10{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/03/review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|title=Review: We've Got Some Doubts About Gwen Stefani's 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like'|work=Spin|last=Weber|first=Theon|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320091247/http://www.spin.com/2016/03/review-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/|archive-date=March 20, 2016}}

| rev10 = USA Today

| rev10Score = {{rating|2.5|4}}{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Patrick|title=Album of the week: Gwen Stefani shares her 'Truth'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/03/17/album-of-the-week-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/81795780/|access-date=March 20, 2016|work=USA Today|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319225315/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/03/17/album-of-the-week-gwen-stefani-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/81795780/|archive-date=March 19, 2016}}

}}

This Is What the Truth Feels Like received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 62, based on 16 reviews.{{cite web|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/gwen-stefani|website=Metacritic|access-date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121120809/http://www.metacritic.com/music/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/gwen-stefani|archive-date=November 21, 2017}} Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly stated that Stefani's material "feels truer—and sounds stronger—than it has in years".{{cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|title=Gwen Stefani's This Is What the Truth Feels Like: EW Review|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/16/gwen-stefani-what-truth-feels-like-ew-review|access-date=March 17, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319014124/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/16/gwen-stefani-what-truth-feels-like-ew-review|archive-date=March 19, 2016}} Mikael Wood of the Los Angeles Times was very positive in his review, highlighting that "[h]er singing—and, more important, what her singing is saying—is always front and center, which gives the music an intimate quality even at its most polished".{{cite news|last=Wood|first=Mikael|title=Review Gwen Stefani draws on raw wounds for frank and powerful 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gwen-stefani-review-20160317-story.html|access-date=March 17, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 16, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317092855/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-gwen-stefani-review-20160317-story.html|archive-date=March 17, 2016}} Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe called it "the best and most personal of her three solo releases".{{cite news|last=Rodman|first=Sarah|title=Gwen Stefani connects with the 'Truth'|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2016/03/16/gwen-stefani-connects-with-truth/8IQ1hwhzoCBKEgy59mxT6O/story.html|access-date=March 18, 2016|work=The Boston Globe|date=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318192800/http://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2016/03/16/gwen-stefani-connects-with-truth/8IQ1hwhzoCBKEgy59mxT6O/story.html|archive-date=March 18, 2016}} Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine discussed its urban-leaning beats, saying: "It's easy to chastise aging pop stars for chasing trends or trying to recapture past glories, but those efforts here are thrown into sharp relief by the maturity of the album's first half." Leoni Cooper of NME called it "an altogether glossier and more redemptive affair" than her first breakup record on her band's album Tragic Kingdom (1995). Kitty Empire of The Observer noted that the album gives emphasis on "bouncy, sonically unadventurous pop and fixated on Stefani's new relationship with Blake Shelton," but felt that: "A little more courage would not have gone amiss." Reviewing for The A.V. Club, Annie Zaleski observed that "Stefani never gets too juicy with the details, but her zings and observations are subtle enough to make these songs resonate deeply. [...] While the album has its flaws, it is undeniably compelling when its glimmers of vulnerability push to the forefront."

Rob Sheffield wrote for Rolling Stone that the album "has a rushed feel – a likable but low-personality version of her familiar bubble-pop solo mode". Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic found the album "a bit of mess" since "there's a lot of ground for her to cover". He also noted that, "By pursuing the twin inclinations to spill her heart while pushing musically forward, Stefani often mangles the mood." However, Erlewine noted that despite the "moments of emotional bloodletting or thirsty appeals to the top of the charts," the album "manages to be as fleet, giddy, and charming as Gwen Stefani ever is". Patrick Ryan of USA Today felt that "[d]espite the album title and Stefani's refreshingly candid press tour, it's sometimes hard to believe this is what her truth actually sounds like. But even if she's not being totally honest here, it's still more so than many of her pop peers." Jillian Mapes of Pitchfork criticized the songs she perceived were tailor-made for Top 40 radio, calling them "unremarkable" saying they "fail to match the unique specificity of her early solo hits". But she praised "the ones in which she is audibly upset—sometimes pissed off, sometimes sad, but best-case scenario, both. [...] [I]t's the fleeting moments like this—where she reminds us why we used to love her—that redeem 'This Is What the Truth Feels Like'." In a mixed review, Theon Weber of Spin commented, "[I]n creating a schism between her punkish pep and her new-wave nostalgia, it leaves the former stranded and the latter generic." Kate Hutchinson of The Guardian found the album to be "calculated" and a "little more than careerist chart fodder".{{cite news|last=Hutchinson|first=Kate|title=Gwen Stefani: This Is What The Truth Feels Like review|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/24/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-truth-feels-like-review-calculated-careerist-pop|work=The Guardian|access-date=March 25, 2016|date=March 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325000827/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/24/gwen-stefani-this-is-what-truth-feels-like-review-calculated-careerist-pop|archive-date=March 25, 2016}}

In the United States, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 84,000 album-equivalent units.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7311520/gwen-stefani-scores-her-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart|title=Gwen Stefani Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200|date=March 27, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2016|magazine=Billboard|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327221556/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7311520/gwen-stefani-scores-her-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200-chart|archive-date=March 27, 2016}} However, it also marked the lowest first week sales for one of her albums, with Love. Angel. Music. Baby. and The Sweet Escape selling 309,000 copies and 243,000 copies in their first weeks, respectively.{{cite magazine |last=Whitmire |first=Margo |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65450/u2s-bomb-explodes-at-no-1 |title=U2's 'Bomb' Explodes At No. 1 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 1, 2004 |access-date=February 27, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702112442/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65450/u2s-bomb-explodes-at-no-1 |archive-date=July 2, 2013}}{{cite magazine |last=Hasty |first=Katie |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56457/ciara-eminem-stefani-overtake-the-billboard-200 |title=Ciara, Eminem, Stefani Overtake The Billboard 200 |magazine=Billboard |date=December 13, 2006 |access-date=March 24, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322010847/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56457/ciara-eminem-stefani-overtake-the-billboard-200 |archive-date=March 22, 2016}} With the release Stefani peaked at number four on the Billboard Artist 100 chart, up approximately 557% from her previous peak of 53, the chart's fourth-highest jump ever.{{cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7317838/justin-bieber-no-1-billboard-artist-100-10th-week |title=Justin Bieber No. 1 on Billboard Artist 100 for 10th Week, Gwen Stefani Soars 89-4 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 29, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503100725/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7317838/justin-bieber-no-1-billboard-artist-100-10th-week |archive-date=May 3, 2016}} The following week, Billboard reported that the album dropped 16 places on the Billboard 200, with sales decreasing 78% to 17,700 copies.{{cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7318826/zayn-malik-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-albums-chart-with-mind-of-mine-pillowtalk |title=Zayn Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart With 'Mind of Mine' |magazine=Billboard |date=April 3, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623162322/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7318826/zayn-malik-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-albums-chart-with-mind-of-mine-pillowtalk |archive-date=June 23, 2016}} For the next five weeks, the album continued to drop down the charts. In its seventh week, it jumped from number 82 to number 59.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2016-05-28 |title=Billboard Hot 100: The Week Of May 28, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622234808/http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2016-05-28 |archive-date=June 22, 2016}} The record was on the chart for 13 weeks; its final position for the week ending August 6, 2016, was number 114.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2016-06-06 |title=Billboard Hot 100: The Week Of August 6, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 26, 2016}}

On the Canadian Albums Chart compiled by Billboard, the record debuted at number three,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2016-04-09 |title=Canadian Albums: The Week Of April 9, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609225350/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2016-04-09 |archive-date=June 9, 2016}} becoming her third consecutive album to do so. The album sold 4,400 copies in its first week, and was held back from the top spot by compilation album La Voix IV, and Justin Bieber's Purpose.{{cite news|title=On the Charts This Week|url=http://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2016/03/29/charts-week|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=FYI Music News|date=March 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816114754/http://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2016/03/29/charts-week|archive-date=August 16, 2016}} In the week ending April 16, 2016, the album dropped to number 18, before dropping off the charts altogether seven weeks later. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 14, becoming the week's fifth highest debut.{{cite web|last=Copsey|first=Rob|title=Adele's 25 beats James to Official Albums Chart top spot|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/adeles-25-beats-james-to-official-albums-chart-top-spot__14367/|access-date=July 1, 2016|website=Official Charts Company|date=March 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605113833/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/adeles-25-beats-james-to-official-albums-chart-top-spot__14367/|archive-date=June 5, 2016}} Stefani's two earlier albums coincidentally also made their first appearance on the UK chart at number 14.{{cite web|last=White|first=Jack|title=Gwen Stefani's scores her first US Number 1 album with This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/gwen-stefanis-scores-her-first-us-number-1-album-with-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like__14371/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=July 1, 2016|date=March 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911065010/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/gwen-stefanis-scores-her-first-us-number-1-album-with-this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like__14371/|archive-date=September 11, 2016}} The following week, This Is What the Truth Feels Like dipped 54 positions, the week's largest drop.{{cite web|title=Official Albums Chart Top 100: 01 April 2016 – 07 April 2016|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20160401/7502/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616130111/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20160401/7502/|archive-date=June 16, 2016}} In Australia, the album debuted at number six, becoming her third consecutive top-ten solo album. This Is What the Truth Feels Like was the week's second highest debut,{{cite news|title=Violent Soho clinch ARIA No.1 album|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/violent-soho-clinch-aria-no1-album/news-story/4ec2efdd105cae4ed21af8c6cae2af89|access-date=July 2, 2016|website=News.com|date=March 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601084524/http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/violent-soho-clinch-aria-no1-album/news-story/4ec2efdd105cae4ed21af8c6cae2af89|archive-date=June 1, 2016}} and was present for two weeks before departing the chart. On France's SNEP albums chart, it entered at number 44,{{cite web|title=Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums – 2016 Semaine du 18 Mars|url=http://www.snepmusique.com/tops-semaine/top-albums-fusionnes/?ye=2016&we=12|website=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique| date=10 June 2013 |access-date=July 1, 2016|language=fr}} becoming her lowest debut behind The Sweet Escape{{'}}s peak at number 33.

The album fared moderately well on Switzerland's Hitparade, where it became her second highest performing album, peaking at number 10. Similarly in Spain, the album peaked at number 42, lasting a total of two weeks on the chart. Stefani's 2006 release, The Sweet Escape, did not chart. On Belgium's Ultratop Wallonia chart, it became her highest peaking album, where it debuted at number 21 and charted for four consecutive weeks. On Belgium's Flanders chart, it peaked at number 32 and lasted six consecutive weeks. In Scotland and Ireland, the album debuted at numbers 13 and 17 respectively. Elsewhere, This Is What the Truth Feels Like peaked in the lower regions of the charts. In Italy, the album peaked at number 56. In Japan and South Korea, it peaked at numbers 74 and 75, respectively.

During a midyear report of albums released in 2016, Entertainment Weekly critics ranked This Is What the Truth Feels Like at number 11; a selected review by Greenblatt reads: "Loves lost and found provide the twin poles for Stefani's gorgeously honest chronicle of a very complicated year—and inspired some of her most purely satisfying pop songs in years."{{cite magazine|last1=Goodman|first1=Jessica|last2=O'Donnell|first2=Kevin|last3=Greenblatt|first3=Kevin|last4=Brown|first4=Eric Renner|last5=Feeney|first5=Nolan|last6=Vain|first6=Madison|title=The 25 best albums of 2016 (so far)|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/26/25-best-albums-2016-so-far|access-date=July 2, 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 26, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630091955/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/26/25-best-albums-2016-so-far|archive-date=June 30, 2016}} Newsday also ranked it in their midyear list at number 16. A Newsday critic called the album "a return to form", and compared it to her "fearless, boundary-pushing pop days of [...] Love. Angel. Music. Baby.".{{cite news|last=Gamboa|first=Glenn|title=Best albums of 2016 so far|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/best-albums-of-2016-so-far-1.11947562|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Newsday|date=June 26, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626183442/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/best-albums-of-2016-so-far-1.11947562|archive-date=June 26, 2016}}

This Is What the Truth Feels Like was also included on year-end lists compiled by several publications. Slant Magazine ranked the album at number 22 on their "25 Best Albums of 2016" list. Sam C. Mac from the magazine highlighted the album's assortment of "modern, commercially competitive and stylistically diverse pop" and compared Stefani's break from No Doubt to Annie Lennox's hiatus from the Eurythmics with the release of her 1992 solo album Diva.{{cite web |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-albums-of-2016 |title=Slant Magazine Best 25 Albums Of 2016 |work=Slant Magazine |date=December 8, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210091823/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-albums-of-2016 |archive-date=December 10, 2016}} Glamour listed it at number 18 out of the year's 20 best and wrote, "Stefani has never sounded more vulnerable than she does on This Is What the Truth Feels Like, a vivid assortment of urgent, top 40 goods".{{cite news|title=The 20 Best Albums of 2016: #18 Gwen Stefani, This Is What the Truth Feels Like|url=https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-albums-2016#18|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=Glamour|year=2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828104039/https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-albums-2016#18|archive-date=August 28, 2017}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Standard edition{{cite web|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/this-is-what-the-truth-feels-like/1440827811|website=iTunes Store (US)|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302222656/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/id1082902509|archive-date=March 2, 2016}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = Misery

| writer1 = {{Flatlist|

• Gwen Stefani
• Justin Tranter
• Julia Michaels
• Mattias Larsson
• Robin Fredriksson

}}

| extra1 = Mattman & Robin

| length1 = 3:26

| title2 = You're My Favorite

| writer2 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Greg Kurstin

}}

| extra2 = Kurstin

| length2 = 2:56

| title3 = Where Would I Be?

| writer3 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Kurstin

}}

| extra3 = Kurstin

| length3 = 3:18

| title4 = Make Me Like You

| writer4 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Larsson
• Fredriksson

}}

| extra4 = Mattman & Robin

| length4 = 3:36

| title5 = Truth

| writer5 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Larsson
• Fredriksson

}}

| extra5 = Mattman & Robin

| length5 = 3:34

| title6 = Used to Love You

| writer6 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• J.R. Rotem
• Teal Douville

}}

| extra6 = Rotem

| length6 = 3:47

| title7 = Send Me a Picture

| writer7 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Kurstin

}}

| extra7 = Kurstin

| length7 = 3:35

| title8 = Red Flag

| writer8 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Raja Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra8 = Rotem

| length8 = 3:20

| title9 = Asking 4 It

| note9 = featuring Fetty Wap

| writer9 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Tor Hermansen
• Mikkel Eriksen
• Willie Maxwell II

}}

| extra9 = {{flatlist|

• Stargate
• Tim Blacksmith{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Danny D{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length9 = 3:30

| title10 = Naughty

| writer10 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra10 = Rotem

| length10 = 3:07

| title11 = Me Without You

| writer11 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Rotem

}}

| extra11 = Rotem

| length11 = 3:33

| title12 = Rare

| writer12 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Kurstin

}}

| extra12 = Kurstin

| length12 = 3:55

| total_length = 41:37

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = International standard edition{{cite web|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/1082903794|website=iTunes Store (Canada)|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308032203/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/id1082903794|archive-date=March 8, 2016}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title13 = Loveable

| writer13 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra13 = Rotem

| length13 = 3:18

| total_length = 44:55

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Target deluxe edition

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title13 = Rocket Ship

| writer13 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Rotem
• Douville

}}

| extra13 = {{Flatlist|

• Rotem
• Douville{{ref|b|[b]}}

}}

| length13 = 3:08

| title14 = Getting Warmer

| writer14 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Michaels
• Rotem
• Mike Green

}}

| extra14 = {{Flatlist|

• Rotem
• Green{{ref|b|[b]}}

}}

| length14 = 3:24

| title15 = Obsessed

| writer15 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra15 = Rotem

| length15 = 3:36

| title16 = Splash

| writer16 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra16 = Rotem

| length16 = 3:50

| total_length = 55:35

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = International deluxe edition{{cite web|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/1082903152|website=iTunes Store (Canada)|date=March 18, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308032147/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/id1082903152|archive-date=March 8, 2016}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title17 = Loveable

| writer17 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem

}}

| extra17 = Rotem

| length17 = 3:18

| total_length = 58:53

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Japanese edition{{cite web|title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like by Gwen Stefani on iTunes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/id1083399901|website=iTunes Store (Japan)|date=March 18, 2016|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308032227/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/this-is-what-truth-feels-like/id1083399901|archive-date=March 8, 2016}}

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title18 = War Paint

| writer18 = {{Flatlist|

• Stefani
• Tranter
• Kumari
• Rotem
• Lovy Longomba
• Douville
• Ivan Corraliza

}}

| length18 = 3:49

| total_length = 62:42

}}

Notes

• {{sup|{{note|a|a}}}} signifies an executive producer
• {{sup|{{note|b|b}}}} signifies a co-producer

Credits adapted from the liner notes of the international deluxe edition of This Is What the Truth Feels Like.{{cite AV media notes |title=This Is What the Truth Feels Like |type=international deluxe edition liner notes |others=Gwen Stefani |publisher=Interscope Records |year=2016 |id=00602547810465}}

• Gwen Stefani – vocals
• Greg Kurstin – drums, keyboards {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 7, 12)}}; bass, guitar {{small|(tracks 3, 12)}}
• Teal Douville – additional drum programming {{small|(track 6)}}
• Mikkel S. Eriksen – all instruments {{small|(track 9)}}
• Tor Hermansen – all instruments {{small|(track 9)}}
• Fetty Wap – vocals {{small|(track 9)}}

{{Div col}}

• Mattman & Robin – production, recording {{small|(tracks 1, 4, 5)}}
• Juan Carlos Torrado – recording assistance {{small|(tracks 1, 4, 5)}}
• Noah Passovoy – recording assistance {{small|(tracks 1, 4, 5)}}
• Serban Ghenea – mixing {{small|(tracks 1–7, 12)}}
• John Hanes – mixing engineering {{small|(tracks 1–7, 12)}}
• Phil Seaford – mixing engineering assistance {{small|(tracks 1–7, 12)}}
• Greg Kurstin – production, recording {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 7, 12)}}
• Alex Pasco – recording {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 7, 12)}}
• Julian Burg – recording {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 7, 12)}}
• Steven Felix – recording assistance {{small|(tracks 2, 3, 7, 12)}}
• Jonathan "J.R." Rotem – production {{small|(tracks 6, 8, 10, 11, 13–17)}}
• Samuel Kalandjian – engineering {{small|(tracks 6, 8, 10, 11, 13–17)}}
• Tony Maserati – mixing {{small|(tracks 8, 10, 11, 13)}}
• Tyler Scott – mixing assistance {{small|(tracks 8, 13)}}
• Stargate – production {{small|(track 9)}}
• Mikkel S. Eriksen – recording, tracking {{small|(track 9)}}
• Tim Blacksmith – executive production {{small|(track 9)}}
• Danny D – executive production {{small|(track 9)}}
• Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing {{small|(tracks 9, 14–17)}}
• Matty Green – mixing assistance {{small|(tracks 9, 14–17)}}
• Geoff Swan – mixing assistance {{small|(tracks 9, 14, 16, 17)}}
• Miles Comaskey – mixing assistance {{small|(tracks 10, 11)}}
• Teal Douville – co-production {{small|(track 13)}}
• Mike Green – co-production {{small|(track 14)}}
• Chris Gehringer – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City
• Gwen Stefani – executive production

{{Div col end}}

• Gwen Stefani – creative direction, handwritten lyrics, drawings
• Jolie Clemens – art direction, layout
• Jamie Nelson – photography
• Emily Frye – layout

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

• List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2016

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist|group=subnote}}

{{Gwen Stefani}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:This Is What the Truth Feels Like}}

Category:2016 albums

Category:Albums produced by Greg Kurstin

Category:Albums produced by J. R. Rotem

Category:Albums produced by Mattman & Robin

Category:Albums produced by Stargate

Category:Albums recorded at Westlake Recording Studios

Category:Gwen Stefani albums

Category:Interscope Geffen A&M Records albums

Category:Interscope Records albums