Music
Who are the artists that have thrived since departing from their groups? What made their solo careers so successful? We asked our contributors for their thoughts...
Gwen Stefani Few people can be defined as style icons during the 00s, but Gwen Stefani sits at the throne of pop royalty. After leaving ska-punk band No Doubt to pursue her solo career, people thought she was destined to fail; after all, how can you beat feminist bangers like ‘Just a Girl’ or ‘Don’t Speak’? Fast forward to 2004 and the charts are rocked by the legendary pop album ‘Love Angel Music Baby’, named after Stefani’s own Harajuku girls squad. Having released undeniable bops in her music career such as ‘Rich Girl’, ‘Hollaback Girl’ and ‘What You Waiting For?’, Stefani has immortalised herself as a genre changing legend who continues to serve electric performances and new music today. No matter the playlist, Stefani’s discography holds the essential anthems for any memorable house party. words by: Alanya Smith
Harry Styles Harry Styles rose to fame as a member of One Direction. His solo career began in 2017, and he has since become one of the biggest names in music today. Harry’s break away from One Direction marked a noticeable shift in his aesthetic, as he developed from the ‘boy next door’ to a boundary-pushing style icon. The change in Harry’s image is reflected through his music too, with playful, innovative tracks like ‘Cinema’ seeming a world away from One Direction’s cringy teen-pop. Harry’s successful solo career in music has also led to acting roles, fashion campaigns, and the formation of an extremely dedicated fanbase across the world. Harry’s former bandmates have mostly been supportive of his solo career. However, in a recent interview, Liam Payne bragged about his personal achievements since leaving the band, claiming that he is the most successful artist to emerge from One Direction. Whilst it is true that all five members have achieved individual success in their own right, no one has done
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