When our fave "Hollaback Girl"-turned-mum announced that her sophomore solo album, The Sweet Escape, will hit shelves Dec. 5, we couldn't wait to peep that album's sound. The wait is over, as Stefani has unveiled the album's lead single, the Neptunes-produced "Wind It Up." On the Sound of Music-inspired track, Stefani yodels (yes, yodels) and is backed by galloping, ritualistic percussion and musical-theater sonic swoops. Longtime collaborator Sophie Muller, the auteur behind Gwen's forthcoming DVD, Harajuku Lovers Live, is set to direct the song's video, and Stefani will embark on a U.S. tour behind the new album in April 2007.

Now Hear This:
Gwen Stefani - "Wind It Up"
REAL | WINDOWS MEDIA

On SPIN.com:
Gwen Stefani Plots 'Sweet Escape' This Winter
Stefani Preps New Album, DVD

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On the Web:
gwenstefani.com