Even though it’s been eight years since Gwen Stefani’s last studio album, the former No Doubt singer kept busy.

She released a holiday album titled “You Make it Feel Like Christmas,” had a successful Las Vegas residency, served as a lively judge on “The Voice,” and married country star Blake Shelton in 2021, all of which fueled her creativity.

Stefani, now 55, is making her comeback on November 15 with “Bouquet,” her fourth original album. It features “Purple Irises,” a country-pop collaboration with Shelton, as well as the singles “Somebody Else’s” and “Swallow My Tears,” which blend her pop sensibilities with country influences.

This isn’t exactly a comeback since the fashionable Stefani has always been present. Just look at her triumphant reunion with No Doubt at this year’s Coachella if you need proof of her mesmerizing live performances.

On the new album, Stefani expresses her affection for Shelton in tracks like the title song (“I got the faith and you got the patience/I drive you crazy, you drive the truck”) and reflects on their unique love story in “Marigolds” (“I thought the garden died/but I guess those tears we cried helped bring us back to life”).

In a recent interview, the engaging Stefani opened up about the themes of faith and hope in “Bouquet,” her enjoyment of “The Voice,” and which No Doubt album triggers her past memories.

The album features a distinct flower theme with tracks like “Empty Vase” and “Marigolds.” What drew you to these metaphors of blooming and growth while creating?

As I’ve matured, I’ve come to realize that we all go through struggles while having our special gifts. When my life fell apart and my family went through changes, that’s when I found spirituality became central to my existence. It was the first time I recognized that God had given me a gift. I might not excel at a lot of things, but writing songs is something I can do, and they seem to resonate with others. I feel a need to cultivate that gift; it’s my way of feeling purposeful.

Through exploring my faith, I discovered that there’s always a seed of hope in every situation, and in this creative phase of my life, that hope manifested in the desire to create new music. That’s the essence of the metaphor—seeing that seed blossom.

Did you continue to write music during the years since your last album?

I was stuck in a few creative blocks before finally breaking through. It was only when I wrote “Purple Irises” that I felt I had found my direction.

Were there specific musical influences that shaped your sound?

The music I grew up listening to in my mom’s station wagon on our way to church. At 12, she would ask, “How do you know all the words?” I listened to everything from Crosby, Stills & Nash to countless other artists. That soft rock from the ’70s set the tone for my childhood.

The title track and many songs on the album seem like love letters to Blake. Is he your main inspiration?

It would be odd if he weren’t! We got married three years ago, and I’ve been working on this album over the past four years. While it might seem like a long gap since I released new music, I don’t actually have a huge discography considering my age. Creating music often takes time for me. For instance, it took nine years for No Doubt to release “Tragic Kingdom,” and “Return of Saturn” came after a major worldwide success and a long tour. It carried a different kind of pressure. I find it hard to listen to that album because it reflects what I was experiencing back then. It gives me a sense of PTSD to revisit it, despite it being a favorite among fans, which I find strange.

It’s been two decades since “Love Angel Music Baby.” Your musical journey has transformed from “Hollaback Girl” to “Make Me Like You” and now this. Do you think genre distinctions matter as much today as they did 20 years ago?

I observe my children diving into music and wonder how they got into ‘80s tunes. They likely picked it up at home or while driving, but the “you might also like” algorithms are quite prevalent. Back in high school, we uncovered underground ska music, attending scooter rallies with others who shared similar tastes, forming our identities through that music. To me, what counts in a song isn’t its genre or tempo, but the message it conveys and how it makes you feel.

So regarding your new album, should we expect to see you touring next year?

I love performing live and have done many shows this year, including private gigs and festivals. The Coachella performance (with No Doubt) was incredible, and my Vegas residency (2018-2021) was fantastic. However, I must admit, as a mom with teenagers and a 10-year-old, I often ponder how much I want to be home for dinner. Still, I can’t imagine not playing these songs live. That brings me great joy.

Let’s also discuss “The Voice.” You’ve participated on and off since 2019, and you’re set to leave again next year. What do you enjoy most about being on the show, and what do you miss when you’re away?

When I’m not on the show, I don’t often think, “Why am I not on ‘The Voice’ today?” (laughs). Blake and I share a life together, and since he retired from the show to spend more time with family, there was a lot of tension around the Fourth of July because I had work commitments. However, I really enjoy the experience. This season, I told myself I wouldn’t return, but then saw my fellow judges, Snoop (Dogg), Michael Bublé, and Reba (McEntire), and felt I had to join in. I’m so thankful I did. The energy among the coaches feels revitalizing. We all gather in a prayer circle before going on stage.

It must also help you feel less cynical about the industry.

This season, I feel like the veteran. Coaching is a blast, and it’s incredibly emotional since we’ve all had such wonderful careers. We can reflect on our journeys and share insights learned along the way, which is truly inspiring. Watching music interpreted through these contestants’ dreams is always refreshing.