No Doubt

Rock Steady

"This Is Not the Usual 'No Doubt' Release, but it Works!"

Review Score:

(10/10)
For those fans who are ONLY looking for "Tragic Kingdom Part 2" should skip right past No Doubt's latest release. "Rock Steady" is the band's most experimental release to date, pushing away from a hard-core ska base onto a more radio-friendly, electronica/reggae/techno level. While listening to "Rock Steady," you can definately recognize the usual No Doubt vibe, but this album gives your ears more twists and turns that many fans of "Trapped in A Box" and "Don't Speak" will not appreciate to the max.

The album begins with an "Intro" which lays down the chorus for the title track on the album. Then, "Hella Good," one of the most catchy, energetic tracks on the album pumps through your speakers. "Hella Good" is some of No Doubt's best work to date, and its chorus remains in your head all day long. Other tracks that follow the footsteps of "Hella Good" are "Making Out," "Detective," and "In My Head."

The new single, "Hey Baby," foreshadows the new album perfectly because it mixes pop-influenced beats with R&B influenced vocals. Since Gwen teamed up with rapper Eve for the amazing track "Let Me Blow Your Mind," it shows that her musical tastes are diversifying and expanding to other musical genres. Gwen's duet with Moby, "South Side," shows her choice to dive into the electronica wave that has captured many artists such as Madonna and Janet Jackson. I have a lot of respect for bands who aren't afraid to experiment with their music to remain fresh. It is not condsidered "selling out," but an opportunity to branch out and experience new types out music while keeping an original sound as a basis. No Doubt is a perfect example of a band who can shine through many different musical tastes.

Even though the whole album is worth a complete listen, songs like the Ric Ocasek produced "Don't Let Me Down" and the title track, "Rock Steady," are incredible, along with the others I listed above. However, the best song on the album is "Waiting Room," a duet with Prince which has the whole package. Its techno-influenced beats make the track one you can dance to, and it gives Gwen the opportunity to expand her vocal range unlike ever before. Both Gwen and Prince collide together and connect perfectly on this track, and the chorus is incredibly catchy.

Once again, "Rock Steady" is simply a unique album for No Doubt that can do no wrong. The energy that the whole band holds throughout each song is unlike any of their other efforts. Even though both "Tragic Kingdom" and "Return of Saturn" are solid releases, I believe this album is the epitomy of No Doubt's best musical work to date. This style is unlike the two albums before "Tragic Kingdom," too, but it is definately talent-influenced music. If you are a No Doubt fan and OPEN-MINDED, do not be afraid. "Rock Steady" will give you everything you need to quench your "No Doubt fix" and then some. However, if you only like the band for their previous efforts, then remain thirsty and wait for the new Limp Bizkit CD.

More Reviews: