No Doubt

The Singles 1992-2003

4.5 Stars For A Superb Singles Collection

Review Score:

(8/10)
aving been a No Doubt fanatic since mid-1997, The Singles Collection 1992-2003 gave me something new to look forward to. I recently purchased The Singles Collection and once again the band reminded everyone, including me, why they have struck a chord with so many people around the world.

The band originally formed back in 1986 by Eric Stefani, who managed to pull his sister and fellow friends into the band. However a year later No Doubt was struck by tragic as the front man John Spencer committed suicide. The new-formed band soon adapted Gwen Stefani as their front lady. In 1991 they finally landed a record deal and in 1992 they released their self-titled debut. ''No Doubt'' hardly gained any attention from the public and radio alike. It wasn't until 1995's ''Tragic Kingdom'', No Doubt finally eyed their big commercial break with ''Don't Speak''. The album went on to selling over 15 millions world-wide. Quite an accomplishment for a ''breakthrough act''.
Their highly-anticipated ''Return Of Saturn'' was a hit among No Doubt's followers and critics, however the mainstream public partially ignored the album. Perhaps the darker and dreary sound of the album turned their casual fans off. 2001's Rock Steady saw ''No Doubt'' return to the charts with a more pop/dance sounding album.

11 years after their first album release No Doubt brings us ''The Singles Collection 1992-2003''. No Doubt wisely didn't name this album ''Greatest Hits'', considering only 6-7 of the total 15 songs were massive. Its context is mainly focused on their single releases, which gives the casual listener and fans in general a good overlook of their back-catalogue. The oldest track on the record ''Trapped In A Box'' displays Grew Stefani's singular vocal. Casual listeners may not be too familiar with the queer track. The music is still reminiscent to that of ''Tragic Kingdom''. ''Just A Girl'', ''Sunday Morning'', ''Excuse Me Mr.'', ''Spiderwebs'' and ''Don't Speak'' are taken from the classic ''Tragic Kingdom''.
The group is perhaps best-known for the monster hit ''Don't Speak''. A song based around the break-up between Gwen Stefani and bassist player Tony Kanal. It has easily become one of the greatest break-up songs ever. ''Just A Girl'' was re-released as an single after the success of ''Don't Speak'', having originally been the lead single off the album. The girl-empowering song had millions of girls sing along as well as guys.

Up next are the songs from ''Return Of Saturn''. Considered by many as the band superior record including this reviewer. ''Bathwater'', ''New'', ''Simple Kind Of Life'' and ''Ex-Girlfriend'' are among my favourite songs on the collection. ''Ex-Girlfriend'' was lifted as the first single and launched No Doubt back into the charts as well as radio. The ultimate tale of envy and jealousy had everyone relating to the context of the song. The up-tempo track has Gwen rapping her lyrics in the verses, whereas she slurs the choruses out. ''New'' was used for the Soundtrack to Doug Liman's movie ''Go''. The 80's new wave track was a teaser for the album ''Return Of Saturn'' and eventually ended on the album in the end. It was a perfect way of giving the listener a taste of what they could expect from their next album. ''Bathwater'' is among my favourite No Doubt songs. It's simply underrated in every aspect. ''Simple Kind Of Life'' was written solely by Gwen Stefani. The story of wanting the simplicity of life. Gwen sings it with passion and with heartfelt.

2001's Rock Steady managed to pull ''Hey Baby'', ''Hella Good'', ''Underneath It All'' And ''Running'' into the fold. They gained new found success with each new single being released. It seems everyone could relate to at least one song. The joyride ''Hey Baby'' became a massive hit, yet it was dismissed by many as too ''popish'' for the band. The ode to celebration song had many among ''No Doubt's fanbase shaking their heads in disbelieve. ''Hey Baby'' isn't musically a very strong track, however the sheer joy of the track makes the song tolerable. ''Hella Good'' was the dance anthem of the summer of 2002. The bouncy track is a favourite of mine and I still spin the song once in a while. The reggae-flavoured ''Underneath It All'' quickly became a favourite with many and the song is, in my opinion, one of the best offers on their comeback album ''Rock Steady''. ''Running'' is a nice ballad, but not a standout song by any means.
''Greatest Hits'' tend to only offer 1 or 2 new songs and The Singles Collection is no different. The new offering is ''It's My Life'', a cover of Talk Talk's classic. The 80's sounding song is quite good considering the original is a masterpiece. Overall they did a decent job covering ''It's My Life''. It has already become a favourite among radio and a MTV favourite as well, getting massive spins during the day.

No Doubt has always been a favourite of mine and I would highly recommend anyone to purchase this collection. It has all the ingredients to stay in your CD-player for a long time to come-great hooks, great lyrics and overall good music. Surely there are a few rotten apples in the bunch- ''Hey Baby'' and ''Running'', however two tracks out of a total 15 are acceptable. It should be owned by anyone who considers themselves music fans.

Overall Rate: 9.5/10

Elizabeth thanks for the clear-up. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes I guess, but thanks for the note.

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