No Doubt

The Singles 1992-2003

Don't Let It go Away, this feeling has go to stay!

Review Score:

(10/10)
As No Doubt entered the realm of major stardom, one had to question how they would apply their musical talents with future projects? What has continued to amaze me is that each of their follow up albums (after No Doubt, The Beacon Street, and Tragic Kingdom) have let them to continue to evolve as a band but still somehow seem like "No Doubt." Hearing all of their songs combined together in a non-chronological order lets the listener feel the bands creative choices while breezing through all types of musical styles.
This is a very impressive cd. It can appeal to anyone that enjoys a rock pop sound that is creative and a little funky. Each of the songs on here posses similarities but are different enough that this cd never gets old and plays out like a concert. It is interesting to note that many of the singles set a point in time where a trend was started. For instance, after No Doubt's success with their first break out hits the radio became struck by new ska/pop bands. After the success of Hey Baby notice the new song just released entitled "Hey Mama," by the Black Eyed Peas. Even Britney Spears has a track on her latest album which is reggae influenced. My friends there is a reason why so many try to mimic this bands patterns. Now granted No Doubt themselves have found inspiration in the work of other artists (Blondie, Madness, Fishbone, Pretenders, Thompson Twins and so on.)
Each of No Doubt's singles has posed a sound which is original and a much needed break from present main stream radio.

TRACK LISTINGS

1. Just a Girl - 5/5 - A very catchy song with a great traditional rock/new age vibe (showing an insight into the bands future work) Has a nice mix of light synth and guitar work. The topic of the song is obvious and stated very well in the carrying lyrics
2. It's My Life - 4/5 - After the high that starts to build from Just A Girl, Its my Life is the perfect up lifter to follow. The song starts out light and builds to a welcome bombastic level. The light new age sounds and carrying bass accompany Gwen's voice very well. Gwen's singing here posses a slight "punk" rock sound heard in much of No Doubt's earlier work.
3. Hey Baby -4/5 - A fun dance track with quirky light hearted lyrics (a no doubt trait, especially on their self titled cd) Could have been done even better as, even for a dance track, this isn't up to "no doubt" standards
4. Bathwater -5/5 - A very catchy and a nice mix of classic rock and ska.
5. Sunday Morning -5/5 - One of No Doubt's finest songs on this album. Has an amazing mix of drum rolls, guitar work, and a down but uplifting feeling. This one spends a lot of time on repeat, and that means a lot. This is the kind of song that makes you want to take a random road trip to the beach.
6. Hella Good -5/5 - A dance track that is exquisitely performed with a mix of guitars, bass, 70's synth, and a great dance beat all in one. Very interesting sound.
7. New -5/5 - One of the most new wave sounding tracks on the singles CD. These song posses a very catchy chorus and has many two bridges and changes beat throughout making it very interesting to listen to. This song is a nice change from the more typical format that many of the No Doubt singles poses. If you listen to a No Doubt album will you find more songs that follow this less "cookie cutter" format.
8. Underneath It All -5/5 - This song is slower and very engaging at the same time. It has a nice reggae feel with a rap section in the middle by Lady Saw. What makes it a standout from normal reggae is that it features a traditional light rock guitar section in the middle and end of the song and yet mixes perfectly with the reggae vibe.
9. Excuse Me Mister -5/5 - A perfectly sculpted feel of punk and ska all in one. This song really shows you how fun No Doubt's more "rock" side can really be.
10. Running -4/5 - As No Doubt continues to keep each song sounding fresh, running is a prime example. There is a constant guitar in the song accompanied by a Nintendo sounding lullaby beat. It is simple yet proves it's point. The only dilemma I have with this track is the small "Britney Spears"-ish elements that were used in the final version of the song. It borders on being too cute in these few small parts.
11. Spiderwebs -5/5 - An amazing song with a refreshing sound.
12. Simple Kind of Life -5/5 - Just when you think that you have No Doubt all figured out this song comes along. Simple Kind of Life is very lyrical, illustrates a point in a more folk on rock manner, and has many instruments including strings. The song reaches a very nice climax at the end where you can feel the emotion Gwen Stefani felt as she was writing the track. This song is one off this CD that should have gotten more attention than it did.
13. Don't Speak -5/5 - A great rock song that has a poutty yet angry tone. Gwen Stefani's vocals posses a believability and true sound that sets this song apart from many other rock ballads. There's a reason this song was number one on the charts for so long.
14. Exgirlfriend -5/5 - Great song for those needing a more serious yet fast paced rock song. Allows for a great change of pace here.
15. Trapped In A Box 3/5 - No Doubt's first single from 1992. Quirky yet fun and allows for a very nice guitar section in the middle. This song, however, does not properly demonstrate how great much of No Doubt's first two CDS are (Beacon Street Collection and their self titled album)

At a time when many critics want music that takes itself very serious and seems to have no real feel of life, this cd is a great example that music can simply be FUN. No Doubt The Singles 1992-2003 is very FUN yet carries great strengths of emotion. A must have for any music fans.

Sean

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