No Doubt

The Singles 1992-2003

Essential hits package

Review Score:

(10/10)
No Doubt is one of the few '90s rock acts whose edge hasn't dulled with the dawn of the new millenium. Part of this is due to the fact that the band isn't afraid to sprinkle some pop into their formula; in fact, Gwen and Co. have only gotten more fizzy as the years go by. No Doubt's sundry influences - from New Wave to ska and every jukebox bonbon inbetween - have kept their sound from becoming stale, and THE SINGLES 1992-2003 proves this.

Aside from a few exceptions, No Doubt's best tracks were also their singles. Hence, this collection is a must-own if you don't already have the albums (and chances are you at least have TRAGIC KINGDOM buried somewhere in the back of your closet). Early hits like "Just a Girl", "Sunday Morning", and the gorgeous "Don't Speak" haven't lost a single ounce of their charm. 2000's RETURN OF SATURN was a moody misstep, but out of the ashes came the rollicking "Ex-Girlfriend" and the band's greatest achievement, "New". 2001's ROCK STEADY was a creative rebirth and a breath of fresh air; highlights include the pounding "Hey Baby", the slick groove of "Hella Good", and the touching "Running".

Lest anyone forget that THE SINGLES is a marketing tool, the band's recent cover of Talk Talk's "It's My Life" is included as a boon for people without iTunes. Also included is the only single from No Doubt's self-titled 1992 debut, "Trapped in a Box". Let's just say it's no shocker that the single flopped.

THE SINGLES 1992-2003 is a must for fans of rock, pop, Jolt cola, and the kitchen sink. Highly recommended.

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