No Doubt

Tragic Kingdom

cornfields of popcorn have yet to spring open

Review Score:

(8/10)
Probably the best cd in the No Doubt catalog, Tragic Kingdom is the album that catapaulted No Doubt to the front of the music industry with the breakout single 'Don't Speak' and the radio-friendly hits 'Spiderwebs' and 'Just a Girl'. However, if you look beyond the marketability and top 40 qualities, you'll discover an amazingly versatile band with a smart singer.

Stefani isn't everyone's cup of tea, but her voice and singing style is distinctive, as is her writing. Angsty and self-confessional, the songs on Tragic Kingdom express a lot of pain: about oneself and about relationships. Tragic Kingdom also showcases songs that celebrate life and show hope for the world, such as Different People, The Climb, and You Can Do It. Gwen also calls for a better planet on World Go Round and taunts her romantic side on Hey You. Relationship woes? Try Happy Now, Sunday Morning (for when you're ready to move on), or the classic Don't Speak.

Not everything on Tragic Kingdom is solid - certain songs in the latter half of the cd drag (The Climb) and the ending to Tragic Kingdom is a little forced. End It on This is a little too simple, but the southern California fairytale of Tragic Kingdom redeems the cd and makes it a respectable addition to any music-lover's collection.

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