No Doubt—Then & Now

By Gilmarie Brioso on January 22, 2013

“Take this pink ribbon off my eyes. I’m exposed and it’s no big surprise. Don’t you think I know exactly where I stand? This world is forcing me to hold your hand.”

It’s the line that catered to the silent voice within me. No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” introduced the rebellious tough-chick, Gwen Stefani, and I fell in love. Although the band released two albums (No Doubt and The Beacon Street Collection) prior to Tragic Kingdom, the single’s home, it was their third album that brought group to mainstream awareness.

No Doubt’s music just works because they utilize Stefani’s vocals and spunky attitude along with the lyrics and the band’s overall sound, a mix of punk-rock and Jamaican ska. But it is definitely Stefani that carries the band. She is one of the few strong female leads in the punk scene. The only other that comes to mind is Hayley Williams from Paramore. Gwen Stefani’s authority, which is seen in the band’s live performances and lyrics, “Cause I’m in the mood come on and give it up” (“Hella Good”), command’s the utmost attention.

No Doubt’s performances are fun and exciting. The group is alive with energy and constant quirky motion. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see them, you can watch their tour, Live in the Tragic Kingdom, on YouTube. 

Sunday Morning” solidified my love for the band. The opening revving drums lead seamlessly throughout until they hit the song’s gem, its chorus.

“You came in with the breeze on Sunday Morning. You sure have changed since yesterday, without any warning. I thought I knew you. I thought I knew you. I thought I knew you well… so well.”

No Doubt’s next two albums birthed a slew of amazing music. Return of Saturn gives us “New” and “Bathwater.” Rock Steady is packed with great songs like “Hey Baby,” “Underneath It All” and “Running.”

After Rock Steady, the band went on an eight-year hiatus. Gwen Stefani started her solo career, a vastly different approach from No Doubt’s sound, which went extremely well. In 2011, I began to hear rumors of the band reuniting. I eagerly welcomed this notion, loving the band so much, yet I worried over the possible changes to their music.

 

In 2012, No Doubt released their sixth album Push and Shove along with the single, “Settle Down.” My first listen can only be explained as a stasis of anticipation. I watched the video in an uninterrupted, immobile state to take it in fully. The music left an uncertain taste in my mouth. I didn’t want to say I didn’t like “Settle Down” because I love the band.

Their second single, “Push and Shove,” turned things around. The return of the ska feel was reminiscent of their older music, a welcoming tone. But what secured my attention to the track was definitely its chorus:

“You work it hard. (You work it.)
Boy you got me good,
how you push and shove. (Push and shove.)
Oh boy you’re hustlin’ me.
You work it hard. (You work it hard, you gonna lie some.)
Boy you got me good,
how you push and shove. (You work it hard, gonna survive some.)
Oh boy you’re hustlin’ me.”

My instant attraction urged me to give “Settle Down” a second chance and I realized the album was more like their previous stuff than I had initially thought. Of course there are slight differences to the lyrics, which can be attributed to their age—the band is in a completely different place now than when they had started, and the sound, which has much to do with stylistic trends of today—the increasing popularity of dubstep and electronica.

Maybe it was the long withdrawal from No Doubt that desensitized their music to my ears, but overall the band has managed to keep the unique sound that they started with, remaining the No Doubt that fans know and love dearly.

Enter for a chance to win a signed No Doubt poster!

 

 

 

 

Images taken from the band’s website, Amazon and Stefani’s site.

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