The perfection of Gwen Steffani sums up all that is brilliant about this entire album. I could just say that, but I know that I have a word limit to fulfil, I also know that technically it is not really true. That although she is a superb frontwoman/lyricist and all round sex goddess, there are innumerable factors which conspire to make this album absolutely outstanding.
There is firstly the all consuming power and passion of the band, evident from first to last track. "Spiderwebs" grabs with its amalgamation of steel drums and trumpet along with angry shouting Steffani and really loud guitar accompiament. The use of unusual musical instruments is evident throughout this album, whilst I would not go as far as to describe No Doubt as a Ska-Punk band, their Orange County roots and Madness based inspiration is obvious. They combine saxophone, steel drums, cello, sitar and trombone with the more traditional instruments of a rock band, this inspired use of variety helps to create a sound which is highly individual and also highly original. And whilst they may not fall into the genre of Ska, if your a fan of Save Ferris or Reel Big Fish you will definitely appreciate No Doubt.
Stand-out tracks have to be "Just a Girl", "Sunday Morning" and "Don't Speak", "Just a Girl" in-particular sees an angry Steffani singing about perceptions of women as little girls who need to be looked after, surely an inspiring feminist anthem such is the strength Steffani's vocalised anger.
"Don't Speak" is perhaps the best known track from the album, released in 1995 it is sees the band abandon their typical loud and angry rock mode and adopt a softer more emotional style in a song which is an ode to the end of relationships. Here again the use of a variety of instruments and Steffani's original and powerful vocal style providing an interesting mix, which is most certainly conducive to the production of a beautiful song.
All in all this album is the best No Doubt have produced, and whilst "Return of Saturn" is good, it by no means meets the high standards set by this early and highly original album. I can do nothing now but advise that you get hold of a copy and discover what you have been missing since 1995.
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A helpful review on a very good album. I don't understand why you were given not helpful though.
Clare_1 22.10.2001 20:52
Great op. I too love this album tho my fave tracks are Tragic Kingdom and One last Kiss (don't know if that's the name of the song but you know which one I mean!). They have a great style and her voice is great - just a shame that they are banned from my house because the flatmate abhors them!!!! Clare
tabyorky 14.10.2001 18:01
My husband has this album but i have not actually listened to it yet though
There have been more baffling occurrences than the late-1990s ska revivial in the US--but ... more
not many. Yet somehow, this distinctly British movement--arising specifically out of the country's polarised racial dynamic--managed to cross over, finding an eag...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
There have been more baffling occurrences than the late-1990s ska revivial in the US--but ... more
not many. Yet somehow, this distinctly British movement--arising specifically out of the country's polarised racial dynamic--managed to cross over, finding an eag...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Oct 14th, 2001
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