Review: No Doubt Is Back Like They Never Left

No Doubt

Push & Shove - September 25, 2012

  

   

(8 Out of 10 Stars)

The Bottom Line

No Doubt has made it clear that the laws of time do not apply to them, returning, after over a decade, with an updated version of the sound that made helped them the popular kids in rock during the 90s. Fans hoping for the resurrection of Tragic Kingdom will be disappointed, but any true No Doubt or Gwen Stefani fan will be revitalized by the way the album revisits several eras, including Stefani's Love. Angel. Music. Baby. The album isn't entirely front-loaded, but the best parts of the album are mixed around between the first six tracks. Overall, the album is one of the most fun of the year and will make for a bad-ass live show.

The Breakdown

"Settle Down" - Pretty much the welcome mat for the album, both reminding the world of their ska roots and setting the tone for the next few tracks on the album. It was the perfect song to introduce the era because it's not even close to being the biggest hit on the album, but still offers up a nice glimpse into their evolution.

"Looking Hot" - My favorite track and the second single. I am a firm believer that Stefani is a Vampire, as she clearly hasn't aged physically over vocally. "Go ahead and stare and take a picture please, if you need," is such a wonderfully cocky way to top off the catchy chorus. 

"One More Summer" - This song begs to be a single. It's the kind of beachy love song you'd find playing between scenes of The Hills.

"Push & Shove" - Stefani shows off her rapid flow and rap skills over the reggae beat the bounces into a wailing ballad right before the chorus. Could have replaced "Settle Down" as the lead single, because it has a similar build and effect.

"Easy" - The best production on the album, and heavy reminder of the massively bass heavy "Luxurious." 

"Gravity" - I thought the accidentally added "Hey Baby" to the tracklist when the song started, but the song couldn't be any further from that. Just shy of being cheesy, "Gravity" is the albums sugary-sweet pop love tune.

"Undercover" - Lyrically, this track is like the one that got away from Adele, but the rapid percussion and Dr. Luke-ish guitar loop make it less depressing and more relateable.

"Undone" - The albums most bare song, Stefani really surprises and brings us really close to something as epic as "Running."

"Sparkle" - This song really shows off the band more than Stefani, bringing you their California ska roots and shoving them down your throat. True fans of No Doubt will appreciate this song, but others may find it skippable.

"Heaven" - A more tame track, also skippable, but not a complete bore. Just kind of simple. 

"Dreaming the Same Dream" - Picking back up after a couple of less intriguing song, this song is more effortlessly 80s than any other. No Doubt wraps the album with one of the most classic songs they recorded or the Push & Shove.