no doubt – rock steady

no doubt – rock steady
No Doubt’s new album is much better than I had anticipated. no doubt goes into the studios armed with a bunch of different producers, all messing with no doubt’s sound in really interesting ways. And it’s clear that this formerly ska-pop band has broken free from previous genre definitions, proving they are as adept doing 70s style funk and 50s style doo-wop as they were with the snare-drum/horn-driven sound of the 90s. No Doubt has grown as a band, experimenting with all sorts of crazy business in the studio, and surprisingly, much of it works. Gwen Stefani’s writing remains strong. she tackles the more complex aspects of love without ever getting too heavy handed, as was the case on Return to Saturn.

Overproduction has worked its magic, but I’m hoping it doesn’t take too long to wear out. All in all, a good effort.

song of the hour: Hella Good