No Doubt - Rock Steady
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Free Music Notes for Rock Steady
Free Music Review: No Doubt goes Jamaican... I wanna go too !
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all, I'll say that I own all 5 No Doubt albums at this point and Rock Steady has become one of my favorites today. Following in Return of Sturn's footsteps, No Doubt experiments even more with their musical abilities on this album. To help with the process, No Doubtb enlisted not one, but several producers including Nellee Hooper, William Orbit, Sly and Robbie, Steely and Clevie, Ric Ocasek and even Prince (I'm sure Tony was happy). I could make this short and simple, but I won't. I think we'll try this on a song-by-song basis, ending with a basic conclusion. ;)01 - "Intro" - nice harmonic chorus brings you in slowly and envelops you, now the album has you.
02 - "Hella Good" - produced by Nellee Hooper, bit of an 80s'ish Michael Jackson feel (but in a good way) mixed with a hint of disco-ness... first of many new No Doubt sounds. This song has a great progression, you can feel it building from the the start. One of the louder rock-ish songs on the album.
03 - "Hey Baby" - I'm sure everyone's familiar with this one by now. Without a doubt the most commercial or pop song on the album and an excellent choice for the 1st single. This song serves well as a hook for the general audience and prepares their ears for the rest of the album. It makes them open-minded if you will. Personally, I enjoy this track as much as all my other favs. Bounty Killer guests(first sly and robbie cut)
04 - "Making Out" - While "Hella Good" was a bit of a mix of two sounds, "Making Out" does radiate disco around the chorus area (but again, it works quite well). Gwen gets some great vocal sounds on this track, purring one moment and soaring the next.
05 - "Underneath It All" - This is the first track that hints of No Doubt's excursion to Jamaica. Sly and Robbie's other track on the album and it shines as equally. Lady Saw guests for an excellent late-song performance right after Gwen peaks, good transition. One of my favorite songs on the album. Got a great groove to it, right up there on my jammin list with Sublime and Bob Marley. Beautiful chorus.
06 - "Detective" - Opens with a playful somewhat muted chorus of Gwen's introducing this song. Extremely well-written song with notes that fall exactly where you want them to.
07 - "Don't Let Me Down" - Ric Ocasek's first production on the album with a certain 80's feel to it that works as a pretty good song until the chorus hits, and then progresses to be a even better. Of the 13 tracks on Rock Steady, I view all of them as ultra-great, with "Don't Let Me Down" and "Waiting Room" being just a step below.
08 - "Start the Fire" - Steely and Clevie overseeing, beautiful part of the album, I love this song. I loved the chorus the first time I heard it (or the first 50 times as those who tried to hunt the MP3 might know). Gwen's vocals are again excellent, but when aren't they really? I wish I could hear No Doubt perform "Sometimes" now after they've grown so much. It was great the first time around.
09 - "Running" - As of yet, I don't think I truly appreciate how beautiful this song is. It is the slow ballad song of the album, thus as I am a product of the early 90s grunge-alternative scene, I am inclined to skip it occasionally. Another Nellee Hooper gem. As with all of the tracks on Rock Steady, the production is extremely smooth with no element seeming unpolished. No Doubt thankfully is a band that easily reproduces their incredible talents live as well.
10 - "In My Head" - Another Nellee Hooper cut, I would say the masterpiece of the bunch, but that's just because it's one of my favorites. Gwen's sultry intro bounces along and easily meshes into the chorus. Yet another of my favorites.
11 - "Platinum Blonde Life" - My absolute favorite off Rock Steady, another Ric Ocasek track. Cool guitar intro and a medium-fast rock progression that blends into one of No Doubt's best loud angry rock verses yet. I'm inclined to like those. ;)
12 - "Waiting Room" - Honestly, this is my least favorite song on Rock Steady at the moment, but I admit that it's more than possible that I don't properly appreciate it yet. "Waiting Room" is Prince's contribution with credits for production, backing vocals, and partial writing of the song. I'm not a big Prince fan, so incidentally, I would imagine that might account for it not taking a higher slot on my list. I'll give credit where due though : Gwen and Prince chiming back and forth, combined with a good hook-y chorus that I do especially like.
13 - "Rock Steady" - Nellee Hooper's last addition, another of my happy jamming songs from this CD. Gwen intros with sweet, innocent sounding vocals reminiscent of "I'll Throw My Toys Around" from the Rugrats soundtrack. The harmonies in the chorus of this song are among the best on the album, certainly worth an equal inspection (They are all wonderful, after all).
Fast approaching the 1000 word limit. ;)
In summation, No Doubt rank among my all-time favorite artists (I currently own about 2200 mp3's ranging from 1940-present in practically every genre, steadily increasing). I love all of No Doubt's albums, Tragic Kingdom was a wonderful ska/rock bridge and at the time was my favorite of the 3 then. Return of Saturn's release provided a new favorite with a rock/pop mesh that seemed to focus on experimentation with new sounds for the band. Rock Steady follows the same idea in perhaps a different direction, and like the others, is equally a masterpiece. (972 words including these).
Free Music Review: the multicultural, genre skipping, trampoline machine.
Hit: 5 Stars
1. intro - very good idea, it's cool because now they can bring a theme to their world tour. they can put it on and we will all freak out and then theyll come out and play. it's cool. not quite reggae but it's got an island/carribean kind of feel to it.2. hella good - what can i say? the guitar intro reminds me somewhat of their earlier material, the vocals are playful and fun, it's like hard rock but with a dance feel. i played it and my friend neal was like "that is rad.. who is this?" and i told him "no doubt", needless to say, he can't stop listening to his copy either.
3. hey baby - liked it from the beginning, it's just a fun song and although i couldve used a little more guitar i do like the bass, the drum loops, and the keyboards. am i the only fan of bounty killer? i think he adds a lot to the song and is a credit to dancehall as a whole.
4. making out - it's a very good song. i'm not sure if its like funk or rock or what? it's a strange mix of a lot of stuff. also reminded me a bit more of their earlier material with an electronic edge. lots of sounds i can't even describe. very unique and innovative.
5. underneath it all - because it was just released, i dont want to be over zealous and say that it's the best ballad they've ever done because i dont know that it could be considered a ballad but there is genious in the simplicity. dont get me wrong, i like their other ballads, but this is laid back, heart felt, i like the groove, the horns are rad, it was well written, lady saw was born to be in this song, and it's the best reggae they've made to date. reminiscent of sublime had bradley nowell been a woman.
6. detective - it's really good. i like the acoustics that are played behind the song and the layers of vocals. they are kind of hiding in the back but theyre very distinct. most of the song is really rad but at times i wonder if the song couldve been better if they had done normal vocals on the chorus instead of those high ones. at the same time, theyve got a good effect because it sounds like a scary childrens nursery rhyme which is what they were going for... something new to the band, but hopefully something they dont leave out on their next record.
7. dont let me down - i loved this song from the beginning. this is a classic no doubt song. i think the lyrics are really good, i can relate to them, and i like the balance between guitar, drums, and keyboards. this track stands out a lot to me for some reason. i think it's because i can really relate and because it's distinct no doubt. nobody else really sounds like this and that is the likeability of the band. i want to meet ric ocasek and shower him with praise for his production on this song.
8. start the fire - very good. i like the bass on it a lot. the keyboards are also VERY good. and then at the end i like how theyve got some vocals dubbed in. i like the way it sounds like it was non chalantly recorded at the end where the music is just playing and theres the moans or whines. i cant tell if its high pitched keyboards or if thats actual horns or if they recorded horns and messed with them in pro-tools. either way it sounds really good... another song that reminded me of a sublime/no doubt hybrid.
9. running - can we say trio's "da, da, da" meets the pretenders "ill stand by you" mixed with classic no doubt? it's got this rad keyboard intro which then goes into the song. i like the lyrics again on this one... "im so sorry that ive fallen help me up lets keep on running... dont let me fall out of love". great imagery. it's kind of a new wave ballad. it's really good. very positive too. i'm so glad the ballads on this album have got some positive lines in them and it's not all about babies, carriages, getting dumped, or being heart broken. the band shows their evolution in this beautifully orchestrated song.
10. platinum blonde life - everyone says it, and everyones right. it sounds reminiscent of garbage. it's good though. no complaints here. i like the chorus and the guitars on this one.
11. in my head - one of my favorite tracks ever. i wish i was a millionaire because then id buy the band and make them be in my video for it. i feel like i should be walking on stilts through a circus filled with freaks of nature, demented clowns, distorted animals, and an insane ringmaster. it's just so strange but really good.
12. waiting room - its sexy. this sounds like something timbaland would produce because its just got a very erratic and peculiar beat. on my first few seconds of hearing this track i thought the album would finally have it's flaw because it sounded almost too different from their other material but then as the song got a few more seconds in this song quickly became another standout track. it's worthy of being played in clubs worldwide and is absolutely brilliant. has gwen stefani ever been so playfully sexy before?
13. rock steady - it sounds like what id listen to on the giant escalator into heaven. its a good song to close on, and a good theme for the album. its chilled out and concludes the rollercoaster that is ROCK STEADY.
this album is great and should not be passed up by anyone who likes to have fun, listen to more then one type of genre, or wwants to hear something new from a band that has been around for so long. you can tell a great deal of effort and work was put into this album because it shows. i can't wait for the next rrecord... this band never fails to surprise.
Free Music Review: Still rocking Steady
Hit: 5 Stars
No Doubt return to the public eye with a brilliant new album, featuring a vast array of different styles, influences, and collaborations. In general, the mood is a departure from the darker Return of Saturn. The 1st track, "intro", gives an indication of the vibe of the album to come; Happy. The computer generated sounds make their welcome debut towards the end of track 1, which fades away like the sun setting on the carribean sea. Hella Good opens with an incredibley funky bass line with a disco feel, reminiscent of Tragic Kingdom's "You can do it". The chorus is wild and makes you want to break into the saturday night fever dance. The synth at the start of "hey baby" continues the funky vibe that is becoming most apparent in this record. The horny dancehall song describes back-satge goings on with humour and zest. The chorus is brilliant to sing-along to, and Bounty Killer's rap just adds to the jamaican feel of this song. "Making out" is another clasic disco style tune, with a very sexy feel to it. It is obvious now that chief lyricist Gwen Stefani is more comfortable about her role as a sexy person. In fact Gwen seems to be more confident all round. "Underneath it all" is an up-beat reggae ballad produced by the legendary Sly and Robbie, and featuring a brilliant section by Lady Saw. This is another example of how far no dount have progressed relationship-wise since Return of Saturn. Gavin seems to be seen in a more favourable light, and I can't help but feel overjoyed that Gwen and Gavin are so happy together. "Detective" reverts somewhat to the paranioa and insecurity of Return of Saturn, but this tie there is a hip hop vibe- including vinyl crackling effects and a plick pluck guitar sound similar to that used by Dr. Dre. A return to the more rocky ways of old No Doubt is found on "Don't let me down", produced by Ric Okasec. The tune is simple and the synths add to the positive feel of the song. The chorus is memorable and you find yourself singing it at any oppertunity.
"Start the fire" is not one of the most amazing tracks on the album, but it is still brilliant in it's own right. The march beat is easy to dance to and you will find yourself grooving along to it in no time!! The chours sounds so laid back and dreamy, and the vocals are like those of Blondie's Debbie Harry- no bad thing at all!! The vintage keyboard intro of "running" sounds sweet and like an old nintendo game. The lyrics, the crystal vocals, and the sixties like chord progression, make me want to cry with a kind of happiness and admiration at how much Gwen loves Gavin. The lyrics are so open and the lyrics are beautifully honest that the listener feels like no doubt are their personal friends. "In my head" is another potential hit, again with a funky reggae vibe and a lot of synth. Paranoia crops up again, when Gwen questions her own judgement, and asks why she gets so suspicious.
"Platinum Blonde Life" is rocky, this time with a bluesy lo-fi feel, with an intro similar to that of New York anti-folk duo, The Moldy Peaches, and with a nod to the current hype; The White Stripes. There are still a lot of clasic Tom Dumont guitar flicks and effects, which remind us that they are still the same band underneath. Prince contributes vocals to the jungle/drum'n'bass/soul fusion that is called "Waiting room". The beat is incredibley danceable and the chorus is incomplete contrast to the verses. This is as far out No Doubt gets, and it is still brilliant. The album closes on "Rock Steady"- a beautiful reggae ballad with all the computer noises and Tony's typically funky bass. The feel is atmospheric and trippy, and the flickers of hammond organ give it an anthemic yet laid back vibe. This is No Doubt at their best; Rocking Steady without the rock. 10 out of 10!
Free Music Review: New Territory But Still Wonderful Music
Hit: 5 Stars
"Rocky Steady" came just 1 year after "Return of Saturn" but there was a quite big diffrence between the two. "Rock Steady" was full of energic party songs and pretty varied with all kinds of music. On this album they also got unexpected help from other producers. The most interesting combo is perhaps Neptunes that produced "Hella Good" and Prince that co-wrote "Waiting Room" and also sings on it and Jamaican dance hall producers Sly & Robbie that helpef create a somewhat exotic sound on some songs. Nellee Hooper, Ric Ocasek, and William Orbit also helped produce even if they didn't write anything. Combared to "Saturn" this album would become full of hitsingles, but less serious music and more pop sounding then ever before. There are still plenty of Ska/New Wave songs but some longtime No Doubt fans would be dissapointed at this album being too commercial. Gwen Stefani had also apperead on Eve and Moby songs almost at the same time at this one was released and a few years later she released her debut which was a pop album with Hip Hop infleunces, but listening through this album it get's pretty obvious that It's not only Gwen who's in change, but actually the whole band. To be honest, I don't think this album is bad at all. It's diffrent but it's funky and very catchy. A good band must be able to take risks, right?.
First song is called "Hella Good" and is a Neptune production. Strange at first thought maybe, but at second it feels like genius. Bon Jovi got unexpected help from Max Martin on their "It's My Lfe" so why not No Doubt aswell. This song reached a #13 place on the bilboard and is a really catchy pop song that surely will make you up and dance. "Hey Baby" is another uptempo featuring dance hall king Bounty Killer. It's also a catchy pop song which makes you go up and dance and reached the top 5 in US. "Making Out" Is New Wave/Pop and wouldn't have been bad on a Gwen solo album either, it feutures synthesizers and the sound is very cool. One of the best songs of this album. "Underneath It All" is a reggae sounding ballad that reached #3 on the charts, it was co-written between Gwen and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Dancehall artist Lady Saw also appears briefly. "Detective" is another great new wave song with good hook and sound. So far the album is sublime.
"Don't Let Me Down" still new wave but sounds like some songs on "Saturn" with more edgy sound. "Start the Fire" is dance hall inspired and quite exotic, it's synthesizer sound is a little 80's. "Running" was the last single of this album, but never became a hit. A Pop ballad, and very good aswell. "In My Head" is a slow paced song, not bad but lacks a good hook and is my least favorite here. "Platinum Blonde Life" is rock, plain and simple. It showes the rougher side of the band. "Waiting Room" is interesting since Prince co-wrote and appear on it. It's a rock-pop song and it is simular to some of Prince's most recent music. The title track is the closer. An exotic midtempo with cool and breezy sound.
Overall, Many bands tend to sound the same album after album, but not No Doubt. All of their albums sound diffrent and while some No Doubt purists didn't like the pop sound of this album it's undeniably one of the catchiest and most hooky albums of 2001. It's very varied though and you got a bit of everything here. Some reggae/ska, some electronic new wave and some catchy pop. Some of the music here quite simular to the music Gwen did on her solo albums. From start to finnish, this album is simply great and very unexpected music from No Doubt at the time. This is an album for your collection.
Free Music Review: No Doubt survives; a Rock Steady vibe.
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard this album's lead single, Hey Baby, I was less than enthused about No Doubt's new direction. Then I realized that it all makes sense. No Doubt have never been the band to pin themselves on one style, and this was simply another evolution of their unique sound.Rock Steady opens with a 27 second introduction set over a few spacey blips and fueled by Gwen Stefani's echoing voice, and moments after this ends, the thudding drum beats of Hella Good begin. The song sounds like a b-side from an 80s Madonna song, but its fusion with Tom Dumonts guitar riffs and electro fuzz surrounding every note he plays give it the originality it deserves. Very danceable song.
Next up is the reggae/hip hop/dancehall hybrid of Hey Baby, and with its infectious chorus, guest rapping and smooth keyboard sounds, you become very aware of why this was chosen as the first single; it's pure fun and pure pop. Following this blending of styles is the somewhat calmer Making Out, featuring Stefani's sing-speak alternations (speaking on the verses and singing on the chorus). The band taps Blondie here, and then adds some dance in for flavor.
Track 5, Underneath it All, is the most sedate track so far. The song has a reggae beat and some gorgeous lyrics, plus the addition of Lady Saw singing a tricky bridge.
Detective follows up the previous track and marks the band's return to Gwen's romantic issues as a trademark resource for lyrical content. The entire song is awash in synthesizers and sounds a bit dark, giving the song a moodier feeling.
The second half of the album seems better than the first, if thats possible..
Don't Let Me Down is a return to 80s new wave-pop, and it is VERY nicely done. The song sparkles and shimmers as Gwen's voice wraps itself around every synth produced buzz and poppy keyboard note played. The guitar whines right along with the other instruments, and it has a very nostalgic effect.
Start the Fire is a bit on the slow side; the song is a very sexual dancehall tune with Gwen's voice taking on a smoother sound than normal.
Running is this album's masterpiece. The song opens with a chiming keyboard lullabye which soon evolves into a spiderweb-fragile sounding guitar and Gwen's equally fragile vocal mannerisms. Gwen is backed up by a breathy version of her voice as the drums kick in and the beautiful, head over heels lyrics penetrate your heart. Eventually, the instruments become sparse and become stars with trailing tails as the vocals break up and echo, and then once again become a solid entity. The entire thing sounds like it comes from a music box.
In My Head is an odd song that sounds like a rather half hearted attempt at trying ska again, but without horns or Gwen's slicing lyrics, No Doubt can seemingly never traverse that road again. It is a good song, however, and Stefani's wail of 'IN MY HEAD, ITS ONLY IN MY HEAD!' adds a dimension of darkness to the lyrics.
Platinum Blonde Life is the album's weakest track. The guitars are a bit too jagged in comparison with the rest of the album, and Gwen's voice is far too layered. Its still not THAT bad, though.
Waiting Room is a very jumpy collaboration with Prince that sounds better than most of his recent solo work.. go figure. The beats are fast and furious and it's a very danceable song.
Rock Steady, the title track, closes this album with a purr. It features a very uncluttered instrumental section with blips and synths going off all over the place; its very calming.
This album is definetly a must have. It's a refreshing thing to see No Doubt flipping through a different end of the pop rolodex for once.