Disco de No Doubt: “Return of Saturn”

I've read most of these reviews and it seems that people are comparing "Return of Saturn" to No Doubt's other albums - especially Tragic Kingdom. Of course I loved TK, and I bought "Return" on its release date. I have to admit I was mildly disappointed at first to hear so many ballads, but hey, doesn't a band have the freedom to write what they want? They obviously can't please everyone, but that's okay cause I am extremely happy with "Return" and it just gets better every time I listen to it. They really have out-done themselves and they are amazing. The songs on this album are very diverse. From songs like Ex-Girlfriend and Bathwater to ballads like Simple Kind of Life and Magic's in the Makeup. I would have bought the CD anyway, even without Ex-Girlfriend turning into such a hit, and would not have been dissappointed because I think there are other songs that are even better. My favorites are Bathwater, New, Simple Kind of Life, and Home Now(DON'T PASS THIS TRACK UP!). There are a few different CDs with bonus tracks, mine has "Leftovers," which is awesome. I would recommend Return of Saturn to fans and non-fans alike. If you don't like it immediately, I suggest you give it some time, you won't be dissappointed. It will quickly grow on you and become one of your favorites. Just don't make the mistake of comparing it to earlier No Doubt or the other sounds out there now. This one is unique, and I love it. NO DOUBT FOREVER!

No Doubt has done it. Just when I thought we'd never hear from them again, they went and evolved into a whole new sound. They're still the fun, colorful band they were on 'Tragic Kingdom', but they've obviously grown personally and artistically. Gwen Stefani's voice is better than ever on this album, and Tom Dumont, Tony Kanal and Adrien Young play better than ever. I love that they've gone New Wave when everyone else has gone hip hop.

A few of the songs have already been tapped as potential hits--'Ex-Girlfriend', 'Simple Kind of Life' for example. But don't overlook the rest--'Staring Problem' and 'Bathwater' are great rock-on-with-your-bad-self tunes.

It's so refreshing that in an era of making hits off of hits (a la Puff Daddy, etc.) or making hits off of Angry White Male Syndrome, it is remarkable (and brave) that No Doubt presents this album to the listening public. It's fast and infective, with the coolest lead singer belting out well-thought lyrics to great pop tunes. Thank god for No Doubt.

I had always liked No Doubt enough but never enough to buy an album of theirs. I always thought other ska groups (like Dance Hall Crashers) were more appealing, and was somewhat puzzled by the scale of No Doubt's mainstream success. "Ex-Girlfriend" grabbed me from first listen, however, and I eagerly bought this album 2 months ago. Like many, at first I was not very impressed. The musical experimentation seemed cool, but few songs grabbed me right off. It was only when seeing No Doubt perform live last week in Jones Beach, NY, that the new songs came alive to me. The initial problem I had with this album was that, while the thrill of the first album was the sense of confidence and empowerment that Gwen Stefani brought to her lyrics, here the mood seemed much more grim and insecure. But having bought the first album now and comparing the two, I see that this is growth. Rather than repeating themselves by continuing to portray a two-dimensional character (as groups like Blondie did), Gwen and No Doubt have broadened their musical and lyrical range - AND IT WORKS! This album has a very particular mood which is every bit as interesting as their previous one. GIVE IT A CHANCE! I have heard very few albums with this amount of depth and musicianship in a while. It is clear that the band took their time for a reason - to craft a solid piece of art, an album that holds together from start to finish. GIVE IT A LISTEN - IT'S WORTH IT!

So, No Doubt made it big in '95 with hits like "Just A Girl" and "Don't Speak". 5 long years later, "Return of Saturn" is born, proving that No Doubt is more than just a ska-pop one hit wonder sensation. "Saturn" starts off with "Ex-Girlfriend" - a new sound for No Doubt, telling of a relationship that's gone bad. "Simple Kind of Life" follows in the footsteps of "Don't Speak" - a lyrically strong song about a girl (Gwen?) coping with the end of a relationship- with the most touching line -- "I always thought I'd be a mom/sometimes I wish for a mistake/the longer that I wait the more selfish that I get/you seemed like you'd be a good dad". "Bathwater" is just a fun song, returning to the "ska" roots off "Tragic Kingdom" - you'll be humming this one all day. "Six Feet Under" is a journey into a pop-punk territory, and has an 80s feel to it. A simply great song, "Today's my birthday/I get one every year/and hard to believe/one day i'll be buried 6 feet underground" somewhat sad lyrics- but when set to the entire song it just rocks you- one of the BEST songs on the album. "Magic's in the Makeup" is a song about Gwen dealing with how people react to her fame- is it simply because of the makeup and how she looks? Just a very deep song, "if the magic's in the makeup/then who am i?". "Artifical Sweetner" - another GREAT track, "I'm faking I Love Yous/You're forcing me to." - this album is HEAVY on relationships and if you've had ups and downs- as I think everyone has, each song will have some sort of special meaning to you. Trust me, I know I've listened to this album many times.. "Marry Me" I think is the weakest track here, I wasn't too fond of it. "New" - just a rocker, was released as a single prior to the album's release. "Too Late", "Comforting Lie" and "Suspension Without Suspense" are 3 of the songs heaviest songs, again, dealing with lost love, or unrequited love, or lonliness. Those three songs have to be my favorites especially when Gwens sings in "Suspension" "We get so far/then it just stars rewinding/and the same old songs/we're playin them again/Suspension without suspense." "Staring Problem" is another turn at the pop/ska/punk world- much in the vein of "Bathwater" and "Excuse Me Mr." - the song seems out of place nessled next to the slower, more depressing songs. But I suppose it can be a good pick me up. "Home Now" - another great song, "If you lived here/You'd be home now." - dealing with being away from a loved one- the longing. and "Dark Blue" - probably another 'least favorite' track- I don't know what it is about this song.. very slow and dark.

Just a GREAT album I wish I could give 10 *'s!

No Doubt's fourth album is a departure from all the previous albums. There should not be any comparisons drawn between any of them; they are all so different and unique in their own ways that I think they should be judged by their individual merits. Yes, No Doubt's self-titled album was a fun and jubilant mix of the trivial; yes, The Beacon Street Collection was a ska-infused album that contained many charming and enjoyable songs; yes, Tragic Kingdom was the tremendous success, with all its contagious songs with unforgettable melodies and lyrics. Now what is the new album, The Return of Saturn?

The Return of Saturn is, as aforementioned, a departure. No Doubt is constantly expanding their repretoire. The band members-the immensely talented Tony, Gwen, Tom, and Adrian (and don't forget the wonderfully energetic Stephen and Gabrial)-know that progression is key to longevity. After returning from a concert, 4-15-00, I realized that new and varying songs are a must. No Doubt performed many songs from the previous albums, making the concert a definite crowd-pleaser. I was happy to hear the old songs all fans know so well, but I was also glad to hear some refreshing new songs. So here is my review, track by track:

Ex-Girlfriend: This is the song that has been on radios and televisions for a couple months. This fast-paced song is entertaining in that it still has No Doubt's trademark in-your-face affectation. Tony Kanal can be heard loud and clear in this song. Although people have complained about Gwen rapping a bit throughout the song, I think it adds nicely to it. Surely one of my favourites.

Simple Kind of Life: Perhaps this song will grow on me, but this has never been my favourites. However, I like it well enough, and Gwen, who wrote this song, sounds very good as she croons into the microphone.

Bathwater: Another one of my favourites. When I first heard this song, I was quite blown away. This reminds me a lot of "Squeal" on The Beacon Street Collection (but I promised I wouldn't make any connections). What can I say? This song has everything-cute lyrics, an absolutely fabulous melody, and a good beat. This song sounds better live!

Six Feet Under: Ear candy! Gets the crowd jumping and the toe tapping. Who could ask for more?

Magic's in the Make-up: Initially, I did not like this song so much, but after hearing it live, I really do love it. Gwen's voice is the best in this song. Try singing this song yourself-it's a good way to appreciate the song more. The lyrics match the song so well: "So many different faces / Depending on the different phases / My personality changes / I'm a chameleon." Gwen sings that last word as "cha-me-le-on." Lovely! This song hasn't left my head in a while.

Artifical Sweetner: One of the weaker tracks of the album. The melody is not particularly memorable, nor the lyrics.

Marry Me: This song is haunting. Gwen's vocals do stay with you long after you've listened to it. "Marrrrry me..." she moans. The melody is simple and slow, but it is very nice.

New: This is off the "Go" soundtrack, and it has this great retro sound to it. Adrian does a nice job. As it isn't technically new (pun unintended), I'll move on.

Too Late: Close becoming my favourite track. I skipped over this song when I first bought it, but then I listened to the hidden track on the album, which is the instrumental, orchestral version of "Too Late." Did I do a double take! The instrumental hidden track is absolutely gorgeous! Ever hear a song that makes you want to cry but you are not certain why? This song does it. The melody is VERY startling. And, yes, I am very big on melody.

Comforting Lie: Excellent beginning so it is immediately engaging. It has a nice steady beat throughout.

Suspension Without Suspense: Another weak song. The beginning reminds me of a folk song. It is slow and reflective.

Staring Problem: Ear candy again! Besides Ex-Girlfriend, this is another radio-friendly song. Extremely fast and fun song to sing along with. S-T-A-R-I-N-G! You'll love it!

Home Now: Moderate tempo. I suspect many fans will skip over this song at first because the beginning it not too impressive, but it picks up a bit after the 1:30 mark. It has a good chorus and Gwen sounds different. It gets even better after 2:30! Great song. Don't pass it up.

Dark Blue: Slow and weak song. Not particularly memorable.

The Return of Saturn is a fantastic CD with something new to offer. I highly recommend this CD to anyone. No Doubt is a band that will continue on-they have made their mark in the world. Don't forget the hidden track at the end of "Dark Blue." Ciao!