316 - No Doubt - Rock Steady

[csberry]

Rock Steady is No Doubt's party album. Some of the more rowdy ska and rock tendencies got traded in for dance floor pop and ragga. There's nothing intellectually profound here. Don't look for nuanced music experimentation. No Doubt found a collection of grooves of various genres and got them to all get along on one album.

While the album shows the flexibility of the band and their ability to perform a variety of genres, Rock Steady never comes across as a selfish exercise of the band goofing off in the studio. Most of these tracks are really catchy with good hooks, fun beats, and Gwen's soft and demanding voice piloting her way through the party. As all good dance divas understand, you find a variety of producers that bring their own toolbox of sounds and then make it sound like your own.

Songs I knew I liked: "Hella Good," "Hey Baby," "Underneath It All," and "Running"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Waiting Room" and "Rock Steady"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "Don't Let Me Down"