I’m ashamed to admit how neglectful my blog has been recently, of No Doubt, one of the bands that helped get me through high school, and for that I sincerely apologize. My copy of the band’s 1995 breakthrough album, Tragic Kingdom has been played SO many times that I don’t even know how it still works but I’m happy it does. Now, nearly 17 years after the release of Tragic Kingdom, and nearly 11 years after the release of Rock Steady (their last album), the Gwen Stefani-fronted ska punk/reggae fusion, alt-pop/rock foursome is back with a new single, a new album and a new video. Hallelujah!
No Doubt‘s grand return was marked with the release of “Settle Down,” the band’s first single since 2003’s power/pop-rock banger “It’s My Life,” taken from compilation album, The Singles 1992 – 2003. “Settle Down” is the first single lifted off No Doubt‘s upcoming sixth studio album, Push and Shove, due September 25th on Interscope Records.
Musically-speaking, “Settle Down” takes it’s cues from the band’s popular albums, including (of course) Tragic Kingdom, Return of Saturn and Rock Steady, which I think is a good thing. As catchy as “It’s My Life” was, it almost sounded too mainstream and unlike anything No Doubt had really put out previously. Given how long No Doubt have been absent from the scene, a back to basics approach is definitely a wise move. “Settle Down” infuses the band’s trademark reggae/ska-punk flavor with contemporary pop overtones, and while it’s not my absolute favorite No Doubt song, it’s most definitely not the worst.
“Settle Down” was produced by British super-producer Spike Stent (Coldplay, Muse, Maroon 5) – just one of the many talented individuals No Doubt partnered with on Push and Shove. Other notable names include Major Lazer, Mike Elizondo (Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple), Nelle Hooper (Sneaker Pimps, Paloma Faith), Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Sia), Brian Eno (U2, Coldplay), Danger Mouse (Norah Jones, Broken Bells, Gnarls Barkley) and others. Sounds like No Doubt is comin’ back in a HUGE way.
To complement the release of the single, which is out now in America and due out in the UK September 17th, No Doubt have unveiled a corresponding music video, directed by long time collaborator Sophie Muller, the woman behind a series of the band’s videos including “Don’t Speak” and “Underneath It All.”
While Tragic Kingdom was the album that first got them really noticed in a big way, No Doubt originally hooked up back in 1986 in Anaheim, California, putting out their first, self-titled album in 1992. To date the band has put out five albums, sold over 45 million copies worldwide, earned 10 Grammy nods (winning twice!), and toured all over the world.
Check out the “Settle Down” video BELOW and download the single (iTunes US) or pre-order it (iTunes UK) in the UK, complete with three remixes from Jonas Quant, Anthony Gorry and Stephen Hilton. Now, let’s get amped up for the September 25th release of Push and Shove! While I would secretly prefer a new Gwen Stefani solo album, a new album from No Doubt sounds pretty sweet too. In case you missed it, No Doubt performed “Settle Down” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last week, check it out HERE!
Check out No Doubt on the web: