Customer Reviews

Simple Kind of Life / Full Circle / Beauty Contest

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

No Doubt is good to its fans. This is the third straight single released from their recent album and like the others, it not only contains the single song in question (in this instance "A Simple Kind of Life") but two new songs not featured on the "Return of Saturn" album. These two songs, "Full Circle" and "Beauty Contest", are no mere throwaways but good, catchy tracks that deserve to be heard.

Let's start thought by briefly reviewing "A Simple Kind of Life". Evoking the power ballads of their biggest hit, "Don't Speak", "Life" is unabashedly upfront and senimental without overdoisng in sugar or wallowing in bitterness. Its a song surprisngly frank with lead singer Gwen Stefani confessing to thoughts of marriage and family and yet at the same time shying away from those institutions, as if to avoid the comprimise of giving up the single life. The luyrics are heavy with emotion and feeling and yet, the music doesn't get weighed down by them. Its a song that will make you think and tap your toe at the same time.

Deviating from the seriousness of "Life", "Full Circle" is no less worthy. In fact, its even better than "Life" and should have been included on the "Saturn" album. What makes it so good? Although it isn't really about anything, "Circle" has an infectous energy to it. Its up tempo beats obviously derives from the early 80's new wave sound, so much so that it sounds like a genuine pop/punk song from 1983. "Circle" is not intended to make you think or feel deep emotions; it just wants you to have a good time and succeeds every time you hear it.

"Beauty Contest" is a classic example of a B-side song. Its not good enough for the "Saturn" album but its still good enough to listen to once in awhile. Its slower paced and more morose than the other two song, which causes its enjoyment factor to dim somewhat but No Doubt proves that even on their lesser tracks, they still can hold your interest.

To sum it up, the single to "A Simple Kind of Life" is worth buying. It sports three memorable songs, all diverse enough to validate whatever price the store slaps on this single. For No Doubt fans, I do not ned to tell you to buy this cd since its likely you already have. For those who are not No Doubt fans, or just plain skeptical, I would advise you to buy this single if you like music that matches the high quality of its lyrics with that of its sound. "Life", and No Doubt themselves, are truly a cut above the rest of the pop wasteland.

First of all, I love No Doubt. I always have. And, if you're a fan of the band, then you cannot live without this single. It's really awesome that they put two unreleased songs on it for us fans. Here are the tracks: 1.SIMPLE KIND OF LIFE: There's nothing new or different on this song from the album version. Still, a great song, one of the better off of Return of Saturn. 2.FULL CIRCLE: This song is more like the songs on Tragic Kingdom, more heavy, ska-rock stuff. Personally, I think that this song is much better than lots of the songs on Saturn. It's simply amazing. 3. BEAUTY CONTEST: This one has a slower, classic No Doubt beat. It fits more with most of the songs on Saturn. It's very good though.

"Simple Kind Of Life" is the best song that was released in 2000. No Doubt primed the release of Return To Saturn with the release of the buzzsaw rock of "Ex-Girlfriend". After the album was released, they followed that up with this perfect piece of music. Combining a plaintive vocal by Gwen Stefani with a lush sound (the guitars seem like they're actually crying), the song perfectly conveys the emotions of someone turning thirty who feels that maybe their life hasn't turned out exactly like they thought it would. Reflective, stirring, stunning, a simply great song.

This particular song is a different offering from their usual arraingement. Their structure of guitar and bass work independently of each other to provide a pleasent contrast. I feel this song is a mile marker in their musical growth. Gwen also flexes her song writing ability as her first fully credited song for the band.

This is brilliant. Who would have thought that No Doubt would be capable of writing such touching lyrics. The music isn't bad, either, with some wonderful layered vocals and heavy bass line. Absolutely fantastic.

If you like No Doubt, You'll LOVE this single! Not only does it have Simple Kind Of Life but it also has Full Circle (which is totally No Doubt) and a very cool, very Gwen inspired Beauty Contest. I think that every No Doubt fan should have this single, especially since it is cheap. hee, hee

I just happened to catch the video for this song on VH1 and decided to give it a chance even though I am definitely not a fan of No Doubt's earlier work (anyone care for a CD full of jibberish and senseless music???) and I LOVED this song. It may still be classified as alternative, but contrary to that label, it's not insulting to the ears or hopelessly pessimistic. It's a catchy, heartfelt song with Gwen Stefani singing about the life she thought she'd have in contrast with the one she's living.

I'll keep it short for the ones who is gettin so curious and a little mad...Full circle is great !!!! it must be in the R-Of-S album.Beauty contest is good but not as good as DS or just a girl.You know simple kind of life.It's like the new version of Don't speak(don't forget to take a look at the amazing (!!!) lyrics)Well, I am a fan of nd for 4 years so you better believe me ! You have to have it !!!!!!!!!!

Just get this so you can hear "Full Circle" which is a really hot song...should be a single itself. Beauty contest as others have stated here isn't AS strong, but still is much better than most other music getting put onto albums these days. Hey guys...on the next single release Cellophane Boy or Big Distraction! :^)

This is perhaps No Doubt's best song. Don't Speak is fantastic too,but this is just fantastic. Simple Kind of Life is kind of sad if you really listen to the words. The chorus has a tear-jerker feel to it. I bought the single because I didn't want the whole Return of Saturn album and I wasn't disappointed!