Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Strong Debut, December 18, 2000
When No Doubt's self-titled debut album was released in 1992, it was a huge flop. The band were extremely popular in their native California, but this upbeat, ska influenced album was lost amongst the depressive, downbeat grunge music that dominated the scene at the time. The music is classic ska, bright, sunny, lots of horns. You can hear the influence of bands like The Specials, The English Beat and Madness coursing through the album. Although the music was in stark contrast to grunge, the lyrical content is not that far away. Songs like "Ache", "Get On The Ball", "Move On", "Doormat" & "Sinking" take a cynical and down-trodden view of life. "Trapped In A Box" is the top song off the album and laid the groundwork for the more pop-ska sound of Tragic Kingdom. The album isn't as tight as their later album, but that can be attributed to their rawness in the studio. Overall, No Doubt is a strong debut and an excellent record in it's own right.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No Doubt's best!, March 29, 2001
This album is not the exact same style as Tragic Kingdom, but it still sounds very good. The first song, BND, is only 45 seconds but is one of the highlights. Actually, the last track, Brand New Day, is the elongated version of BND with added vocals. The 2nd song Let's Get Back has undoubtebly one of the best intros ever, and is one of my favorite songs of all time. Ache is kind of a not as serious song about a tooth ache. Move On is the closet No Doubt comes to metal. Doormat is a great song. Big City Train sounds kind of strange on the first listen, but sounds great after repeated. Sinking is most likely about alcoholism, and Trapped In A Box is about watching too much TV. The standout of the album is the ballad Sometimes, which is beautiful. Gwen's vocals sound perfect on the song. If you enjoy a fun filled, carefree album with a combination of ska/pop/rock, buy this. It's worth it!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh, Eric Stefani, Why Did You Leave?, April 30, 2004
I love, love, love this little album! I bought it in 2002 and it was my first ND album. I love the combination of ska and '80s new wave sounds and the fun, funky keybords and horns. Gwen's voice sounds awesome, almost like Cyndi Lauper circa "She's So Unusual." "Get On the Ball," "Let's Get Back," Paulina," and "Sinking" are my favorites.Yes, the lyrics are a little on the cute side at times, like in "Ache" and "Paulina" but music doesn't have to be all angst and melancholy all the time. Ska music is fun, and all music should be fun at least sometimes. Lighten up and smile once in a while. This is my favorite ND album. I have them all, even the wretched "Rock Steady" which I plan on trading in for a Specials album whenever I get the chance. "No Doubt" is a fun, funky album that will make you smile and feel good. Eric Stefani's keyboard work and lyrics and Gwen's dreamy voice really make this album special. I wish more bands made music like this these days. So put down your Nirvana album, quit trying to be all cool and angst-ridden for five minutes and listen to this album.
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by No Doubt 
