Do you ever base your day around a song?
if not, you should try it sometime...
One fine day (known as October 2nd) I finally got around to listening to the entire album
Push and Shove released this September by No Doubt. Their first album to hit stores in over ten years!
In case you were wondering, this is what it looks like if I listen to this album while getting dressed:
only maybe not that face the entire time.
I have been wildly excited for this album to come out since - let's see - LAST YEAR!...
In the last two years or so No Doubt has occupied this special place in my heart of 90s nostalgia, summer vibes, and girl power of sorts. Yes, I am aware that 75% of the group is male, but there's just something about Gwen's boundless energy, ability to do push-ups, and older style that make me want to jump around in a bellyshirt and while being a little bit punk.
I digress. Back to the album:
Overall, I'm actually pretty happy with the album. I mean there are times when I feel all hipster while I whine inside my head "but I just want the old No Doubt back!"
Here's the thing head: things change!
(and that's okay)
I think the biggest change is in the instrumentals. I feel like it used to literally be Gwen + the boys,
now I feel like it's Gwen + computers + some cameo appearances by Tony, Adrian, and Tom.
I guess what I feel is lacking the most in today's music is the existence of intelligent instrumentals. I mean "accompaniment" that isn't just synth loops ect. I mean "accompaniment" that is really a whole musical line of it's own, and get it's moment of glory apart from just the singer(s).
Anyone else feel that way?
~ So here's my ultra-simplfied review of Push and Shove (as I was listening to it) ~
Let's break it down:
Settle Down
Wasn't too hyped when I first heard it on the radio this summer, but after awhile it grew on me, and I was singing along every time it came on the radio. It also gave me immense pleasure to hear No Doubt on the radio again!
- good summer groove
- nice ska influences
- interesting/contrasting sections
- liked the "middle-east-ish" synths (very à la tragic kingdom)
- sounded pretty old school (yep. I'm going to use that word.)
Looking Hot:
- okay on first impression
- early 2000s feel
- lyrics..meh? (Gwen you're in your 40s...but hey - she can pull it off!)
- loved brass cut-time break
- some good drum breaks & hints of guitar here n' there
One More Summer:
- well, at least we know Tony/Adrian/Tom still exist!
- not my favorite
- maybe I just wan't in a down-tempo mood, also it was the end of the summer, so not really what I wanted to hear...
Push and Shove:
- you know, I'm okay with this one
- ska time again!
- the whole cut-time break in frickin' awesome
- seriously though..."hustler" references in more than one song?
Easy:
- weird synth opening
- "I'm a hustler baby"...again, seriously?
- whole robin hood pun = meh.
- I don't have patience for this one...wait maybe it's okay.
Gravity:
- good start
- this is for sure a classic sound for them
- reminds me of tragic kingdom
Undercover:
- sounds like no doubt in the beginning, then...
WHY DID GWEN TURN INTO KATY PERRY?!?
- auto tune or what?!
- lyrics even sound like Katy Perry "trying to connect the dots" (K.P Last Friday Night)
- ack! gross!
Undone:
- guitar, that's nice
- ballad time...
- wait...are we playing country music now?
- taylor swift?
- I might be ok with the middle after awhile, I'll get back to you on that.
Sparkle:
- YES!
- right from the start I'm feeling old-school No Doubt
- easy ska groove
- wow, this one is good
- awesome brass solo
Heaven:
- well it's okay
- kind of "life is a bit of a butt" song
Dreaming the Same Dream:
- this sounds pretty classic
- also like an 80s pop ballad...
And that's the finale!
So hopefully that wasn't ridiculously boring to read, but instead academically tantalizing, as you pondered and debated your own reactions to the album!
(well maybe not that either.)
REGARDLESS - what did you think of the album?
Amazed?
Disappointed?
Bored?
Super-mega-awesome-hyped?
Until next time - Get in line and settle down!
