Best Third Wave Ska
The band comes up with great songs, notably the catchy MTV hit "What I Got"; spooky dub-reggae undertones, produced by the Butthole Surfers' Paul Leary, to go with the snappy horns; and surprisingly progressive lyrics that attack sexism and other social ills, especially on "Wrong Way."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I think sublime had that perfect mix of edge and punk and hip-hop that just really clicks with me and their style. Since I started collecting records this has been near the top of my wanted list and I'm happy to finally have it."
"I seen a few complaints that the cd does not play or that the cd skips well I'll say this I got this version and the old one and this one does not skip at all and I ordered it from the UK even if your a fan of sublime or your new to them this cd is the best they have done from start to finish nothing but perfection :)."
"When you hear vinyl and reissue, you never know what you are going to get."
"This record is such a blast!"
"This album is a really good album, which doesn't seem like much in writing but I mean that this is one of the greatest albums in history."
"Wonderfully realized punk rock with a ska/reggae backbone but ultimately this is pure punk rock."
"Memories."
"Another album with amazing sound quality but awful pressing."
Track listing: A1 Intro A2 Hella Good -Producer - Nellee Hooper A3 Hey Baby -Producer - Sly & Robbie A4 Making Out -Producer - William Orbit B1 Underneath It All -Producer - Sly & Robbie B2 Detective -Producer - Nellee Hooper B3 Don't Let Me Down -Co-producer - Ric Ocasek C1 Start The Fire -Producer - Steely & Clevie C2 Running -Producer - Nellee Hooper C3 In My Head -Producer - Nellee Hooper D1 Platinum Blonde Life -Producer - Ric Ocasek D2 Waiting Room -Co-producer - Prince D3 Rock Steady - Producer - Nellee Hooper.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I caved initially giving the album a mere 3.3 star rating and calling it a "mixed bag" basically. But pulling it out and listening to it again after so long two days ago (after thinking I gave it to a friend to keep) made me see the light. Although that track has its appeal (the Prince appearance works and his voice compliments Gwen's) it's still my least favorite on the album. I admit that this album won't be enjoyed by everyone because there are some repetitive qualities about a lot of the tracks (choruses repeated ad nauseum). But the awesome production, insightful lyrics and Gwen's vocal delivery on most of the tracks (mainly the verses and on some bridges) keep this album ahead of the pack. "Return..." comes off as more emotional because you can take the beats more seriously and they were kind of dramatic with the combination of the honest, heartfelt lyrics. "Detective" is said track and I find that it really has a great feel to it production-wise while showing some of Gwen's deepest relationship insecurities inside. The "peek in's" in the song are really funny towards the end because you know that Gwen is looking through her man's closet trying to find dirt on him. It's a gorgeous song if I do say so myself but it is also one of the tracks that contains some computer "bleeps" and "bloops" in production and could possibly be a turn off to some. It's a cute song and is up there with "Hey Baby" as the album's most upbeat and carefree sounding material."
"The first thing that struck me is how the sounds used here reminded me of the early New Wave music I grew up with (and so did Gwen and the rest of the band). Unlike many of the other reviewers here, I think "Rock Steady" is another jewel in No Doubt's crown. Many of the songs reminded me of other bands that I grew up with and enjoyed like The Cars (Only In My Head), Prince (Waiting Room), UB40 (Start The Fire, Rock Steady, Underneath It All), The Specials/Madness (Making Out, Detective, Don't Let Me Down)."
"The cd is very good."
"If you're a pop music fan, like me, then you'll soon love this CD."
NO DOUBT - RETURN OF SATURN - 2 VINYL SET.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Simple Kind of Life...This track is pretty mellowed out while Gwen Stefani coos some of the lyrics. This song is a lot noisier than I remember too (until the awesome breakdown, anyway). I also love the high notes Gwen hits towards the end. I don't mind its quirkiness but I do care that Gwen's vocals are drowning under the production and instruments. Magic's in the Makeup...This song really tells a lot about Gwen in 2000. The production kinda floats through the air while Gwen confesses some of her downfalls. The vocal delivery is either a bit lazy or consisting of coos. Artificial Sweetener...Funner than Magic's In The Makeup, and contains guitar, unlike the previous mentioned track. Comforting Lie...This song has a catchiness to it but the chorus is overshadowed. There is a minute or so break and then an instrumental version of Too Late, mish-mashed plays for the outro."
"I am a huge No Doubt fan--so don't expect this review to be completely unbiased-- and while I love ska and ND's earlier stuff, Return of Saturn is, hands-down, my fave No Doubt CD. Gwen's writing is amazing, and she pours her feelings into every song. One of my favorites, with an awesome beat and creative lyrics. I love the lyrics and the music, and Gwen's voice sounds great. This song is so depressing and beautiful that it makes me want to cry, but I still love it. If you like ska, though, check out their self-titled debut and Tragic Kingdom. Or, rock/pop tickles your fancy, listen to Rock Steady or Gwen's solo stuff, which is nice but lacking the great lyrics and music she made with No Doubt."
"No Doubt's new cd shows that the band is more than just "Tragic Kingdom". What is important here is that this band is carving out their own musical niche in a field where most bands run out of musical ideas."