No Doubt's Push and Shove An Engaging Return

It does seem like forever since No Doubt graced us all with "Rock Steady". 11 years is the time equivalent to forever in the music business. So is there any ring rust to the funsome foursome? The brand spanking new "Rock and Steady" presents a resounding "no". Gwen Stefani hasn't lost her breathtaking vocal style. Tom Dumont and Tony Kanal are the aligned forces behind the omnipresent keyboards which give off a dazzling ambiance for Gwen to plunge into. As for Adrian Young he's still one of the most stalwart timekeepers of any skin basher presently in the biz. For any of you wondering these guys haven't lost touch with the dance groove mentality that made "Rock Steady" an outstanding romp through late night hours in club territory. Gwen remains firmly planted in the realm of lyrics spotlighting the ups and downs of male-female relationships. "Heaven" has one of those clap along vibes that reduces your inhibitions even if the neighbors are walking past your front window wondering who the dance fiend is in there. Adrian's muscle behind the kit gets its chance to show off "Dreaming The Same Dream". This track trades in some of the bubbly optimism of Gwen's more recognized tracks ("Underneath It All" springs to mind) for an aggressive, densely texture storyline. Gwen's trying to figure out if she and her man are on the same page in the relationship. "Undercover" runs stride for stride with Gwen's animated colossus personality, and that's definitely a good thing. Another winner is "Gravity". This wall of keys and lightness dazzles and disarms simultaneously. I doubt anyone on the No Doubt bandwagon will be disappointed with this set. As LL Cool J said "Don't call it a comeback". This collection of music is more like a reaffirmation of the special pop culture juggernaut that No Doubt has cultivated for 2 decades and change. The California waves splash at you time and again and you're all too willing to feel the water on your face. Unquestionably breathtaking.