Southern California rock band No Doubt had a four-year hiatus prior to beginning work on the recently released album “Push and Shove,” but you wouldn’t know that by listening.

It’s been 11 years since the release of Grammy award winning album “Rock Steady”, and the band returns with its trademark blend of various sounds.

The new album features some modern sounds, most noticeable in the album’s title song that appeals to the current electro-house trend in pop music. “Push and Shove” is the only collaboration on the album and features Busy Signal and DJs/Producers Major Lazer.

This album could have lost itself in the new beginnings artists usually seek after a decade long hiatus, No Doubt reminds us why their innovative sound is still current.

Each song on the album is blend of two distinct worlds, from upbeat pop tempos to dancehall reggae fusion.

Gwen Stefani’s lyrics still resonate from the heart, but now they come with the experience of marriage and kids.

Songs like “Gravity” have a familiar electric sound and express the love between Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale. Stefani sings lyrics, “Just like Venus in the morning sun, you and me got gravity.”

“Undone” is a ballad reminiscent of “Don’t Speak,” of Tragic Kingdom. Although its acoustic sound adds to the album and is worth listening to, it doesn’t quite hit the marker.

A personal favorite that brings flashbacks from Rock Steady’s “Hella Good,” is “Looking Hot.” This pumped up song makes you want to dance and scream the lyrics with Stefani and has that familiar bad-girl sentiment coined with songs like “Hollaback Girl.”

Despite over a decade long absence, No Doubt’s newest album is familiar and true to original sounds. Its current vibe proves the innovation this band has had on today’s mix-and-match music.

 

Samantha can be reached at: [email protected]