No Doubt sheds previous perfection in favor of carefree fun. Rock Steady is an example of being free enough to be different and courageously simplistic. The album is a salad bowl of musical styles - reggae, techno electronica, rock and r & b are blended together. The resulting dish is the kind of pop this reviewer likes best, creatively original. Prince, Ric Orasek, Nellie Hooper, Sly &Robbie and William Orbit all serve as producers, each lending a trademark style to color the album with variety. Gwen Stefani adds lyrics that are often focused on relationship examination in a way that always seems to represent the female population well. This time around she's talking about a variety of subjects (a relationship that's in a good place (Hella Good), female jealousy (In my Head), and realistic love (Underneath it All)). Rock Steady definitely takes a turn toward the shades of light-hearted happiness, particularly when compared to its predecessor Return to Saturn. No Doubt fans who thrive on ska driven songs and their alternative rock leanings might be disappointed. Don't cry too long, though. No Doubt isn't about loyalty to a musical style but rather random exploration that triads between weird, talent and variety. Yes, they are courting a pop friendly mainstream audience. And yes, there is a more obvious sex appeal in Gwen's voice, but its all healthy and illustrates where this band is going, adulthood. I must say I like the way the tracks fit on this playbill. All these songs manage to have both similarities and differences. They have many layers going beyond the beat. All of them share a commonality to keep the theme danceable and up-tempoed. Rock Steady does just what is advertised, keeps your mood light, but the beat heavy and takes risks in between that pay off hella good.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2002 Year Book Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.