No Doubt, Tragic Kingdom Review

Overall Rating

Catchy and interesting music.
Has not dated in 11 years.

I was first drawn to buying No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom album after hearing the single "Don't Speak" several years ago. This laid back and lovely ballad type song really grabbed everyone's attention to the band No Doubt. This was about Gwen and Tony Kanal's dissolved romantic relationship, which I think is why Gwen sings with such real emotion in her voice. "Just A Girl", which is bouncy and catchy, and "Spiderwebs", Unusual and jiggy tempo, were also released as singles prior to "Don't Speak", but although they were both popular, they did not create such a huge impact.

Gwen Stefani originally joined the band as Co-Vocalist with John Spence on Main Vocals and her older brother Eric on Keyboards. Tony Kanal joined soon after on Bass. Sadly, John Spence tragically committed suicide in 1987, leaving Gwen to be Lead Vocalist. Two other members joined, Tom Gumont on Guitar and Adrian Young on Drums. Eric eventually left the band, which was a bit of a setback for them at the time. This left us with "No Doubt" as we hear them on this album "Tragic Kingdom". This was the third album by No Doubt to be released.

This album has a great mix of catchy, up tempo cheeky songs like "Spiderwebs", which begins a little bit Reggae and goes on to rock.
"Just A Girl", which is bouncy and fun, and a little on the serious side with tracks like "Don't Speak", Beautifully sung by Gwen.
"Excuse Me Mr" is a good rockin' number.
"Happy Now" is happy sounding, but the lyrics say a little different. It's up beat and variable in places. You have to hear it to know what I mean!
"Different People" also starts a little like Reggae, and it then changes to a combination Rock/Reggae and on to being bouncy!
"Hey You" is a gentle, but again finger clicking catchy little number.
"The Climb" is a slow down tempo and laid back smoochy track.
"Sixteen" jiggy and rocking to begin, blending into Reggae then back to Rock.
"Sunday Morning" is a little bit Reggae, but mostly Soft(ish) Rock/Pop.
Then the classic "Don't "Speak", which everyone should listen to! This is a powerful and emotional Rock Ballad about the breakdown of a relationship. In fact, Gwen's own with Tony Kanal.
"You Can Do It" reminds me a little of the way the old Jackson's records begin, then continues into a bouncy jiggy song.
"World Go Round" slow Reggae beginning, which carries through the track, combined with a little gentle Rock.
"End It On This" is how you hear it, laid back with an up beat tempo.
And finally the track "Tragic Kingdom". This would make an excellent film soundtrack. Gwen's unusual beautifully warbling sweet voice, changing tempo's, and all very cleverly written and put together.

This is an excellent album, and it has certainly stood the test of time. It is both unusual and clever the way the tempo's change in some songs, the variety of music, including Reggae, Rock, Pop and Ballad, all in one album. Gwen has an unusual and beautiful, sweet yet powerful voice, which with the rest of the band makes for their unique sound.

Members' Comments onHelen of Troy's Review

• BomBom101 on 12th Jan 2007

  Good review there Helen :)
  
  ATB
  
  tom

• Helen of Troy on 14th Jan 2007

  Thanks for your nice positive comment Tom! I noticed a few empty slots in the music section so out came a few of my older CD's for review!
  Helen.