NO DOUBT
"TRAGIC KINGDOM"
1995
SPIDERWEBS - The opening track has the previous album's styles of Ska and Reggae but with a Classic Rock, almost Progressive Rock backdrop at some points. Its a high tempo manic starter for what's to come!
EXCUSE ME MR. - A bouncy uptempo Classic/Pop Rock track that has slight elements of quirky Jazz moments, brilliant.
JUST A GIRL - New Wave Punk track similar to tracks by early Blondie, frenetic with Gwen Stefani's angst ridden vocals lifting the Song to bigger heights.
HAPPY NOW? - A Pop Rock track that reminds me both of Blondie and Bangles, melodious and a catchy harmonised chorus, great tune.
DIFFERENT PEOPLE - A throwback to the previous albums, a quirky Ska/Reggae song with the minimal rocky sound in the background this time. Takes you back to Selecter and The Specials times.
HEY YOU - Psychedelic 60s Pop Rock, with some great Classic Rock vocals from Gwen.
THE CLIMB - Gwen plays chanteuse and delivers a great sultry vocal amidst some Jazz backing with harmonies. At 6 and a half minutes maybe a bit too long but its a lovely, laid back track.
SIXTEEN - Ska, Reggae and Punk merge to give a rip roaring uptempo gem. One of my favourites.
SUNDAY MORNING - Reggae Rock at the fore here, possibly influenced by The Police's early style, its another gem from this, the band's third album.
DON'T SPEAK - The song that hit me like a ton of bricks, this was the one that got me hooked on Gwen and the boys. Absolute class Pop Rock ballad. A hit all over the world and very memorable. Emotive and brilliant.
YOU CAN DO IT - A slight shift from the previous styles on this set. This is pure 70s Funk Disco. Awesome and proves the band can switch to any genre.
WORLD GO 'ROUND - No disputing what style this track is. Pure Reggae Pop, a bright and breezy swirling summery sound backs up Gwen's vocals superbly.
END IT ON THIS - Little snippets of The Cars, The Police, Blondie and The Pretenders. Great New Wave experimental track.
TRAGIC KINGDOM - The title track ends this fabulous album. Its dramatic, almost cinematic Ska/Reggae backing also includes some great Rock guitars. Pretty much sums up the album in one song, a little of everything by a great, inventive, unique band.