Push and Shove

As someone who grew up on No Doubt, I had high expectations for how the ’90s reggae/ska/punk band’s raw and energetic sound would translate into a more modern, and electronic-leaning, popular-music scene. When “Settle Down,” the sunny first single from the band’s new album was released, I was overjoyed to hear the same upbeat, wild-child attitude in Gwen Stefani’s vocals: “Get, get, get! In line and settle down.” Given that more than a decade has passed since No Doubt released an album of originals, it’s most impressive that they’ve stayed true to their distinct sound while also showcasing the maturity they’ve developed over their hiatus. The regular version of the album features many more slow and melancholy songs than I would have expected, tunes like the mostly acoustic “Undone.” But if you shell out for the deluxe edition you get more of that old funky fun with songs like “Stand and Deliver,” a cover of the classic Adam and the Ants tune, with Stefani mixing things up with her hiccupping ska-style vocals. Overall, a nice blending of No Doubt’s messy, raw early stuff with the big, clean pop sound they’ve developed since going big time.