Review: Singles by No Doubt and Garbage

This is my review of No Doubt and Garbage' singles discographies. This is a review of all of their singles from their debut to the most recent. This excludes solo singles and B-sides but includes the non-single songs "World Go 'Round", "Making Out", "Medication" and "Cup of Coffee".

No Doubt

• "Trapped in a Box" from No Doubt (released: February 25, 1992)

The song is a new wave-esque song influenced by The Specials with a rocky beat from Tom Dumont. This debut single never charted which resulted them to be dropped by Interscope after the failure of No Doubt.

This single sounds more like a novelty song as if someone would see from a Disney film. I didn't like the lyrics nor Gwen's vocals but I did like the music. I give the song 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video of "Trapped in a Box": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DccmKKnizFY

• "Squeal" from The Beacon Street Collection (released: May 12, 1995)

"Squeal" is a punk rock/ska-influenced song which includes a keyboard element from then-keyboardist Eric Stefani.

The song is the one that served as the prototype for the usual No Doubt sound, Gwen's near-soprano/punkish lyrics. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Squeal": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYvKXKZhFgs

• "Doghouse" from The Beacon Street Collection (released: January 12, 1995)

"Doghouse" is a ska-meets-pop influenced song with funky/hard rocking guitar rhythms from Tom Dumont and Tony Kanal. 

This song is more like the usual No Doubt song. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Doghouse": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umutwsgrp-w

• "Just a Girl" from Tragic Kingdom (released: September 21, 1995)

"Just a Girl" is a punk rock meets new wave song with alternative rock twist. This song is very feminist with anthemic vocals from Gwen Stefani.

The video of the song marked Gwen's famous look during Tragic Kingdom: Platinum blonde hair, red lips, arched eyebrows and a bindi in her forehead. I enjoyed this song and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Just a Girl": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHzOOQfhPFg

• "Spiderwebs" from Tragic Kingdom (released: November 19, 1995)

"Spiderwebs" is a reggae punk song with Gwen's punchy lyrics, Tom Dumont's Hendrix-esque guitar work, Tony Kanal's funking bass and Adrian Young's aggressive drumming. This song sounds like a Blondie outtake but No Doubt covered it to look like as if they recorded it first.

This song is like their usual, but it's not better than "Just a Girl". I give this song 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Spiderwebs": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZktNItwexo

• "Don't Speak" from Tragic Kingdom (released: April 15, 1996)

"Don't Speak" is No Doubt's first ballad. This song is about Gwen Stefani's breakup with bassist Tony Kanal. their signature song. I like this song and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Don't Speak": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR3Vdo5etCQ

• "Excuse Me Mr." from Tragic Kingdom (released: August 21, 1996)

"Excuse Me Mr." is a ska grunge song with heavier guitar work. I did like it but it wasn't the best, I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Excuse Me Mr.": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it1aZBPuH4w

• "Happy Now?" from Tragic Kingdom (released: January 20, 1997)

"Happy Now?" is a pop punk meets ska meets alt-rock song. The song is kinda less aggressive and is more pop and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Happy Now?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS4_k4RywdY

• "Sunday Morning" from Tragic Kingdom (released: May 27, 1997)

"Sunday Morning" is an reggae punk song that starts out as clean, but it later gets harder. I like the song and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Sunday Morning": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiBX-ESFDF0 

• "Oi to the World" from A Very Special Christmas 3 (released: September 23, 1997)

"Oi to the World" is a cover of The Vandals' Christmas song. I haven't heard of the original, but this song is one true punk rock song. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Oi to the World": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLExwIQKto 

• "Hey You!" from Tragic Kingdom (released: February 23, 1998)

"Hey You!" is a psychedelic meets alternative song. This song kinda has dark lyrics but is more softer. I have mixed feelings for this song and I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hey You!": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uKQicNbppc 

• "World Go 'Round" from Tragic Kingdom (should have been released: November 12, 1998)

"World Go 'Round" starts as a soft rock song, but it soon becomes a reggae fusion song. I enjoy this song and this song should have been a single because it's utterly freaking good. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "World Go 'Round": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gCbgRrbqvM 

• "New" from Music from the Motion Picture Go (later included in Return of Saturn, released: May 1999)

"New" is a Blondie-influenced song which is very different from their ska punk songs. The video showed Gwen in a glam punk meets Gothic Lolita make up, which is more common in visual kei bands in Japan, which would foreshadow her solo career. I enjoyed the song because this song can be very dark. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the 12-rated, uncut version of the video for "New": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtStjGHttGM

Watch the PG-rated, shortened version of the video for "New": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcj-H9xWvIs

• "Ex-Girlfriend" from Return of Saturn (released: May 2, 2000)

"Ex-Girlfriend" starts off with a flamenco song, but it soon grows aggressive with a punk-new wave fusion. The verses are more like rapping than singing. This song is a bit more punkish. The video is inspired by the controversial anime film Kite. This song is one of the most popular songs they ever recorded and I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Ex-Girlfriend": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yqru5UXWGY

• "Simple Kind of Life" from Return of Saturn (released: June 13, 2000)

"Simple Kind of Life" is the sequel to "Don't Speak", this time referring to Gwen's then-failing relationship with Gavin Rossdale. I think this song is very emotional and it is more a pop song than a rock song, something that Gwen would do in her solo career, a few years later. This song could be a good song to play in slow dances or chick flicks and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Simple Kind of Life": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpZJ9EgJho 

• "Bathwater" from Return of Saturn (released: November 14, 2000)

"Bathwater" marks a return to their famous ska punk song. However I didn't really enjoy the sound in the song and ska punk was already dead when this song came out, but I did like Gwen's reggae-influenced vocals, something that would eventually happen in their next album Rock Steady. I give this song 2 out of 5 stars.

Watch the song for "Bathwater": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k_g9hDeOic 

• "Hey Baby" from Rock Steady (featuring Bounty Killer, released: October 29, 2001)

"Hey Baby" marks a turning point in the band's career from a new wave/punk rock/ska band to a reggae fusion band. Though one of Bounty Killer's lyrics "The way you rock your hips, you know it amaze me.", caused controversy, this song is one killer dancing track. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hey Baby": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt1YkGO2Ieo 

• "Hella Good" from Rock Steady (released: April 13, 2002)

"Hella Good" is a Garbage-meets-Madonna-meets-Bambaataa song. This is one killer electronica song and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Hella Good": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtTj4cramPM 

• "Underneath It All" from Rock Steady (featuring Lady Saw, released: August 15, 2002)

"Underneath It All" is an UB40/Big Mountain-esque reggae-pop ballad with elements of ska. This song is a bit mellow, yet still I appreciated Lady Saw's vocals. The video showed Gwen singing soon as her makeup begins fade out. I give this song 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Underneath It All": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvuVFHTvdaY 

• "Making Out" from Rock Steady (released: November 2002)

"Making Out" was only released as a promo single in the Philippines. This song is like a Blondie-meets-Eurythmics song, with a bit of disco. I think this song should have been a single internationally. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Making Out": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVK3bNArPNE

• "Running" from Rock Steady (released: July 1, 2003)

"Running" is a synthpop-heavy ballad which has a 8-bit remix influence. It has a strong Depeche Mode influence. This song is about Gwen's reconcilation with Gavin Rossdale, I think. I consider this song as the third and final part of "Don't Speak" trilogy. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Running": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H2l9Lo-jPk 

• "It's My Life" from The Singles 1992-2003 (released: October 30, 2003):

"It's My Life" was originally recorded by Talk Talk, less than two decades later, No Doubt records it. The song is more darker than their original stuff. I actually enjoyed the song because this song could be a new wave classic in the near future. The end of the Forties-esque video was Gwen being executed, with three members she supposedly killed watch her execution, revealing that they faked their own deaths. It was a fitting end to No Doubt before their hiatus the following year, plus this song was a prototype in Gwen Stefani's upcoming solo career. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "It's My Life": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubvV498pyIM 

• "Bathwater (Invincible Overlord remix)" from Bathwater maxi-single (released: April 20, 2004)

"Bathwater" was remixed by guitarist Tom Dumont's side project Invincible Overlord for the UK single release. I think this remixed version is more improved and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Bathwater (Invincible Overlord remix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IWTWTRvPAA 

• "Stand and Deliver" from Push and Shove (Target Deluxe Edition, released: May 2009)

"Stand and Deliver" is a cover of Adam and the Ants classic. This song isn't a good comeback single, though it is very cool. I give it 3 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Stand and Deliver": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV4vrptMwU8

• "Settle Down" from Push and Shove (released: July 16, 2012)

"Settle Down" starts off as a raga rock song but it soon becomes like a Rock Steady-like song. This song is one killer summer track and I think this song is a true comeback to the band after a hiatus of nearly a decade. I give this song 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Settle Down": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb_zZ3xItPI 

• "Push and Shove" from Push and Shove (featuring Major Lazer and Busy Signal, released: August 29, 2012)

"Push and Shove" starts out as a dance-reggae song, then there's a little dubstep which I don't like since I'm critical of the genre itself, however I did enjoy the dancehall influence plus there's a dance-rock anthemic chorus in the song. A good dance song that should have been a very good follow-up to "Settle Down". I give this song 4 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Push and Shove": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hunha8UtqCk 

• "Looking Hot" from Push and Shove (released: November 9, 2012)

"Looking Hot" is a synthpop-reggae song that is like a follow-up to "Hella Good". This song has a huge dance sound. Although the music video was pulled by the band themselves due to fears that it may offend Native Americans due to its themes, I managed to find the video. This song should have been in Rock Steady, I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Looking Hot": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP6sWAlnbzc 

Garbage

• "Vow" from Garbage (released: March 20, 1995)

"Vow" starts off as an indie rock song, but soon after that Shirley Manson's vocals become drone-like. Then the song becomes more like a grunge-esque song. This became Garbage's breakthrough single and I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Vow": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-sIEcChRc 

• "Subhuman" from "Vow" UK CD single (released: August 7, 1995)

"Subhuman" starts out as an industrial, then it soon become a Nine Inch Nails-esque song. I appreciate this song because it is the prototypical version of Garbage's famous electronica-heavy sound. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Subhuman": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8LdXfjzUCY 

• "Only Happy When It Rains" from Garbage (released: September 18, 1995)

"Only Happy When It Rains" starts out as an alternative song, but aggressively becomes a hard rock-meets-grunge song. I really enjoyed the song and it really kick-started Garbage's career. I give the song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Only Happy When It Rains": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdhEx_KLpiI

• "Queer" from Garbage (released: November 20, 1995)

"Queer" is a trip hop-heavy song which has a dark sound. I give this song 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Queer": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxQdVTjEMF4 

• "Stupid Girl" from Garbage (released: February 5, 1996)

"Stupid Girl" is an alt-rock-meets-electronica song which has a Se7en feel to it. This song is their signature hit and I gives this song 5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Stupid Girl": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ77LOr5MxQ 

• "Supervixen" from Garbage (released: October 1996)

"Supervixen" is a punk revival-meets-grunge song with Smashing Pumpkins-esque theme to it. I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Supervixen": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydDXyJ-UZcI 

• "Milk" from Garbage (featuring Tricky in the Wicked remix, released: October 7, 1996)

"Milk" is a electropop ballad with elements of alternative rock, trip hop and electronica. The original version is more like a Bjork song and I give it 3 out of 5 stars. The Siren remixed version however is more like Garbage and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. The version featuring Tricky, however is more downtempo and I give that 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Milk": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEjjdAl05KQ

Watch the video for "Milk (Siren Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk1VZKmLvxM 

Watch the video for "Milk (Wicked Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJghYrrx8fQ

• "#1 Crush" from William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Music from the Motion Picture (released: October 29, 1996)

"#1 Crush" is a trip hop-heavy song with rocky elements. The original song is more like a rock song and I give it 4 out of 5. The remixed version has more gothic rock elements and I give it 5 out of 5 stars and this is the version that was theme tune to the Sky1 fantasy drama Hex.

Watch the video for "#1 Crush": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFxVZiCvwkM

Watch the video for "#1 Crush (Nellee Hooper Mix)": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJbXjIEP6rM

• "Sleep" from Garbage Video (released: March 17, 1997)

"Sleep" is a haunting piano rock ballad with gothic rock elements. It feels like as a continuation of "#1 Crush". I give this song 4 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Sleep": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lUCz1u48q8 

• "Push It" from Version 2.0 (released: April 20, 1998)

"Push It" is an electronic rock song which has angsty-filled lyrics, followed by a whispering "Push It". This comeback single evolved the band from a trip hop grunge band to more electronic rock band. This song is one killer Garbage hit, but beware, the music video is a bit controversial due to partial nudity. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Watch the video for "Push It": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw1nvfQou6I

• "I Think I'm Paranoid" from Version 2.0 (released: July 6, 1998)

"I Think I'm Paranoid" is an alt-electronica song about a person who goes insane. I give this song 5 out of 5 stars. 

Watch the video for "I Think I'm Paranoid": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYhZq1CaX8o 

• "Special" from Version 2.0 (released: October 5, 1998)

"Special" is a synthpop-rock song with some Depeche Mode elements. The song starts out as synthpop but it soon becomes a rock song. The music video foreshadows the podracer scene in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which came out a few months after the single. I give this song 4.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Special": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XneoyanCy6E 

• "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing" from Version 2.0 (released: January 7, 1999)

"The Trick Is to Keep Breathing" is a trip hop-dream pop ballad with string instruments. The song starts out as a Ray of Light-esque song but it soon becomes the sequel to "Milk". I enjoy the dream pop sound from the song and I give it 4.5 out of 5. 

Watch the video for "The Trick Is to Keep Breathing": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBz8iXdddqY

• "When I Grow Up" from Version 2.0 (released: January 25, 1999)

"When I Grow Up" is a power pop song which has one use of sexual innuendo by referencing the term "golden showers", which I will not explain. This song isn't really pure Garbage, it's just a Shirley Manson solo track. I give this song 2 out of 5.

Watch the live video for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVo69yUncow

Watch the Big Daddy video for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMfFPlMOGcw

Watch the second video (without the Big Daddy scenes) for "When I Grow Up": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQccQy5fnw

• "You Look So Fine" from Version 2.0 (released: May 25, 1999)

"You Look So Fine" is a synthpop ballad which has a downer ending to the album. The song is more like the sequel to "Milk" as it has a similar style. I really liked the spacey rock sound on the album. The music video is kinda Star Wars-esque as Shirley portrays a Princess Leia-esque character who grieves for her lover, played by surfer Kelly Slater at the desert, resembling Tatooine. I give this song 5 out of 5. 

Watch the video for "You Look So Fine": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kvXfNoTjsY

• "Temptation Waits" from Version 2.0 (released: June 20, 1999)

"Temptation Waits" is a disco-heavy song inspired by Donna Summer and Chic, also with elements of electronica and alternative rock. This song deserves to be produced by Chic legend Nile Rodgers because of the disco song. This is one of the reasons why disco still exists. This song is one killer disco song and I give it 4 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Temptation Waits": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULHBPzPNBw

• "The World Is Not Enough" from The World Is Not Enough soundtrack (released: October 4, 1999)

"The World Is Not Enough" is a electronica song with elements of symphonic rock and alternative rock. This song refers to the villain of the James Bond film of the same name, Elektra King as previous Bond songs focused on the character. I give this 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "The World Is Not Enough": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C5NLfYdZaE

Watch the title sequence for "The World Is Not Enough": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FG_IJRnoIQ

• "Medication" from Version 2.0 (should have been released: January 15, 2000)

"Medication" is a soft and haunting dark wave-meets-pop-meets-alternative rock-meets-post punk-meets-progressive rock ballad. This song would have set the blueprints for the third album had Beautiful Garbage not turning out to be a pop-heavy album. I give this song 3.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Medication": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3EpLzluiOE 

• "Androgyny" from Beautiful Garbage (released: September 24, 2001)

"Androgyny" is a pop-heavy song with elements of glam rock, contemporary rhythm and blues and new wave. Unlike the previous electronica-heavy songs, this is a turning point as the band took on a lighter and softer sound which I enjoyed. I give this 4.5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Androgyny": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVs6Fekh0RY

• "Cherry Lips" from Beautiful Garbage (released: December 27, 2001)

"Cherry Lips" is a synthpop song with elements of Blondie-esque new wave-meets-Eurythmics-esque pop. I really like this song and I give it 5 out of 5.

Watch the video for "Cherry Lips": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrcGwT1Dg0M

• "Breaking Up the Girl"
• "Shut Your Mouth"
• "Cup of Coffee"
• "Why Do You Love Me"
• "Bleed Like Me"
• "Sex Is Not the Answer"
• "Run Baby Run"
• "Tell Me Where It Hurts"
• "It's All Over But the Crying"
• "Blood for Poppies"
• "Battle in Me"
• "Automatic Systematic Habit"
• "Big Bright World"
• "Control"
• "Because the Night"

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