No Doubt (Interscope)
After moonlighting gigs duetting with Moby (on his 2000 hit "South Side") and rapper Eve (on another chart-topper, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"), Gwen Stefani has returned to her day job as lead singer for No Doubt. Only this time Prince drops in on her to sing backup on the lusty standout track "Waiting Room." The rest of No Doubt's fifth disc is party-ready too. With its layers of synth and speedy reggae beats, Rock Steady could be the soundtrack for a "Come to Jamaica" commercial, though those punky guitars buzz in for the tongue-in-cheek "In My Head." The album is a reminder of what this talented songwriter is capable of, if only she'll stay put.
Bottom Line: Undoubtedly enjoyable
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