During the late 90’s to early 2000's, no band stood out quite as much as the California group No Doubt. While most of the music scene orbited around grunge and rap, No Doubt combined ska, new wave, and punk to form their own upbeat brand of pop rock. They were no overnight success, but No Doubt committed to their unusual and lighthearted sound and eventually carved out their own niche into 90’s culture.
Consisting of frontwoman Gwen Stefani, bassist Tony Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont and often naked drummer Adrian Young, No Doubt began their careers by dominating Orange County as a small-time ska band known for delivering great shows. Though their early albums were rough around the edges, they became a household name with the release of Tragic Kingdom in 1995, penned largely by Stefani herself. They’d follow that release with two more successful albums, as well as a few major tours and a handful of Grammy nominations.
But eager to explore different creative outlets, Stefani launched a solo career in the early 2000’s to sudden and immense success, seemingly ending her tenure with No Doubt. Her new hip hop and pop-oriented sound pleased many, but she still found her way back to her old rock band in 2012, when they released their most recent album Push and Shove.
In recent years, both Stefani and No Doubt have proven that they remain culturally relevant. After a successful appearance at Coachella in 2024, No Doubt has recently begun a short stint at Las Vegas' fabulous Sphere venue. As such, Stefani and No Doubt still retain a large fanbase, even without the most serious of discographies.
As an avid fan myself, I feel that Stefani does not always get the recognition she deserves as a storied frontwoman of rock. As such, I've gathered the ten songs that best define the Queen of Confessional Pop's multifaceted and successful career. Some of them are hits, some of them are underrated gems, but they are all excellent examples of Gwen Stefani's musical prowess and penchant for having fun.
10. "Hella Good"
By the time their fifth album, Rock Steady, was released, No Doubt had already reached the height of their popularity. Far beyond their early ska days, the band’s sound was slowly blending in with the rest of the pop scene, even nearing the edges of hip hop. However, they still had a sizeable inclination to rock out, something “Hella Good” affirmed.
Their second single off Rock Steady, “Hella Good” works best as a great party song. Partially written by Pharrell Williams, “Hella Good” is not only catchy enough to garner waves of dancing, but also has a respectable edge to maintain the band’s rock origins.
Kicking off with a steady drumbeat, “Hella Good” is quickly accompanied by a bass line from Kanal with hints of their ska days. They lead into Stefani’s seductive vocals, beginning in an enticing lull before fully exploding into the song’s simple, but effective chorus. Dumont’s guitar solo adds some more flair to the song, amplifying the already strong party attitude.
The entire song feels like a celebration of No Doubt’s success, one that they’ve invited the entire world to. There are never any deep confessional moments like in Stefani's other songs, but that’s fine. Instead, “Hella Good” commits to having a great time by letting the music lead the party. It’s a sentiment that embodied a large part of No Doubt’s career, which was coincidentally also hella good.
9. "Hollaback Girl"
Inherently divisive and pop as can be, no Stefani song has spurned nearly as many strong opinions as “Hollaback Girl.” Regardless of anyone’s critique, this smash hit is undeniably Stefani’s most popular solo song, practically becoming her own anthem.
Released for her first solo album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., “Hollaback Girl” is reportedly Stefani's response to Courtney Love dubbing her a "cheerleader" instead of a frontwoman. But Stefani would turn Love's comments into a smash hit, as she cheekily employed the cheerleader motif in her song and video.
But "Hollaback Girl" didn't just prove Stefani to be more than a cheerleader; it also took command of her reputation in a fierce, fun way. Everything about the song emphasizes her independence, especially its in-your-face video. With this song, Stefani would have fun, whether you liked her or not.
Admittedly, “Hollaback Girl” is an unashamedly poppy hit that hinges greatly on its catchiness. However, few songs of the time were ever more singable. Even when Stefani’s vocals become chants, they remain full of gravitas, providing an empowering performance for women in the early 2000’s.
“Hollaback Girl” would eventually become a phenomenon, finishing as the second biggest song of the year and even becoming the first online release to reach a million downloads. Whether you love or hate Courtney Love, at least she contributed to this pop masterpiece.
8. "Rich Girl"
Another single from Love. Angel. Music Baby., “Rich Girl” proved to be the more subtle but better composed song from Stefani’s Harajuku era. Like most pop songs of the time, “Rich Girl” employs a catchy melody, fun vocals, and a rap interlude (strikingly provided here by Eve).
Yet, what makes “Rich Girl” so unique is where it draws its inspirations. Stefani and Eve’s collaboration is actually a remake of a 1993 reggae song by Louchie Lou & Michie One, which itself was inspired by “If I Was A Rich Man” from the classic Fiddler on the Roof.
Despite the forty-year lineage, Stefani’s version never struggles to maintain its own identity, as it recontextualizes the glittering riches through the eyes of a young girl. Using her inherent style and glamour, Stefani highlights the luxuriously gilded lifestyle that appeals to so many of us.
While not entirely original, everything that worked in 1964 works here. The strong aspirations are not as seriously treated as they are on the stage, but Stefani brings an A-list swagger that breathes new life into the classic song. Another undeniable earworm from Stefani’s discography, “Rich Girl” is not just a joy to sing along to, but an enthralling four-minute venture into the elite celebrity lifestyle.
7. "Sunday Morning"
One of four major hits off Tragic Kingdom, it’s easy for “Sunday Morning” to be overlooked. But doing so would be a shame, as it’s not only one of the finer breakup songs on the album, but also throughout Stefani’s entire discography.
Although each No Doubt member excels on “Sunday Morning,” the true MVP proves to be Young, giving a layered but energetic performance on the drums. Starting with a soft but tense drumroll, Young allows the track to settle in before erupting into a typical ska beat. From there, Stefani laments her fragile post-breakup state, before entering a sneering chorus that shows just how fine she’ll really be.
On some level, “Sunday Morning” is way more lighthearted than Tragic Kingdom’s other breakup songs. Afterall, the music video focuses a lot more on spaghetti than dying romance.
Still, there’s a definite anger to the tune, one that’s thoroughly upset but ready to accept that the other person isn’t worth it anymore. It’s an anger present throughout the whole album, but “Sunday Morning’s” explosive sound and enticing chorus make for an empowering feel-good track that shouldn't be skipped.
6. "It's My Life"
You wouldn’t expect a cover song recorded for a greatest hits CD towards the end of No Doubt's first run to be one of their best songs, but alas, here we are. Originally recorded by English New Wave band Talk Talk in 1984, No Doubt released their version in 2003 to great reception.
The sound of their cover stands mostly parallel to Talk Talk’s version, albeit with a rock-oriented undertone that shines most during the chorus. Yet, where No Doubt’s version differentiates itself are the main vocals, which nearly shift the overall sentiment of the song.
While the original version was fixated on the need for independence, No Doubt’s cover works best as a plea for female autonomy. Under the veil of Stefani’s beautifully yearning vocals, the intense chorus becomes a firmly planted flag, one stubbornly affirming that she will gladly live or die by her own choices.
With an aggressively strong message, “It’s My Life” remains one of No Doubt’s most enduring songs. In what might be the best vocal performance of her career, Stefani only heightens the relatable subject matter, belting out her proclamations with sheer ferocity. No Doubt had a plethora of party songs, but when they had something to say Stefani ensured that everyone listened.
5. "The Sweet Escape"
After leaving No Doubt, Stefani focused on music she couldn’t make from the confines of her old group. Opting to pursue the sounds of her contemporaries, Stefani began her solo career, one rife with catchy, chart-climbing songs. But throughout her successful career, none of Stefani’s pristine pop hits ever glistened as much as “The Sweet Escape.”
What really makes “The Sweet Escape” so phenomenal is that it retains every staple of a Stefani classic. Its opening is immediately recognizable, with a few perfectly executed vocables by Akon. Stefani’s vocals are excellent too, as she showcases her respectable rapping skills, while still maintaining her usual sound through the chorus.
Most of all however, “The Sweet Escape” represents a height of fun for Stefani’s catalogue. It can be played in any club, car, or party and still be enjoyed on some level.
There’s still an undertone of heartache that Stefani has become associated with, but this single remains a lighthearted one rooted in her own brand of stardom. It’s not Stefani's deepest song, but “The Sweet Escape” more than validates the undertaking of a solo career.
4. "Simple Kind of Life"
Although not a bad album by any means, Return of Saturn struggled to gather the same success that Tragic Kingdom brought No Doubt. Despite this lackluster response, the album has its fair share of fantastic tracks, the best of all being “Simple Kind of Life.”
It’s hard to exactly pinpoint what makes this song so excellent, as every aspect works seamlessly with the other. Stefani’s vocals are at their typical level of greatness with her earnest longing being as compelling as ever. Dumont, Kanal, and Young also impress throughout, providing the intense backdrop needed to augment Stefani’s emotional crisis.
In fact, it’s that personal dilemma of Stefani’s, her aspiration to have a life outside of the rock and roll arena that makes the song so remarkable. It’s a sentiment that would rear its head constantly throughout her career, one that she’d eventually fulfill by having three children, taking time off to raise them, and finding her soulmate in country singer Blake Shelton.
An important piece Stefani’s discography, “Simple Kind of Life” not only captures Stefani’s dream but emphasizes the importance of envisioning a greater purpose for our lives. Her career saw a series of changes in style and collaborators, but Stefani has always known what she wants from life, exhibiting the indomitable spirit that also makes her an amazing frontwoman.
3. "Just A Girl"
Before “Hollaback Girl” cemented Stefani as a feminist icon of the radio, she stepped into that same discussion with “Just A Girl.” An instant anthem, the song was not only the lead single for Tragic Kingdom, but also No Doubt’s introduction to most of the world. But honestly, it was an introduction few bands could ever match.
Fittingly, “Just A Girl” happened to be the first song Stefani completed on her own. As she came to grasps with being her own songwriter, her need for independence exploded into what would be her first hit. She’s since said that the song stemmed from the frustration she felt growing up in an overtly conservative household. But this sentiment turned out to be relatable to every teenage girl in the 90’s, and No Doubt had their breakthrough.
Opening with a guitar riff that swirls and snarls, “Just A Girl” quickly launches into Stefani’s sarcastic barrage of warranted complaints. But she elevates the song in the chorus, nearly daring anyone listening to fight back as she embarks on her quest for autonomy.
By saying what millions of young women across the nation felt their entire lives, Stefani establishes an anthem unlike any other. There have been songs with more feminist and aggressive messages, but none have ever been able to do both on the same popular scale as “Just A Girl.”
2. "Let Me Reintroduce Myself"
Too often does a great artist release an amazing song after their prime for it to be largely ignored. While Stefani is nowhere near washed, “Let Me Reintroduce Myself” left a much smaller impact than it should have, which is an honest shame for such a thoughtfully incredible song.
Just from its intro, you can tell that this isn’t another typical Stefani song. It’s certainly catchy, but in a mature style that’s indicative of the song’s introspective stance.
From there, Stefani contemplates the winding decades of her career, peppering in tons of fun references to her past work. However, the chorus affirms that this is no comeback, as Stefani boldly shows that she can still sing with the best of them.
Additionally, “Let Me Reintroduce Myself” does not just come with another great music video, but it’s actually incomplete without it. As Stefani’s lyrics recount her past, her fans are greeted with visual easter eggs from her past videos and performances. The video’s crown jewel is the constant addition of past Gwens, cementing the idea that Stefani has always been an ever-changing icon.
For many of Stefani’s fans, this song calms any qualms about her entering a quiet retirement. More importantly though, the song reaffirms through a celebration of her colorful past that Gwen will always be Gwen. In many ways, “Let Me Reintroduce Myself” fully explores who Stefani is as an icon, singer, and person, perhaps making it the quintessential Gwen Stefani song.
1. "Don't Speak"
But sometimes, no matter how many excellent singles an artist records, there will be that one song that stands above the rest. For Stefani (and No Doubt), that song is “Don’t Speak.” Surprisingly, “Don’t Speak” didn't reach number one on the Billboard charts due to a technicality, but make no mistake: this is far and away Stefani’s best song.
Before Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt was mostly known for their upbeat jams. Yet, "Don't Speak" marked a tonal shift that the band was ready for. Penned by Stefani after Kanal ended their seven-year relationship, “Don’t Speak” ended up being one of the band's most heartfelt ballads.
Opening with a somber melody, “Don’t Speak” slowly pushes its downcast mood onto the listener. The lyrics unfold simply, but Stefani sings with a genuine sadness that makes each line easily attainable for anyone who has been broken up with. From there, the song explodes into its chorus, not with No Doubt’s usual ska rock, but with a pleading of raw, vulnerable emotion that’s lost all control.
Because of such realism, “Don’t Speak” remains No Doubt’s most enduring song, residing amongst the greatest breakups ever put to music. While it was “Just A Girl” that launched them to stardom, “Don’t Speak” affirmed No Doubt’s worth as rock legends, as well as Stefani’s status as an undoubtedly astounding entertainer.
