ROCK STEADY, No Doubt’s fifth album and second release in as many years, is scheduled for release on Trauma/Interscope Records on December 18, 2001. Recorded in LA, Jamaica, and London, ROCK STEADY runs the stylistic gamut, incorporating dancehall-reggae, classic new wave, and R&B with the band’s signature, high-energy sound.
Featuring such key tracks as “Hella Good,” “Hey Baby,” “Detective,” and “Making Out,” ROCK STEADY is named for one of the last songs to be included on the record. Says Gwen Stefani, “ROCK STEADY is where we are as a band right now. Stay the course, keep focused. Like the song says, ‘A real love survives, a rock steady vibe.’ It could just as well be describing No Doubt, our band, after all these years.”
A list of the album’s producers reads like an eclectic Who’s Who of music, including acclaimed producer/remixer Nellee Hooper (U2, Bjork), ambient pioneer and omnipresent dance remixer William Orbit (Madonna, Blur), former Cars frontman Ric Ocasek (Weezer, Guided By Voices), reggae’s drum and bass duo Sly & Robbie, dancehall-reggae’s dominant production team Steely & Clevie (Shabba Ranks, Maxi Priest), former NWA member and preeminent hip-hop producer Dr. Dre (Eminem, Snoop Doggy Dog), up-and-coming hip-hop producers The Neptunes (Mystikal, Jay-Z) and inventive hip-hop producer Timbaland (Missy Elliot, Nas). Bassist Tony Kanal comments, “One of the best things about being in a band for so long and having any level of success is the opportunity to go and play in different creative sandboxes. For us to stretch our musical limbs and reach out to people that we admire so much was really gratifying.”
No Doubt relaunched their website, www.nodoubt.com, on August 13. Featuring a new look for the upcoming album, the website includes additional information.