Track Listing

1. Ex-Girlfriend
2. Simple Kind of Life
3. Bathwater
4. Six Feet Under
5. Magic's in the Makeup
6. Artificial Sweetener
7. Marry Me
8. New
9. Too Late
10. Comforting Lie
11. Suspension Without Suspense
12. Staring Problem
13. Home Now
14. Dark Blue

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8251 in Music
• Released on: 2000-04-11
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.com
After No Doubt sold more than 10 million copies of Tragic Kingdom, riding that wave of success without toppling over must have been a daunting mission. No sweat for No Doubt. The band toiled as national unknowns with a loyal local following for a decade before that album's release, and during that time the band members were learning how to be better songwriters and musicians. The follow-up, Return of Saturn, glides along that continuum of songcraft perfection. The band presents a cleaner, less apologist representation of their influences. They pull off some of the more difficult maneuvers of pure reggae, ground-pounding ska, and Cars-esque New Wave. Gwen Stefani, the fearless Orange County princess, belts a powerful pout, her Mae West-meets-Siouxsie Sioux vocal bravado the bungee cord that springs in between the band's retro tendencies and SoCal pop-punk attitude. It seems believable that she could stamp her foot and always get her way, but her self-deprecating confessions evade brattiness. Songs like "Bathwater" and "Ex-Girlfriend" reveal the singer's vulnerability to being hurt or dumped on, and the band's sense of humor and exploration (albeit firmly controlled) matches the songs' sentiments. This group is growing out and tightening up, and while the rest of the ska-punk surfer-dude bands do nothing more than repeat history, No Doubt is creating it. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews

No Doubt about it- they're back!
Absolutely awesome! This CD hasn't left my CD player since I bought it! The band has branched out from their California ska roots to new and different sounds, and the results are great. Several of the songs, such as "Bathwater"(my favorite track), "Artificial Sweetener" and "Comforting Lie", are standouts that should get some radio airplay. If you're missing the old No Doubt, "New" and "Staring Problem", which is another fun, floor-shaking ska rythym that will remind you of "Spiderwebs", are included. Gwen's voice has matured as well, and her lyrics are creative, emotional, and flow well. This isn't the "Tragic Kingdom", but "Saturn" isn't a bad place to be.

No Comparison
I've read most of these reviews and it seems that people are comparing "Return of Saturn" to No Doubt's other albums - especially Tragic Kingdom. Of course I loved TK, and I bought "Return" on its release date. I have to admit I was mildly disappointed at first to hear so many ballads, but hey, doesn't a band have the freedom to write what they want? They obviously can't please everyone, but that's okay cause I am extremely happy with "Return" and it just gets better every time I listen to it. They really have out-done themselves and they are amazing. The songs on this album are very diverse. From songs like Ex-Girlfriend and Bathwater to ballads like Simple Kind of Life and Magic's in the Makeup. I would have bought the CD anyway, even without Ex-Girlfriend turning into such a hit, and would not have been dissappointed because I think there are other songs that are even better. My favorites are Bathwater, New, Simple Kind of Life, and Home Now(DON'T PASS THIS TRACK UP!). There are a few different CDs with bonus tracks, mine has "Leftovers," which is awesome. I would recommend Return of Saturn to fans and non-fans alike. If you don't like it immediately, I suggest you give it some time, you won't be dissappointed. It will quickly grow on you and become one of your favorites. Just don't make the mistake of comparing it to earlier No Doubt or the other sounds out there now. This one is unique, and I love it. NO DOUBT FOREVER!

The REAL truth on "Return Of Saturn"
After 5 years since their last studio album, Tragic Kingdom, No Doubt finally released their much-anticipated follow-up, Return Of Saturn; a collection of 14 songs (possible a hidden track, depending on which one you purchased). TO BE HONEST, at first listen it doesn't catch your attention right away, I admit. The first single, "Ex-Girlfriend", the new single, "Simple Kind Of Life", and "New" are probably the few songs that really shine on this album after the first listen. You probably think to yourself: "Ok, something's missing here! What happened to No Doubt?" Well what really happened is that they've growned to become better, both lyrically and musicially. If you expect this album to be "Tragic Kingdom: Part 2", think again. These aren't your typical catchy-pop-oriented-rock tracks on here; each song possesses a complex structure of melodies and lyrics written by the lovely Gwen Stefani. Surely, the second time around, maybe even the third time listening to "Return Of Saturn", it will get you hooked. I'm pretty sure that No Doubt will disappoint a number of fans, but at the same time, surprise/gain a greater number of new fans.

My advice for all you people out there, if your itching to purchase it, just be PREPARED. Don't criticize, but be open to their new sound/style. Don't expect an encore presentation of 1995's "Tragic Kingdom". Nevertheless, the album is filled with great tracks that make this one of those albums you won't forget/regret buying.

Basically, it's up to you to decide whether it HAS been worth the wait. In my opinion though, it has.