Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is an upbeat collection of songs mostly about boys, and the ups and downs of liking them, or one in particular -- and it could be the wrong one. The lyrics aren't sexually explicit, but some of them are loaded with double meanings. On "Hella Good," for example, when Gwen wants to "keep on dancing," is she talking about dancing or something else? The lyrics cover long distance love ("Making Out"), jealousy ("In My Head"), loving a bad boy ("Underneath It All"), giving the bad boy a second chance ("Don't Let Me Down"), and groupie backstage action ("Hey Baby").
Families can talk about what teens are thinking about: What's OK to put up with in a romantic relationship and what isn't? When is it healthier to walk away? How can you tell when you're ready for something hot and heavy? What about dealing with someone you're really into being unfaithful, not calling when he/she said he would, or not liking you as much as you like him/her? Families can also discuss whether or not Gwen Stefani is a good role model for women. How are the lyrics in this album different from No Doubt's more introspective previous album Return of Saturn? How has Gwen's style and music changed since she got married, had a baby, and released her first solo album?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Denise Duval
Kids more familiar with the stuff on Gwen Stefani's solo release, Love. Angel. Music. Baby., will find a lot to like on ROCK STEADY, an album chock full of catchy crowd-pleasers that take you from new wave to disco to dancehall. While it's quite a departure from the band's earlier work, their signature sound hasn't disappeared completely. "Making Out" and "Hella Good" are all about the funky disco beats, but "Underneath it All" feels like old school No Doubt all the way.
Part of the album was recorded in Jamaica, and many of the tracks have a beachy breeziness to them, especially the reggae-influenced "In My Head" and the title track, "Rock Steady." At times Rock Steady seems to be all over the musical map, perhaps a side-effect of the all-star cast that contributed to the collection: Prince (are we calling him that now?) on "Waiting Room," where his input couldn't be more apparent, and "Don't Let Me Down," co-produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek, took me right back to 1985. The only ballad on this mostly bouncy album is "Running," an ode to making a relationship work, ("I really hope we make it/Do you think we'll make it?") and one in which Gwen's vocals shine.
It's hard not to like No Doubt and our homegirl Gwen: She's spunky, sassy, stylish, and has a great voice. You can loathe one of the songs on the first listen, only to find yourself really getting into it after just a few more tries. Take the jerky smash hit "Hey Baby:" It's guaranteed to grow on you and have you singing along in no time.
Kids who like this album might also dig Gwen Stefani's solo stuff, as well as music from The Black Eyed Peas, Pink, and Blondie.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSubtle sexual connotations peppered throughout: "You got me feeling hella good/So let's just keep on dancing," "Cause I'm in the mood come on and give it up," "You give me the most gorgeous sleep that I've ever had," and "You know you need to be my lover." There's also a message about using sex to fix a fight on "Start the Fire" ("Now let's spend the morning sweetly/Get over here and complete me"). |
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Social BehaviorThemes of depression ("I'm gonna sleep all through the day/I'm gonna sleep my life away") and infidelity ("Hey girl, save the liar/Can't you see his pants on fire?," "I'm gonna snoop and call you out/I caught you, your hands are red," and "Oh, I can't believe that you're still around/Almost forgot how you let me down"). |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoAllusions to smoking pot ("Cottonmouth and all lit up" and "Go on and get the lighter/We're gonna need some fire/Let's get a little higher"). |
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