The essence of No Doubt (The Beacon Street Collection - No Doubt)

Member Name: nessyboo

Product:	The Beacon Street Collection - No Doubt
Date:	14/05/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: No Doubt at their finest, pure perfection

Disadvantages: None

I bought this album shortly after Tragic Kingdom made it big in 1996, and it has remained one of my all time favourite albums, and still gets played regularly.

Some people claim that this album was intended as a 'b side' album, and is not a 'proper' album, but I don't think this is true: in fact I believe it is No Doubt's finest work. They have since used some of the songs on b-sides of their Tragic Kingdom singles, so you may have already heard some of the tracks, notably "Greener Pastures" from the "Don't Speak" single.

This album was released independently in 1995 and was recorded over a few years, with some of the songs being recorded in the bands garage on Beacon Street, hence the name. Although I've visited the house and it's actually called Beacon Avenue (I guess Street is more catchy?) :)

I think this album perfectly captures the essence of No Doubt - unlike their debut album (whose production really lets it down - it sounds flat) and slightly over produced and commercial "Tragic Kingdom" (which is still an amazing album, don't get me wrong). During the recording of this album No Doubt were really starting to hone their talents, find their unique sound and come into their own. The album mixes together an array of styles, (ska, rock, punk, metal and pop mainly) effortlessly and every song is perfect in my eyes. The album is only 10 songs long but I don't think it needs to be longer - with many albums there seems to be 2 or 3 songs you would happily go without, and this is a tight album with no filler.

Gwen's vocals are at their best here I believe - strong, versatile, distinctive and sometimes downright loopy! There is even a power ballad which is often compared to 'Don't Speak', the beautiful song 'By the Way', which is a real tear jerker and showcases Gwen's vocals excellently.

Another highlight of the album is the track 'Total Hate 95', an old school ND song written by the band's original lead singer in the 80's, who committed suicide. This is one of the bands finest songs, is very intense with a fast ska punk style, and features an excellent rap from Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell, also now deceased, hmm :S

If you are more into No Doubt's later releases, such as Rock Steady, this may not be for you. Otherwise, if you're wanting to purchase a No Doubt album and you're not sure which one - go for this one, you won't regret it!

Summary: If you don't like this album - then you don't like the real No Doubt!