No Doubt's Push And Shove is another album I've been meaning to review for months but never really got around to. In a nutshell - I love every song but think it's a bit thin on potential hit singles with the exception of "Easy" and "Looking Hot". So I'm relieved that Gwen and the gang have chosen the latter as the album's official second single. This should be a no-brainer. Killer chorus, lyrics that will get sluts dancing faster than free alcohol and superb production that blends genres while never losing its top 40 radio appeal. My favourite part is the dancehall breakdown towards the end. How much have you missed No Doubt?
But back to the video. The first two visuals were a bit disappointing for the band that brought us iconic clips like "Hella Good" and "It's My Life". I thought "Settle Down" was adequately glossy and colourful but "Push And Shove" gave me nightmares. Pop stars of a certain age shouldn't be giving us Blair Witch realness. No one looks good in that clip - and it's an almost impossible task to make Gwen Stefani look anything less than stunning! I'm happy to report they've learned their lesson and gone all glamorous again for "Looking Hot".
At first I had an issue with the mildly ridiculous cowboys and Indians theme. It doesn't really suit the song and struck me as a bit desperate. But then I gave in to the band's eccentric visual and now love it. Sure, it's no masterpiece. The clip looks a bit cheap and the "plot" doesn't make sense but who really cares when Gwen Stefani is rocking Indian fashion with the kind of attitude Cher displayed when she was promoting "Halfbreed"? The styling is absolutely great - love the scene in the teepee with the wolf - and the yummy mummy looks like the pop/rock goddess that she is.
Seriously, why can't Madonna call Gwen's doctor? That man is miracle worker. She still looks 27. Apart from some pretty scenery, a rather cool party scene and the stupid sub-plot about Gwen being captured by cowboys - that's it. And it's enough for me. No Doubt has found their commercial stride again. It will be interesting to see how radio takes to "Looking Hot". If it gets sufficient airplay, this could be the song that returns them to the top of the singles chart. The oddball video (below) can only help. I'm so happy they're back.
Song: 10/10, Video: 8/10
EDIT: No Doubt pulled the video after complaints from Native Americans. Who knew that Gwen Stefani wearing a pink headdress was so offensive? Oh well back to the drawing board.
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