After spending two years laboring over the introspective, Glen Ballard-produced Return of Saturn, the members of No Doubt decided it was time to party, creating the dancehall and new-wave-influenced Rock Steady with an emphasis on spontaneity, freedom, and fun. Judging from such spirited tracks as the funky “Start the Fire” and the rousing “Don’t Let Me Down,” the band made the right decision. Sporting production work by William Orbit, Sly & Robbie, and Ric Ocasek—and appearances by Bounty Killer, Prince, and others—Rock Steady retains the act’s energy throughout and boasts such should-be hits as “Detective,” a sweet pop thrill; the horn-spiced “Underneath It All” (featuring the electrifying Lady Saw); and the hook-packed “Hella Good,” a co-write with the Neptunes. Sure to convince doubters and win new fans, the set roars with the sort of fire rarely seen from a group with four albums under its belt.—WO
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