Sunday Herald Sun (Jan. 13th 2002)

Going Steady

After the upheavals that shocked the world in 2001, No Doubt are ready to rock.

The band's new album, Rock Steady, which was released this week, is unashamedly upbeat. The extroverted, energetic and eclectic collection of rock songs is the band's party album response to the more introverted soul-searching of their last offering, Return Of Saturn.

"I wanted to write songs about how it felt to be alive right now and to be full of hope -- despite everything that's going on in the world,'' said singer Gwen Stefani.

"It's a time to be optimistic and affirm what's good and positive in our lives.

"This album was an exercise in spontaneity, and challenged me to write more directly from my own thoughts and feelings.

"It's the hardest thing in the world to just be simple and let the music speak for what you're feeling.

"But if we can convey even a small part of the fun and excitement we had making Rock Steady, then we've achieved what we set out to do.''

When No Doubt formed, in 1987, there was little indication that they would be a hit act.

In fact, from the outset it seemed they were cursed.

Original singer John Spence committed suicide soon after they formed, then his replacement, Alan Meade, quit a few months later, leaving Stefani on vocals.

Then, their self-tilted debut album sold only 25,000 copies -- all in their home state, California -- and their record company refused to release its successor.

Next, founding member Eric Stefani (Gwen's brother) left to help animate The Simpsons.

A year later, things became worse before they got better when Stefani's long-term relationship with bass player Tony Kanal collapsed, threatening to tear the band apart.

But amid the resultant fallout -- and fighting -- Stefani fashioned a lifeline for No Doubt, writing the smash hit Don't Speak, a homage to their failed relationship.

It rocketed to No. 1 in the US, stayed there for nine weeks and became the most requested song on US radio in 1996.

It repeated that popularity all around the world, including Australia, catapulting No Doubt, overnight, from obscurity to celebrity.

Its success also signalled the start of a dizzying two-year tour that saw their third album, Tragic Kingdom, attain platinum status in 23 countries, win a Grammy nomination and sell 15 million copies worldwide.

But there was a catch -- once they had achieved all they ever wanted, they weren't sure if they still wanted it.

"The Tragic Kingdom tour was really intense,'' Stefani said.

"We spent 26 months on the road, living on top of each other. The stress was unbelievable.

"At first, I didn't think the tour had affected me.

"I felt totally normal. Then, slowly but surely, I felt like I was going through something weird. I realised I didn't know who I was any more -- that I'd become someone I never intended to become. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the real Gwen was.''

After a lengthy hiatus, and a lot of soul searching, Stefani felt reinvigorated, so she reassembled her colleagues -- Kanal, guitarist Tom Dumont and drummer Adrian Young.

By early 1999, they had written the bulk of their last album, Return Of Saturn, a record reflecting their brittle, post-tour state.

"I felt like I had been turned inside-out writing that album,'' Stefani said.

"Everything I went through -- all my emotions and struggles -- are on it. I felt like I'd given up a lot of myself.

"I feel much better now. I don't feel as confused as I was.''

One of the reasons for Stefani's confusion was her impending 30th birthday, both a milestone and millstone, which made her reassess her life and priorities. It also accounts for the album's title Return Of Saturn.

"From the time you're born 'til the time Saturn returns takes 29 years,'' she said.

"According to astrology, that period's supposed to be a time of reassessing things. It's a time of growth and a time when you clear out things that prevent you getting on in life. When I got to 29 I really felt like I was going through a transitional phase.''

Older and wiser, Stefani admits that being a "rock chick'' isn't everything it is cracked up to be -- especially when you are trying to sustain a relationship (with Bush singer, Gavin Rossdale) and a career.

"I'm a romantic at heart, but my life doesn't always reflect that,'' she said.

"Consequently, I have this inner conflict -- this guilt -- about it.

"But, for now, I've decided to focus on the band -- and having fun. I think that's right and I feel good doing that. It's fulfilling.''

Stefani's new-found wisdom and maturity may surprise the legions of fans raised on Tragic Kingdom's vibrant, playful mix.

Does it mean that she has finally grown-up? Or, is she still "just a girl", as their hit single asserts?

"That song was so relevant when I wrote it," Stefani said.

"It was a real breakthrough because it expressed exactly how I felt at the time. I had so much power after writing that song. It's the same when I get onstage to sing it now -- I'm transported back in time. It's like I'm 25 again."