Return of Saturn

Return of Saturn, the fourth studio album of ska band No Doubt, is considered by many as their darkest album. Most of this is true because here the group replaces their signature ska sound, which has always been colorful and giddy, by the artsy detachment of new wave, inspired by such bands like Split Enz and especially Missing Persons. Gwen Stefani's self-deprecating lyrical sense in this album also grabbed the attention of critics, who poked her about writing on such things like insecurity, marriage and settling down. And although they appealed to teenage girls and their dear diary lives, the lyrics received strokes of criticism and misinterpretation by the masses, and that had a negative effect on the popularity of the CD. But the musical part, which leant on the retro-smart production sense of Glen Ballard, was very celebrated and acclaimed, even though the album slid down the charts (after a very good start) and only got one major hit (Simple Kind Of Life), while Ex Girlfriend, Bathwater, and New failed. \nThe title of the album comes from the 29-year period Saturn takes to rotate around the sun, and which refers to the maturity and self evaluation people encounter at that period of their lives. It also matches with the album's themes of independence and confusion.