One listen to “Looking Hot” will reveal a mix of styles not yet heard from No Doubt; at least not all in one song.
Traditionally, the Anaheim, CA band has chosen a style for each song and stuck with it all the whole way through the track. In “Hot,” they poured all their influences into a sauce pan and made one hell of a musical omelet. The band mixed together their influences in pop, ska, dance hall, reggae together with the beats of electronic dance music in a way that instantly modernizes their sound, minus the chorus, which makes a nod to 70′s disco. And, don’t think they left out the horn section; you’ll find a refreshing breakdown mid-way through.
The band had no reservations; they set out to make an mass-appeal pop album in Push And Shove and “Looking Hot” shows they’ve likely accomplished their mission.
An ode to the paparazzi-stalked celebrity culture with lines like “Go ahead and look at me / ‘Cause that’s what I want / Take a picture please,” Stefani poses the question, “Do you think I’m lookin’ hot?”
Well, Ms. Stefani, the answer is yes.
Push And Shove hits stores everywhere Tuesday, September 25.
– Jay Tilles, CBS Local
