Day 21: Beauty Contest

Hailing from Anaheim California, weighing in with 2 Grammy awards, No Doubt! Without question my personal favorite band, No Doubt, formed in 86, is an alternative rock/ska band. They consist of guitarist Tom Dumont, drummer Adrian Young, bassist Tony Kanal, and, one of the leading ladies of rock, Gwen Stefani. Recently back on tour, No Doubt plans on a 2010 release for their next album. Their best selling album to date, Tragic Kingdom, catapulted them into stardom in 1995 with songs like Just A Girl, Spiderwebs, and the international smash hit Don't Speak. Backstage at a No Doubt concert you'll find more nannies than groupies (3 of the 4 members have kids), but make no mistake about it, these rock veterans wiser for the years haven't lost a step.

Song: Beauty Contest
Artist: No Doubt
Album: Everything In Time (Compilation Released 2003)

Beauty Contest, a b-side from Return Of Saturn, discusses the crass beauty standards facing women in today's society and the anguish of feeling obligated to adhere to such standards in order to compete. Gwen's uniquely beautiful/beautifully unique voice winds out concise lyrics, not hesitating to cut to the quick,

"Damsel in distress is quite submissive, look how sun burnt my vanity is, effeminate human creature, superficial seducing detour, I'm going to the mall for the cookie cutter, the ugly duckling will always suffer, contaminated standards don't try to fight it, I better get back on my diet".

Backing Stefani is a bass-friendly rhythm drawn out by Tony Kanal, who was surely bobbing his head at the recording sessions. Adding a somewhat ethereal feel, Tom Dumont pulls all the right strings. Adrian Young presents an under the radar, but nice, showing on drums. There's No Doubt about it, Beauty Contest is a cool cut sure to find its way into your iPod.

Listen here!

Lyrics here¡

For more No Doubt...Sunday Morning, New, Running, and Leftovers.

Even more...Tragic Kingdom, Return Of Saturn, Rock Steady, and Everything In Time.