The problem is, some of these songs were simply not meant to be played by a string quartet. I'm sure that a proper arrangement is -possible-, but this Tribute just doesn't click. I was expecting something much more elegant, along the lines of Return to Saturn's secret track, "Dark Blue" for piano. Unfortunately, it feels like a random smattering of singles were picked from No Doubt's library and the songbooks handed to a handful of orchestra musicians looking for an interesting side-gig. There just isn't any excitement to the arrangement or it's performance, just a very formal, precise, and even mathematical feel. I can easily assume that this was not a CD made by fans of the music.

With more than five albums of material, better songs could have been found for such a treatment. Sure it's fun to hear everyone's favorites, and songs that casual fans are more likely to know, but it would have been much, much more fun to hear good music. In that regard, I don't think this tribute is the place to look.

If you're just looking to expand your No Doubt collection, I doubt any review will talk you out of this purchase. I'm sure that any ND fan can enjoy at least one run through of the album. Know what you're getting into, however, and don't expect something to keep next to the real deal in your CD changer.


Good, Depending On Your Taste   November 16, 2004
Candice (California)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I know that some people were very disappointed with this CD; I wasn't, but maybe that's just because I am a tried-and-true No Doubt fan- I find it thrilling to hear different renditions of my favorite songs. Yes, some songs hang on the precipice of being tacky, especially the faster ones, like "Hella Good", and, in some ways, "Hey Baby". However, I think some work quite well. Obviously, all the original songs are better, but sometimes I get in a dramatic, classical-music mood, and this CD is awesome. "Ex-Girlfriend" sounds deliciously devious and dark with the deep string instruments, and "Don't Speak", like its original, is so heart-rendingly beautiful it'll pull at your heartstrings.

Overall, take care. I think the CD is well-made, with a good instrumentalists and fine arrangements, but I can understand how it would put some people off. But don't knock it till you give it a listen. And best of all- it's instant kareoke!


Innovative, trendy, sexy and fantastic!   July 7, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I can add a lot more words to the list; motivating, romantic, provacative, eluring, brilliant.... This is GREAT! I love the idea this company has of putting out string quartet versions of your favorite artists. But this CD is marvelous. I got it last week and it is my favorite CD in my collection. A fine tribute indeed. Congratulations to this group for such a fabulous tribute.


GREAT CD!   February 1, 2004
Armando R. (Los Angeles, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is one of the greatest tribute CD's that I have heard made for NO DOUBT. It's basically classical versions of all the NO Doubt hit songs! A must have for any No Doubt FAN!


hum...   June 8, 2005
its me, your chrissie (uk)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

some of the songs are alright, don't speak and simple kind of life aRE incredible. hella good and hey baby were a bad choice i think cos they are a bit repetitive when done on a string instument. im a little confused about vague moment..is that a no doubt song?