In Celebration Of Gwen Stefani: 12 Of The Best Songs From Our Favorite Hollaback Girl

Bianca Gracie | November 21, 2014 7:29 am

9. “Just A Girl” — No Doubt (1995)

“Just A Girl” is arguably the reason why everyone fell in love with No Doubt in the first place! Marked as the lead single from the band’s third studio LP Tragic Kingdom, the punchy tune shook itself apart from the moody grunge scene that was taking place at the time. “Just A Girl” is a ska punk track that injects feminist themes way before “***Flawless”: “I’m just a girl, all pretty and petite/So don’t let me have any rights/Oh…I’ve had it up to here!” The song is defiant, rowdy, confident and just damn awesome!

8. “It’s My Life” — No Doubt (2003)

“It’s My Life” technically isn’t No Doubt’s song, but they sure did make it their own! It was first released in 1984 by British synthpop band Talk Talk, but the ska crew recorded their version in 2003 as part of promotion for their greatest hits album, The Singles 1992-2003. The song’s 1930s-inspired visual is also one of their best! Directed by David LaChapelle, Stefani plays a stone-cold serial killer who ends up being given the death penalty. How badass is that?

7. “Underneath It All” — No Doubt (2002)

This next song takes a break from all the uptempo tracks on the list with its warm and mellow vibe! “Underneath It All,” also from 2001’s Rock Steady, is a love song that is dedicated to Stefani’s husband Gavin Rossdale. Like many of the tunes off the album, this one has distinct reggae influences and even a guest verse from dancehall artist Lady Saw. Co-produced by legendary duo Sly & Robbie in Jamaica, the song has a charming quality that will make you want to sway your hips alongside your significant other. It was also successful on the charts, becoming the band’s highest charting single with its number three position on Billboard Hot 100.