Push and Shove
by No Doubt
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 76
  3. Negative: 4 out of 76
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  1. dharma
    Nov 24, 2012
    6
    No Doubt used to be one of the coolest band around. But like any band that is approaching their 'age', it's struggling to remain relevant in this day and age of 'electro pop'. Instead of going through the direction that is charted on 'Rock Steady' or the Tragic Kingdom, they sort of went for the dreaded middle ground. The end result felt tired; no songs were strong enough to beat some ofNo Doubt used to be one of the coolest band around. But like any band that is approaching their 'age', it's struggling to remain relevant in this day and age of 'electro pop'. Instead of going through the direction that is charted on 'Rock Steady' or the Tragic Kingdom, they sort of went for the dreaded middle ground. The end result felt tired; no songs were strong enough to beat some of their best efforts. It's strange how Gwen Stefani's solo efforts seemed to be a much better evolution of their 'sound' than this album. Is she better going solo, like her other peers (Phil Collins, Rob Thomas, to name a few)?… Expand
  2. PALEGRE3N
    Oct 3, 2012
    5
    More reminiscent to Gwen's solo albums than any previous No Doubt records, not in a bad way but definitely presents an overall pop/dance template which interestingly veers into adult contemporary territory with some power ballads too... and of course it's not without some (although brief and diluted) ska/punk roots. It's good to have them back, but ultimately this record is a bit safeMore reminiscent to Gwen's solo albums than any previous No Doubt records, not in a bad way but definitely presents an overall pop/dance template which interestingly veers into adult contemporary territory with some power ballads too... and of course it's not without some (although brief and diluted) ska/punk roots. It's good to have them back, but ultimately this record is a bit safe sounding. Okay, I'll just say it - where are the goddamn guitars, horns and vibrato vocals?!?!??!… Expand
  3. Methusalah
    Sep 25, 2012
    4
    While No Doubt have never been lyrical geniuses, their past efforts were worlds better than the throw away mindlessness exhibited on this album. When it comes to ridiculous lyrics songs like Looking Hot (Do you think I'm looking hot, do you think this hits the spot, I was just looking at me, look at me) and Easy (I'm gonna hit and run yummy yummy yum) quickly steal the crown fromWhile No Doubt have never been lyrical geniuses, their past efforts were worlds better than the throw away mindlessness exhibited on this album. When it comes to ridiculous lyrics songs like Looking Hot (Do you think I'm looking hot, do you think this hits the spot, I was just looking at me, look at me) and Easy (I'm gonna hit and run yummy yummy yum) quickly steal the crown from Hollaback Girl. At least in the case of Hollaback Girl the lyrics were a clear compliment to the cheerleader anthem of the accompanying music. No such creativity on display here. Certainly profound lyrics aren't a requirement for good music, but the ones found here are just dull and uninspired. I'm also mildly baffled by the professional critics claiming to find "more mature themes" in her lyrics this time around.

    Musically, the album is a confused mess as well. We have a batch of pop songs that are nearly outdated in their style as they are being released. Many of these songs are just well-produced 80's synth-pop numbers with the occasional break for one where the band remembers that they were once a guitar driven pop band with ska influences so they throw in a guitar riff and a couple notes on a trumpet as a tribute to their former selves. I'm not going to insist that they return to the style of Tragic Kingdom with this album, but the I think they themselves need to agree on where exactly they want their music to go. Even as a pop album, the tracks on here pale in comparison to all but the worst of her solo work. The entire first half of the album is a meandering mess of conflicting ideas and interruptions. Songs that start off with a guitar driven opening quickly drift off into unsatisfying and barely related synthpop and songs that start off as club-friendly dance tunes are rudely interrupted by failed attempts to bring in other influences.

    I wish the best to Stefani and the her reunited band, but as painful as it is to admit it, she was probably better off playing the role of pop superstar on her own. The band just held her back from her current musical vision with Rock Steady and at least from an outsider's perspective, they just might be doing it again here.    … Collapse

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Most Discussed Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Uncut
    Oct 26, 2012
    30
    "Heaven" is a decent stab at '80s synth pop; "Looking Hot" and "Push And Shove" mix bubblegum R&B with ragga-inspired middle eights; the rest is rather forgettable. [Dec 2012, p.75]
  2. Mojo
    Oct 22, 2012
    40
    It doesn't help that the album features a glut of dull mid-tempos. [Nov 2012, p.95]
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 22, 2012
    60
    No Doubt have always been a platinum-haired party band, but, over 20 years into the game, such platinum pop perfection feels far less forced. [Nov 2012, p.108]
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