It's My Life by No Doubt

For the first time in their career, No Doubt made their new single a straightforward cover version of a song that had already been a hit. First recorded by Talk Talk in 1984, “It’s My Life” was one of the moodier, more elegant songs to come out of the synth-pop movement, with an aching lead vocal by Mark Hollis.

No Doubt’s version kept the same basic arrangement, but changed the attitude somewhat. Gwen Stefani sounds defiant instead of tortured. And her star appeal made the song a bigger US hit than the original, it went to #10 while Talk Talk’s version had only been #31.

This was the last song that No Doubt released in 2003 before going on hiatus; though they did collaborate with reggae legend Toots Hibbert a year later.

“It’s My Life” was one of two ‘80s songs that No Doubt were thinking of covering at the time. Losing out was “Don’t Change” by INXS.

On vocals, remember that what goes up must come down! All the verses rise in pitch, then fall back down at the end of each phrase. Even the chorus tends to bend the final notes downwards, so master those note bends to maximize your score.

None of the guitar parts are incredibly taxing, but new parts keep coming, so stay on your feet.

The bass part alternates between sparse, relaxed playing and constant unrelenting scales that will force you to move your wrist. Find the righ times to switch position and you should be fine.

The drum part is easy and straightforward; there are a few fills that won’t fail you but might break your streak.

Planning the big comeback.