Underneath It All by No Doubt

Just when it seemed that No Doubt had permanently moved away from reggae and ska, they came up with one of the rootiest tracks they’d yet recorded. The song’s Jamaican sound is authentic; as the track was produced by the rhythm team of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare who’d played on a large chunk of all the hit singles that came out of the island in the late ‘70s and beyond (and with a few non-reggae artists, like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson).

The song was also one of the sweeter love songs No Doubt had done in years, inspired by Gwen Stefani’s blossoming relationship with Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. The song has one other famous connection: It was cowritten by Dave Stewart, best known as the male half of Eurythmics.

The rap on “Underneath It All” is performed by Lady Saw, a Jamaican dancehall star whose own greatest hits would test the lyrical limits of a T-rated game.

Lady Saw’s rap will provide the main tripping point for singers. They have a steadier pitch than the Gwen parts, but the lyrics are tough to follow. In the spirit of Jamaican toasting, just make something up when you get lost!

On guitar and bass, you’re basically free to sit back and ride the groove, but be aware that the guitar part gets more complex later in the song.

Though it’s a slower song, the drum part on ”Underneath It All” is deceptively tough. The quick reggae fills take fast hands and good timing. Watch for the quick red gems in the main rhythm - they can break your streak if your timing isn’t just right.

Prepping for the 2009 comeback.