Music Review: No Doubt "Underneath It All"
No Doubt
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Underneath It All
Album: Rock Steady
Year: 2002
Gwen Stefani realizes things aren't all that bad with her boyfriend in the optimistic "Underneath It All."
A leisurely Jamaican beat opens the single, setting a low-key tone. She's conflicted in her relationship. She and her boyfriend are so different from each other, she feel can't relate to him sometimes. She feels like she is missing something in the relationship. However, he accepts her for who she is, warts and all. He also understands her. She comments that he's funny and caring despite being broody and uncommunicative at times.
In the chorus, she says he's a kind-hearted guy who has her best interests in mind. She is grateful to have him in her life.
In the second verse, she says that he's a bad boy, though. Occansionally, he will forget important dates or not tell the whole truth about something. She has to yell at him for him to realize he did something wrong. However, she's noticed in some changes in him. He's been making efforts to pay attention to the details. With him, she doesn't worry about cheating. It's the most secure she's ever been in a relationship. There are times when she gets angry at him. But in hindsight, it was really for nothing.
The chorus is sung again.
In the bridge, she says they've been together a long time. She can't just throw it away over a few small mistakes. She knows him better than he knows himself at this point. He has turned her into a confident woman.
Next, Lady Saw has her rap. She raps that he is the guy she's dreamt about. He's out of a fairytale. She is the only guy she's been sexually attracted to without losing interest. People who know him well are like that he is a loving guy. However, his short fuse concerns her. With the exception of his one major flaw, he's been an great influence on her.
In the third verse, she says he's used up many chances with other people. Some people gave up on him. However, she still supports him. Even though he may tell her things about his past she doesn't like, she will stay with him. She loves him despite some bad judgements.
The chorus is sung twice.
Stefani says "underneath it all" four times to end the single.
Stefani and her boyfriend have had their problems. However, she realizes that they each have their faults. She recongnizes that she can be insecure and he can be uncommunicative. But they work at their relationship and try to make it work.
Stefani's mellow vocals convey that she's ok and will get through whatever conflict they are having. She is able to be disconcerted and thankful without it being contradictory.
In pop music, relationships are either wonderful or rotten. However, "Underneath It All" is realistic. It shows that relationships do not have to be both extremes. Bumps do exist, but it doesn't mean the end of everything. It can actually help the relationship grow.
Album: Rock Steady
Year: 2002
Gwen Stefani realizes things aren't all that bad with her boyfriend in the optimistic "Underneath It All."
A leisurely Jamaican beat opens the single, setting a low-key tone. She's conflicted in her relationship. She and her boyfriend are so different from each other, she feel can't relate to him sometimes. She feels like she is missing something in the relationship. However, he accepts her for who she is, warts and all. He also understands her. She comments that he's funny and caring despite being broody and uncommunicative at times.
"There's times when I want something more/Someone more like me/There's times when this dress rehearsal/Seems incomplete/But you see the colors in me/Like no one else/And behind your dark glasses/You're something else."
In the chorus, she says he's a kind-hearted guy who has her best interests in mind. She is grateful to have him in her life.
"You're really lovely underneath it all/You want to love me underneath it all/I'm really lucky underneath it all/You're really lovely."
In the second verse, she says that he's a bad boy, though. Occansionally, he will forget important dates or not tell the whole truth about something. She has to yell at him for him to realize he did something wrong. However, she's noticed in some changes in him. He's been making efforts to pay attention to the details. With him, she doesn't worry about cheating. It's the most secure she's ever been in a relationship. There are times when she gets angry at him. But in hindsight, it was really for nothing.
"You know some real bad tricks/And you need some discipline/But lately you've been trying real hard/And giving me your best/And you give me the most gorgeous sleep/That I've ever had/And when it's really bad/I guess it's not that bad."
The chorus is sung again.
In the bridge, she says they've been together a long time. She can't just throw it away over a few small mistakes. She knows him better than he knows himself at this point. He has turned her into a confident woman.
"So many moons that we have seen/Stumbling back next to me/I've seen right through and underneath/And you make me better/I've seen right through and underneath/And you make me better, better, better."
Next, Lady Saw has her rap. She raps that he is the guy she's dreamt about. He's out of a fairytale. She is the only guy she's been sexually attracted to without losing interest. People who know him well are like that he is a loving guy. However, his short fuse concerns her. With the exception of his one major flaw, he's been an great influence on her.
"For real/'Cause underneath it all/You are my real prince charming/Like the heat from the fire/You were always burnin'/Anytime you're around/My body keeps calling for your touch/Your kisses and your sweet romancin'/There's an other side of you that so many adore/
Aside from your temper everything else secure/You're good for me, baby/Of that I'm a sure/'Cause over and over/Give me one more."
In the third verse, she says he's used up many chances with other people. Some people gave up on him. However, she still supports him. Even though he may tell her things about his past she doesn't like, she will stay with him. She loves him despite some bad judgements.
"You've used up all your coupons/And all you got left is me/And somehow I'm full of forgiveness/I guess it's meant to be."
The chorus is sung twice.
Stefani says "underneath it all" four times to end the single.
Stefani and her boyfriend have had their problems. However, she realizes that they each have their faults. She recongnizes that she can be insecure and he can be uncommunicative. But they work at their relationship and try to make it work.
Stefani's mellow vocals convey that she's ok and will get through whatever conflict they are having. She is able to be disconcerted and thankful without it being contradictory.
In pop music, relationships are either wonderful or rotten. However, "Underneath It All" is realistic. It shows that relationships do not have to be both extremes. Bumps do exist, but it doesn't mean the end of everything. It can actually help the relationship grow.
