It’s hard to believe, but this week’s music video is now 20 years old. No Doubt, headed up by Gwen Stefani, was at the apex of its success in the early 2000s. The alternative ska band broke out big in 1995 with their “Tragic Kingdom” album, and their success only grew. Stefani became a fashion icon and the face of the band. Her Madonna-inspired baby doll look was perfect for the music video format.
The 2001 release of “Rock Steady” was the culmination of the band’s unique sound. The best-selling LP featured two of their biggest hits, “Hey Baby” & this week’s video, “Hella Good.” This is my favorite song and video from Stefani and her bandmates, as the clip shows the group’s playful nature. Directed by acclaimed film director Mark Romanek the video portrays the band bouncing around on jet skis off the California coast. The video is shot in stark black and white and features No Doubt, dressed in post-apocalyptic outfits, trying to reenact the never-made sequel to Waterworld. It’s weird, goofy, and just plain fun to watch.
Sadly, this would be No Doubt’s last great success as a band. After releasing the successful 2003 compilation “The Singles 1992 – 2003” with the cover of Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life,” Stefani pursued a successful solo career. The band would reunite in 2012, releasing “Push & Shove,” but the album failed to capture their earlier magic.
Here is No Doubt at the height of their powers with “Hella Good.”