"Settle Down" No Doubt

After an excruciatingly extended hiatus—eight-and-a-half years during which families were started, lead singer Gwen Stefani released two solo albums and the group reunited for a successful tour—No Doubt is finally (finally!) back to reclaim its place as America's favorite feel-good jam band. But is America ready to embrace No Doubt again? New single "Settle Down" seems like a good place to start. Playing with the same island influences that infused 2001's Rock Steady, their last studio album, the song is exuberant, summer-y—and almost makes it feel like Gwen & Co. haven't been gone for nearly a decade. Fun but ultimately slight, "Settle" probably won't be a future classic. Nevertheless, it feels like an appropriate reintroduction to No Doubt and what it has always done best. I can't wait to see what else the band has cooking. B+