{{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Use American English|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox song | name = Making Out | cover = Makingout.jpg | alt = In red tones, the band poses for a picture. | border = yes | type = promo | artist = [[No Doubt]] | album = [[Rock Steady (album)|Rock Steady]] | B-side = | released = {{Start date|2002||}} | recorded = 2001 | studio = * Guerilla Canyon Studios (Los Angeles, CA)<ref name="Rock Steady liner" /> * The Sideshack (Los Angeles, CA)<ref name="Rock Steady liner" /> * [[Westlake Recording Studios]] (Los Angeles, CA)<ref name="Rock Steady liner" /> | venue = | genre = {{hlist|[[New wave music|New wave]]|[[synth-pop]]}} | length = {{duration|m=4|s=14}} | label = [[Interscope Records|Interscope]] | writer = {{hlist|[[Gwen Stefani]]|[[Tony Kanal]]|[[Tom Dumont]]}} | producer = {{hlist|[[William Orbit]]|No Doubt}} | tracks = | misc = {{External music video|header=Audio video|type=song|{{YouTube|hXAggCkzpy8|"Making Out"}}}} }} "'''Making Out'''" is a song by American band [[No Doubt]] from their fifth studio album, ''[[Rock Steady (album)|Rock Steady]]'' (2001). In the Philippines, the song was released as a [[Promotional recording#Promotional single|promotional single]] and distributed in limited quantities on [[CD singles|CDs]] through [[Interscope Records]]. Produced by the band and [[William Orbit]], "Making Out" was written by members [[Gwen Stefani]], [[Tony Kanal]], and [[Tom Dumont]]. While recording ''Rock Steady'', the group aimed to work with a variety of musicians during sessions, unlike the processes they had endured for previous albums. Upon working with Orbit, they created a [[New wave music|new wave]] and [[synth-pop]] song, with nods to [[Electronic music|electronic]] and [[Europop]] music.

The lyrics find Stefani discussing her then-relationship with British singer [[Gavin Rossdale]]. She expresses a strong distaste for [[long-distance relationship]]s and yearns for her lover to return home. Critically, "Making Out" drew a mostly negative response from music journalists. It was deemed overproduced and criticized for overly generic lyrics. Some reviewers, however, favorited it for being catchy and lyrically personal. Critics made comparisons between "Making Out" and Stefani's guest appearances on [[Moby]]'s "[[South Side (song)|South Side]]" in 2000 and [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]]'s "[[Let Me Blow Ya Mind]]" in 2001.

== Background and release == Following the release of the band's fourth studio album, ''[[Return of Saturn]]'' in 2000, [[No Doubt]] set out immediately to begin work on their then-untitled fifth record. While creating the album, the band members refrained from playing instruments they were accustomed to, resulting in songs that contained less guitar and bass guitar, [[Tom Dumont]] and [[Tony Kanal]]'s standard instruments, respectively. They experimented with a [[reggae]] sound in several songs, stemming from a creative trip to [[Jamaica]] they took in early 2001. While recording the album in both Jamaica and [[Los Angeles]], No Doubt collaborated with a variety of songwriters and producers, in contrast to the creative sessions for previous studio albums such as ''Return of Saturn''.<ref name="MTV News album recording">{{cite news |last1=Vanhorn |first1=Teri |title=No Doubt Head to Jamaica to Stir Up Reggae Sound |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1442367/no-doubt-head-to-jamaica-to-stir-up-reggae-sound/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |publisher=[[MTV News]] |date=March 30, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225859/http://www.mtv.com/news/1442367/no-doubt-head-to-jamaica-to-stir-up-reggae-sound/ |archive-date=2017-09-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> During one session, they worked with English musician [[William Orbit]] who was best known for working with [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] on her [[electronica]]-influenced seventh studio album, ''[[Ray of Light]]'' (1998).<ref name="PopMatters album review">{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Eden |title=No Doubt: Rock Steady |url=https://www.popmatters.com/nodoubt-rock-2496013948.html |access-date=January 14, 2019 |work=[[PopMatters]] |date=December 10, 2001}}</ref>

The track was recorded using the [[digital audio workstation]] program [[Pro Tools]], which allowed the group to easily work with other producers in [[Jamaica]] and [[London]] simultaneously.<ref name="Billboard review">{{cite magazine|author=''Billboard'' staff|title=No Doubt Feels 'Rock Steady'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77669/no-doubt-feels-rock-steady|access-date=September 11, 2016|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 21, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712230629/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/77669/no-doubt-feels-rock-steady|archive-date=2014-07-12|url-status=live}}</ref> The title of "Making Out" was first revealed as part of the track listing for ''[[Rock Steady (album)|Rock Steady]]'' on October 15, 2001, via No Doubt's official website. Orbit's association with the track as a producer was also revealed.<ref name="MTV News press release">{{cite news |last1=Vanhorn |first1=Terri |title=Dre, Timbaland Beats Will Be Absent on No Doubt LP |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1450039/dre-timbaland-beats-will-be-absent-on-no-doubt-lp/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |publisher=MTV News |date=October 15, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225091038/http://www.mtv.com/news/1450039/dre-timbaland-beats-will-be-absent-on-no-doubt-lp/ |archive-date=2016-02-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Orbit and No Doubt-produced track was written by [[Gwen Stefani]], Dumont, and Kanal.<ref name="Rock Steady liner" /> "Making Out" was initially released to the public with the rest of ''Rock Steady'' on December 11, 2001.<ref name="Making Out Amazon music download">{{cite web |title=Making Out by No Doubt on Amazon Music |url=https://www.amazon.com/Making-Out/dp/B001O3D266 |publisher=[[Amazon Music]] (US) |access-date=January 14, 2019 |date=December 11, 2001}}</ref>

Despite not being released as a commercial single, the song was released as a [[Promotional recording#Promotional single|promotional single]] in the Philippines in 2002 and distributed in limited quantities as a [[CD single]]. In the physical release handled by [[Interscope Records]], the album version of "Making Out" appears as the first track while the previously unreleased Sharam Jey Mix of No Doubt's 2003 single "[[Running (No Doubt song)|Running]]" serves as the bonus track.<ref name="Making Out CD" />

== Composition and lyrics == [[File:Gavin Rossdale of Bush at top of his game at Frequency Festival in Austria (7829248436).jpg|thumb|upright|The lyrics of "Making Out" revolve around [[Gwen Stefani]]'s relationship with her then-boyfriend [[Gavin Rossdale]].]] Musically, "Making Out" is a [[New wave music|new wave]] and [[synth-pop]] song with an [[electronic music|electronic]] beat.<ref name="PopMatters album review" /><ref name="Spin album review" /><ref name="Entertainment Weekly album review">{{cite magazine|last1=Browne|first1=David|title=Rock Steady (Music – No Doubt)|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2001/12/14/rock-steady|access-date=January 14, 2019|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=December 14, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118062524/http://www.ew.com/article/2001/12/14/rock-steady|archive-date=2016-11-18|url-status=live}}</ref> It also contains a rhythm developed alongside an electronically-produced hand clap.<ref name="Spin album review">{{cite magazine |last=Berrett |first=Jesse |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wXGw14ml_M4C&pg=PA105 |title=Hollywood Squares |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |volume=18 |issue=1 |date=January 2002 |pages=105–106 |issn=0886-3032 |access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref> Jesse Berrett from ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' referred to the song as an example of the consistent presence of new wave music on ''Rock Steady''; he also noted the use of synths in "Making Out" and described it as a "squirt [of] [[Europop]]".<ref name="Spin album review" /> Natalie Nichols, a journalist for the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that ''Rock Steady'' is primarily an upbeat album with influence from dance music and considered "Making Out" to be No Doubt's closest attempt at creating an electronica-inspired dance song.<ref name="Los Angeles Times album review">{{cite news |last1=Nichols |first1=Natalie |title=No Doubt's in the Mood to Dance; Mobb Deep Feels Like Fighting |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-dec-09-ca-rack9-story.html |access-date=January 14, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=December 9, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019023147/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/dec/09/entertainment/ca-rack9 |archive-date=2016-10-19 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lisa Oliver, a member of [[Yahoo! Music Radio]]'s LAUNCHcast program, compared No Doubt's song to American singer [[Rockwell (musician)|Rockwell]]'s 1984 single "[[Somebody's Watching Me]]".<ref name="LAUNCHcast review">{{cite web |last=Oliver |first=Lisa |url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/23924.html |title=No Doubt – 'Rock Steady' |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=February 14, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328122454/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/23924.html |archive-date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref>

According to the official sheet music published by Musicnotes.com, "Making Out" is set in [[Time signature|common time]] and has a moderately fast dance tempo of 120 [[Tempo|beats per minute]].<ref name="sheet">{{cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0087237|title=Digital Sheet Music – Making Out, Words and Music by Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal and Tom Dumont|date=29 November 2010 |publisher=Musicnotes.com|access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref> The key of the song is in [[D major]], with Stefani's vocal range spanning an entire [[octave]], from E<sub>3</sub> to D<sub>5</sub> in [[scientific pitch notation]].<ref name="sheet"/> The song progresses in the chord progressions of G–D–A–E in the verses, although a slight distortion is used on the bass. The chorus follows the same set-up, minus the distortion.<ref name="sheet"/> Instrumentation is provided by No Doubt: Dumont and Kanal perform keyboards in addition to serving as guitarist and bass guitarist, respectively, while [[Adrian Young]] plays the drums. [[Clif Norrell]] serves as head engineer, assisted by the team of Jeff Kanan, Jennifer Young and mix editors Matt Fields, [[David Treahearn]], and Keith Uddin.<ref name="Rock Steady liner" />

A central theme on ''Rock Steady'' is Stefani's relationship with British musician [[Gavin Rossdale]]. In several of the album's songs, Stefani sings about her impatience with him and her wanting to establish mutual trust.<ref name="Slant Magazine album review">{{cite news|last1=Cinquemani|first1=Sal|title=No Doubt – ''Rock Steady''|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/no-doubt-rock-steady|access-date=January 14, 2019|work=[[Slant Magazine]]|date=December 12, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119230744/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/no-doubt-rock-steady|archive-date=2018-11-19|url-status=live}}</ref> Lyrically, "Making Out" finds Stefani expressing her dislike of [[long-distance relationship]]s and requesting for her lover to return home.<ref name="Common Sense Media album review">{{cite web |title=Rock Steady Music Review |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/music-reviews/rock-steady |publisher=[[Common Sense Media]] |access-date=January 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205205935/http://www.commonsensemedia.org/music-reviews/rock-steady |archive-date=2013-12-05 |url-status=live }}</ref> Disappointed by the absence of her man, she rejects his acts of kindness ("The flowers arrive to my surprise / But that just ain't good enough") and instead conveys a feeling of [[lovesickness]]. Upon his arrival home, she predicts to endure kissing sessions to atone for lost time.<ref name="Slant Magazine album review" /> With widely simple lyrics, Stefani sings in the chorus: "I'm really missing you in so many ways / I anticipate us making out".<ref name="The A.V. Club album review">{{cite news|last1=Thompson|first1=Stephen|title=No Doubt: ''Rock Steady''|url=http://www.avclub.com/review/no-doubt-emrock-steadyem-22019|access-date=January 14, 2019|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=December 4, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510064936/http://www.avclub.com/review/no-doubt-emrock-steadyem-22019|archive-date=2017-05-10|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Critical reception == Upon its release, "Making Out" received generally negative reviews from music critics. Rob Sheffield from ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' was disappointed by "Making Out" and ''Rock Steady'' track "In My Head", calling both of them lame.<ref name="Rolling Stone review">{{cite magazine|last1=Sheffield|first1=Rob|title=No Doubt: Rock Steady|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/rock-steady-20020102|access-date=September 11, 2016|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 2, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506165507/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/rock-steady-20020102|archive-date=2016-05-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding No Doubt's role of songwriting in "Making Out", ''[[The A.V. Club]]''{{'}}s Stephen Thompson criticized Stefani for not being profound; he wrote that the lyrics do not "get much more involved than "'I anticipate us making out'".<ref name="The A.V. Club album review" /> Oliver from LAUNCHcast agreed, declaring "Making Out" as lyrically dreadful.<ref name="LAUNCHcast review" /> Joe Costa, a reviewer for Sputnikmusic, disliked the song's overproduction and unfavorably compared it to other Stefani releases.<ref name="Sputnikmusic album review" /> Despite the unfavorable reviews for "Making Out", it drew praise from ''Spin''{{'}}s Berrett who referred to the song as insanely catchy.<ref name="Spin album review" />

Some reviewers drew comparisons between "Making Out" and Stefani's solo work up to 2002, such as her guest appearance on the remix of [[Moby]]'s "[[South Side (song)|South Side]]" (2000) and her duet with [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] titled "[[Let Me Blow Ya Mind]]" in 2001. Sputnikmusic's Costa described "Making Out" as a potential [[A-side and B-side|B-side]] to one of Stefani's duets.<ref name="Sputnikmusic album review">{{cite web|last1=Costa|first1=Joe|title=No Doubt – Rock Steady|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/10836/No-Doubt-Rock-Steady/|publisher=Sputnikmusic|access-date=January 14, 2019|date=January 21, 2007}}</ref> Eden Miller, writing for ''[[PopMatters]]'', made this juxtaposition as well and considered it a favorite among the ''Rock Steady'' tracks for sounding exceptionally personal.<ref name="PopMatters album review" />

== Track listing == {{Track listing | headline = '''Philippines promotional CD single'''<ref name="Making Out CD">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"Making Out"'' |type=CD liner notes |others=No Doubt |publisher=Interscope Records |year=2002 |id= NDPROCD}}</ref> | title1 = Making Out | length1 = 4:14 | title2 = [[Running (No Doubt song)|Running]] | note2 = Sharam Jey Mix | length2 = 6:16 }}

== Credits and personnel == Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''Rock Steady''.<ref name="Rock Steady liner">{{cite AV media notes |title=[[Rock Steady (album)|Rock Steady]] |type=CD liner notes |others=No Doubt |publisher=[[Interscope|Interscope Records]] |year=2001 |id= 0694931582}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} * [[No Doubt]]&nbsp;– production * [[Tom Dumont]]&nbsp;– guitar, keyboards, additional programming * Matt Fields&nbsp;– assistant mix engineering * [[Brian Gardner|Brian "Big Bass" Gardner]]&nbsp;– mastering * John Gould&nbsp;– additional mix programming * [[Tony Kanal]]&nbsp;– bass, keyboards, additional programming * Jeff Kanan&nbsp;– assistant engineering * [[Clif Norrell]]&nbsp;– engineering * [[William Orbit]]&nbsp;– production {{col-2}} * Sean Spuehler&nbsp;– programming * [[Gwen Stefani]]&nbsp;– vocals, additional programming * [[David Treahearn]]&nbsp;– assistant mix engineering * Keith Uddin&nbsp;– assistant mix engineering * Paul "P Dub" Watson&nbsp;– mix programming * Eric White&nbsp;– additional programming * [[Wayne Wilkins]]&nbsp;– mix programming * [[Adrian Young]]&nbsp;– drums * Jennifer Young&nbsp;– assistant engineering {{col-end}}

== Release history == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ Release dates and formats for "Making Out" |- ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! scope="row" | Philippines | 2002 | Promotional [[Compact disc|CD]] | [[Interscope Records|Interscope]] | style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Making Out CD" /> |}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

{{No Doubt singles}}

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[[Category:2001 songs]] [[Category:American synth-pop songs]] [[Category:No Doubt songs]] [[Category:Songs written by Gwen Stefani]] [[Category:Songs written by Tom Dumont]] [[Category:Songs written by Tony Kanal]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by William Orbit]]