Gwen Stefani Charts

“Hey Baby” was released in 2001 as the lead single from No Doubt's fifth studio album, Rock Steady. Written by Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont, and Bounty Killer, the dancehall-pop track became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, and No. 7 in Australia. It also won No Doubt their first Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Interestingly, the song began with a demo made largely in Tom Dumont's apartment before the band took it to Jamaica to add the final rhythmic and vocal elements. The track grew out of No Doubt's fascination with Jamaican dancehall during the tour supporting Return of Saturn. Gwen Stefani said the song was inspired by what she observed backstage after the band's shows, where female fans and groupies would come to the parties and try to get close to the male members. The band brought the early track to Jamaica, where they worked with reggae legends Sly & Robbie and added a guest appearance by dancehall artist Bounty Killer.