t's hard to believe, but by the time No Doubt finish work on their next album, they will have released only one CD during George W. Bush's two terms in office. Of course, in the interim, singer Gwen Stefani has kept busy with two solo albums and a son (with another kid on the way). Meanwhile, guitarist Tom Dumont has produced albums by his pal Matt Costa, bassist Tony Kanal has helped Stefani on her solo efforts, and drummer Adrian Young played drums on Bow Wow Wow's 2004 tour

But, after several years of promises to get back to their day job, No Doubt are finally hunkering down in the studio to work on their first album of new material since 2001's Rock Steady. Stefani took to the message boards on the band's Web site on Friday to break the news.

"Been thinking so much about you all lately as I am back in the studio again with the boys, trying to write some new music," wrote Stefani, 38, who is expecting her second child with husband Gavin Rossdale this summer. "What an amazing few years it has been. So inspired going through the dance-record phase of my life. Thank you so much for all your support! The tour was incredible. We ended up doing over 100 shows around the world, and it was so rewarding and again inspiring. Thank you to everyone who came out to see it ... memories for life!