The album was released in a period of frustration for the band. They were waiting for their record company, Interscope Records, to give them studio time to record a follow-up to their self-titled debut. In order to get something out to their fans, they released a collection of ten songs, which had been recorded in three sessions over two years. Two of these session's occurred in Gwen and Eric Stefani Stefani's parent's garage on Beacon Street, giving the album its name. Much to the disgust of Interscope, the band released The Beacon Street Collection on the independent Sea Creature Records label.

However, the trick worked and No Doubt were soon given studio time to record their next album, Tragic Kingdom. Its world-wide success led to The Beacon Street Collection being re-released to a larger audience on Interscope Records in 1997.

Track Listing

1. Open the Gate (3:41)
2. Blue in the Face (4:35)
3. Total Hate '95 (3:18)
4. Stricken (4:06)
5. Greener Pastures (5:05)
6. By the Way (4:29)
7. Snakes (4:37)
8. That's Just Me (4:08)
9. Squeal (2:38)
10. Doghouse (4:26)