Collective Soul is an alt-rock band from Georgia. They were pretty popular in the nineties but decided to take a break after 2000's Blender. They released their greatest hits the next year and did not do anything until Youth in 2004.
Collective Soul:
Ed Roland: guitar, lead vocals
Dean Roland: rhythm guitar
Joel Kosche: lead guitar
Will Turpin: bass, vocals
Shane Evans: drums
Collective Soul, what can I say, a great alt rock band with a versatile leader. Their music has evolved over the years, becoming less alty and more poppy and/or strange. Youth has its fair share of strangeness, but also a great deal of greatness. Obviously, as Ed Roland has taught us over the years, you can always rely on this band for short songs with great riffs and solos. Even with newcomer Joel Kosche, this album is no different. Him and Dean both rock the house with huge riffs in songs like Home, Counting the Days, and General Attitude. They also show that they can have a softer, smoother side, like in Perfect to Stay or Satellite.
Ed's songwriting has not slacked over the years, and that is certain. Better Now is one heck of a great radio anthem, albeit a nary too short. How Do You Love shows more of his fantastic lyrical ability. Not a line is wasted in that song, plus there are some great guitar licks.
When compared to the rest of Collective Soul's discography, this is much different than any other, just like the rest. The production is done very well, making the songs not too rough, and very accessible. If you like Collective Soul, this album is not to be missed.
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