Posted By Michael on November 17, 2009

Artist: Collective Soul

Album: Collective Soul (aka:Rabbit)

Released: August 25th, 2009

Tracks:

1. Welcome All Again
2. Fuzzy
3. Dig
4. You
5. My Days
6. Understanding
7. Staring Down
8. She Does
9. Lighten Up
10. Love
11. Hymn for My Father

Review: The Georgia boys are at it again. Hard to believe it was all the way back in 1994 when we first heard Collective Soul hit on the airwaves with their first single, Shine, yet here they are still making music with another great self-titled release. Though many fans have taken to calling the band’s latest album, Rabbit, there is really no name for this one. According to CS, the rabbit is representative of many things, including life and a new start. Well this album has plenty of life…no question.

The first track, Welcome All Again, kicks things off in an explosive way. Great crunchy CS rock riffage that fans have come to love. Is it just me, or are Collective Soul’s riffs always recognizable as Collective Soul right away? They have managed to create a sound and style uniquely their own over the years. Think about; who sounds like Collective Soul?

In general this album seems to be more of a return to just good ole, kick ya in the head, and leave ya smilin’, rock & roll. Powerful rock songs like, Welcome All Again, Dig, She Does, & Lighten Up are just what the doctor ordered for those needing a good, rockin’ CS fix. You will be singing along in no time while bobbin’ your head to some very pleasing, and catchy riffs & melodies. It’s okay, you can admit it here.

Now, having gone on about how rockin’ this album is, I must now say…that’s not all. The single Staring Down is another one of those beautifully mixed combo songs of a more upbeat, yet near ballad like sound. Very pleasing guitar & piano melodies haunt this track so well, and Ed’s lyrics and vocals deliver as usual…spot on!

Now it must be said that there is something special about the song You. Apart from it being a striking ballad as good as any you have heard from Collective Soul before, it is the first song written together as a band. Ed let go of the reigns on this one, and all the fellas put together a masterpiece; a truly beautiful song that so many of us can relate to…those of us who have been fortunate enough to find our own “You.” Note to the band here, write together more often! =) Not taking anything away from Ed by any means, after all, he has been the driving force behind all the CS songs we have come to love, but there is just something special about a nice collaboration that everyone gets to put their heart & souls into. The Collective work of Souls if you will. (okay so that was a little cheesy, sue me)

I admit, I really can’t say enough good things about Collective Soul’s music. Been a fan for many years now, and I could easily call them my favorite band. This album has it all…the rock, the ballad, the memorable melodies & lyrics, and those fantastic riffs. I was fortunate enough to catch Collective Soul on tour back on September 1st, in Houston, TX, and they were incredible. There is more than just music with this band. One could say there is something spiritual and uplifting in the music they create, as evident in many of their songs, and especially on Hymn For My Father, a tribute to the Roland brother’s late father. In this reviewer’s opinion, in a world where so much has become watered down, self-absorbed, or just created to sell records to a typically, easily influenced base of consumers, it is refreshing to hear bands like Collective Soul. According to the media their popularity may have diminished somewhat, but what does that matter? The music has gotten better and they have stayed true and continue on in excellence. Oh that there were more bands to say this of. Not to mention there are many many of us out there who will always consider ourselves fans.

Thanks, Collective Soul.

Get this album!

Rating: 9/10 Flames….easy

Check out Collective Soul Online:

Collective Soul Homepage

Where to Buy:

Categories: MyndJack Music Reviews
Tags: Collective Soul, music review, rabbit