Collective Soul – 7Even Year Itch/Greatest Hits 1994-2001 – Atlantic Records Craft Recordings (2023) stereo vinyl, 51:58 ****1/2:
(Ed Roland – guitar, keyboards, vocals; Ross Childress – lead/rhythm guitar; Dean Roland – rhythm guitar; Will Turpin – bass, percussion; Shane Evans – drums, percussion)
Collective Soul has been described as an alternative, hard rock, post-grunge band. The Georgia-based group is led by Ed Roland. He studied music at Berkelee and was active in the underground Atlanta music scene. The original lineup included Ross Childress (lead guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), Will Turpin (bass) and Shane Evans (drums). Their debut album, Hints, Allegations, And Things And Things Left Unsaid was released on a small independent label. The single “Shine” became a national hit when it was re-released on Atlantic Records. Their next self-titled album went triple platinum. Collective Soul would release five albums with the first ensemble that featured various hit songs.
Craft Recordings has released Collective Soul – 7Even Year Itch/Greatest Hits 1994-2001 for the first time on vinyl. All of the raw charisma and edgy tonality that accompany the compelling Ed Roland compositions is on full display. Side 1 opens with the triple-guitar prong metal rocker, “Heavy”. The jagged riffs complement the resentful lyrics (“…All your weight, it falls on me…”) and provide a muscular sonic vibe. In a more wistful pop arrangement, “She Said” is melodic with eloquent synthesizers that are smooth and create a flowing resonance. The lyrics are meditative about time passages and self-reflection. Roland’s emotional vocal delivery is accessible. Perhaps Collective Soul’s most recognized song is “Shine”. With punctuated, scratchy electric guitar hooks, there is a hypnotic ripple and a memorable vocal coda, “…Oh Heaven, let your light shine down…”. It is an enduring song that stands the test of time. While the instrumentals are straightforward and consist of drums, bass and vocals, the previously unreleased “Energy” has a hard-rocking core with occasional electronically-altered vocals. Roland seems to be on a life journey and “Run” is a perfect amalgam of pop and alternative motifs with spacious keyboards and gorgeous tracked backup vocals. Ross Childress always seems to know when to counter mellower instrumentals with soaring guitar licks. Singer Roland consistently describes his philosophical angst with concise interesting turns of phrases (*”…Are these times contagious, I’ve never been this bored before…”). “Gel “ is unadulterated grunge music with vocal attitude and explosive blues-rock guitar vamps. A certain highlight is the “cool” head-nodding duet with Elton John. Roland’s rare positive narrative (with a customary dose of sarcasm) is charming. Elton handles the second verse and at the 2:16 mark, lays down one of his trademark funky rock and roll piano riffs. There is a steady groove and on the last chorus he and Roland exchange in a near call and response.
Side 2 kicks off with “Precious Declaration”. A classic metal guitar lead leads into Roland’s rhythmic, quirky vocal that is somewhat encouraging (“…Salvation has discovered me…”) The chorus has a catchy two-chord riff before Childress’ assured solo. “Why Pt. 2” employs the halting instrumentals and helps to define the bitterness (“…Now I pause to let my silence scream tonight…”) that permeates the number. There are moments of darkness in “The World I Know” and the pulsating music and psychic observations add to the poignancy. The next cautionary tale, “Next Homecoming” has blistering guitars, thundering drums and stretched out vocals. Roland’s struggle with relationships (“Listen”) is paired with structured rock that features distorted guitar and the singer implores “…Why can’t you listen, why can’t you care…” Another of the more familiar hits, “December” is one of the most accessible cuts on the album. A rolling, understated musical groove with magnetic percussion balances the cynical declarations (“…December whispers of treachery…”). The hushed electric guitar is compelling. The finale (“Forgiveness”) touches on acceptance and redemption.
Collective Soul – 7Even Year Itch/Greatest Hits is a great retrospective on an influential 90’s band. The sound mix on this vinyl is excellent with great stereo separation. The music envelops the listener and holds their attention through all 14 tracks.
—Robbie Gerson
Collective Soul – 7Even Year Itch
TrackList:
Side 1: Heavy; She Said; Shine; Energy; Run; Gel; Perfect Day
Side 2: Precious Declaration; Why, Pt. 2; The World I Know; Next Homecoming; Listen; December; Forgiveness.
More information available through Acoustic Sounds
