Collective Soul put together a string of hit singles in the 1990s, but in the process their bright, uplifting songs got them tagged as lightweights in an era when the darker textures of grunge ruled. They haven’t been as popular this decade, but on their new album, Collective Soul (Rabbit), the Atlanta quartet continue to churn out reliably radio-friendly material. When frontman, songwriter and producer Ed Roland really connects with one of his four-minute ditties, it’s like the band’s mid-‘90s heyday never ended. Rock fans can mock Collective Soul for their wimpiness, but Rabbit’s tunefulness is hard to resist.
Guitar Rock for the Whole Family
When Collective Soul emerged in 1994 with the single “Shine,” they borrowed the distorted guitars of their grunge predecessors and added an undeniably mainstream aesthetic to the music, incorporating slick studio production for a hopeful, pleasant worldview – guitar rock that the whole family could enjoy. Future singles built on that strategy, and tracks like “December” and “The World I Know” had a yearning, sentimental quality to them that lacked the angst of grunge for a warmer, more soothing approach. The new album – the band’s second self-titled effort – has been billed as a rebirth for the group, and listening to Rabbit what becomes clear is that Collective Soul are trying to return to the savvy commercial hooks of their ‘90s tunes. Rabbit partly succeeds – few bands are as good at writing rock songs that feel totally neutered but at the same time are really, really catchy.
Melodies That Won't Let Go
The best Collective Soul songs are mid-tempo numbers that are powered by an instantly enjoyable melody. Most of the band’s albums are hit-and-miss affairs – they’re the sort of group that’s best consumed through a killer best-of collection – and Rabbit’s high points compare favorably to the group’s earlier choice cuts. “Staring Down” is primo pop-rock, full of “woo hoo” sing-along moments in the chorus and Roland’s empathetic, honey-dripped vocals. On “Fuzzy,” an ear-grabbing whistled vocal hook merges perfectly with a fuzz-guitar riff. While a lot of rock bands write songs to express dark fears and desires, Collective Soul just want to give you a good time while you’re tooling around in your car with the top down. (When Roland goes for heavier subject matter on Rabbit’s closer, the piano ballad “Hymn for My Father,” he turns a tribute to his deceased dad into a predictably feel-good salute to happy memories and lessons learned.) Post-grunge bands were rightly criticized for turning the Seattle scene’s vitality into a watered-down commercial strategy, and Collective Soul’s homogenized sound can get really grating, but even haters have to admit that Rabbit has enough sterling moments to make you forgive Roland’s reliance on formula.
Comfort Food for the Ear
If you want an album that will rattle your cage and get your juices flowing, Rabbit isn’t for you. Collective Soul’s simple guitar melodies are intensely likable, but Roland never wows you with his band’s musical dexterity or sonic assault. Collective Soul are neither a great nor a terrible band – they’ve very workmanlike, ably producing music that’s akin to comfort food. You wouldn’t want to live off just comfort food, but it can hit the spot when the urge calls for it.
“Love” (Purchase/Download)
“You” (Purchase/Download)
“Staring Down” (Purchase/Download)
“She Does” (Purchase/Download)
'Collective Soul (Rabbit)' – Best Tracks:
“Fuzzy” (Purchase/Download)“Love” (Purchase/Download)
“You” (Purchase/Download)
“Staring Down” (Purchase/Download)
“She Does” (Purchase/Download)
Release date – August 25, 2009
Roadrunner Records
