Collective Soul (Rabbit)

Being a big fan of Collective Soul I really don't know how I missed this one. But it has to be one of the best CS albums around. Every tune is a gem and I now have it playing constantly in the car and at home. If you've never heard it, and are a fan, you won't be disappointed. Just go ahead and buy it !!

Collective Soul (Ed Roland, Dean Roland, Will Turpin and Joel Kosche) has been one of the bands I've followed since high school. I always enjoyed their music because at a time where my life was more or less suspended, their mellow rock style and lyrics to which I could easily relate, suited my state of mind. Collective Soul was one of the bands that stand out from that point in my life.So what's so special about this band? Well, when you consider that the band has sold 10 million albums (4 of which went platinum) and boast seven #1 hits (so far) since their formation and continue making music they love without compromising their sound just to sell records, it's pretty impressive.Collective Soul has quite a few memorable and popular songs in their kit since hitting the post-grunge music scene in 1993 and I was curious to see if they'd be able to top their previous successes. I don't know that they have, but this, their eighth studio release, dubbed 'Rabbit', stays true to the band's classic style and sound.Rabbit is a collection of tracks ranging from more beaty and lively to mellow, slow-grooving compositions. Take the intro, "Welcome All Again", with its catchy tune and chorus that will have you singing along. This song sets the standard for the faster songs on the album. There are admittedly a few filler tracks that are pretty much average ("Fuzzy", "Dig", "Love") but there are still a few other goodies in there, such as "She Does" and "You" which definitely raised the bar some."Staring Down" was the first single released to radio back in June and it also reached the top 20 on the Mediabase Hot AC chart and charted on Billboard's Adult Top-40. Is it a hit? Possibly so. The tune istelf and arrangement is reminiscent of a combination of things I recognize but just can't put my finger on, but the chorus is catchy and engaging in a way that will have you snapping your fingers and tapping your foot in time.The remaining tracks are a mix of average and slighty above average and typical of Collective Soul. And that's probably a mixed blessing. On the one hand, the band stays true to its roots, keeps the sound it is known for and does what it does best and what proves to be popular with fans the world over. On the other hand, it had little imagination and does not wow with its delivery, melodies or lyrics. And while there are some pretty cool guitar stylings and drumming in the mix and some instances of strong vocals and great lyrics, the songs lack that the polish and creativity that could make them great.So what's the verdict on the newest addition to the collection? If you're a CS fan, it should be instant love. Overall a very enjoyable, classic sounding CS album that will appeal to many.

Collective Soul back to the best with catchy feel good grunge rock. If you are ever feeling down these guys are the ones you'll want to listen to.