Collective Soul (1995 album)

Last updated
Collective Soul
Collective Soul Self-Titled.jpg
Studio album by
Collective Soul
ReleasedMarch 14, 1995 [1]
RecordedOctober - December 1994
Studio Criteria (Miami)
Genre Post-grunge, hard rock, alternative rock
Length46:10
Label Atlantic
Producer Ed Roland
Matt Serletic
Collective Soul chronology
Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid
(1994)		Collective Soul
(1995)		 Disciplined Breakdown
(1997)
Singles from Collective Soul
  1. "Gel"
    Released: January 1995
  2. "December"
    Released: April 3, 1995
  3. "Smashing Young Man"
    Released: 1995
  4. "The World I Know"
    Released: October 23, 1995
  5. "Where the River Flows"
    Released: March 26, 1996

Collective Soul (sometimes referred to as the Blue Album to differentiate it from the second self-titled album) is the second studio album by Collective Soul. It became the band's highest selling album to date, going Triple-Platinum, and spent 76 weeks on the Billboard 200 charts. The singles "December," "The World I Know" and "Where the River Flows" all reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, while the first two singles also became major pop hits.

Contents

Frontman Ed Roland has considered Collective Soul the band's true debut album; Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid was intended more as a promotional demo and a means of acquiring a publishing contract for Roland who in 1995 noted, "It's so funny for people to compare the two. It's like comparing one band to another band. This record is our first record, flat out." [2]

Production

Amidst the surprise success of "Shine," taken from the Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid demo recordings, Collective Soul insisted on remixing the songs for a higher quality re-release. However, they were told the time required for this would drain their momentum. The band were instead convinced they could begin recording a new, sophomore effort immediately after finishing their tour schedule.

The recording and mixing of Collective Soul took five weeks, a strained scheduled due to added concerts in late December 1994 which finished on New Year's Eve. Ed Roland wrote thirty-five songs in 1994 and recorded fifteen of them in the studio. Four more were written in the studio which allowed the band to disregard eight of the previous tracks. Lead guitarist Ross Childress helped write "Simple" and "The World I Know" which was greatly encouraged by Roland who wanted a band effort in the studio.

By the time "Smashing Young Man" was being recorded, drummer Shane Evans was on vacation and unreachable. This forced the band to loop a drum sample of his from a DAT before hiring a second drummer to improve it. After many takes, Roland was also disappointed with the final version of "Bleed" but liked the song too much to remove it from the record.

Mixing was completed in the first week of February 1995; mastering was finished on a Friday with the plants opened and the album delivered the next day. The band then went to New York City for a week of publicity and photo sessions. [2]

Promotion and touring

Collective Soul opened for Van Halen during their Balance Tour which began on March 11, 1995, in Pensacola, Florida, and ended in May 1995. The band then performed at festivals in the United States before taking a break and then continuing with their own solo tour including club shows. [2]

The band's self-titled release included five singles: "December," "The World I Know," "Where the River Flows," "Gel" and "Smashing Young Man." The three former tracks reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks charts and the first two became major pop hits. Music videos were also filmed for some singles and aired significantly on MTV.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
Entertainment Weekly B [4]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]

In a feat similar to its predecessor, Collective Soul received positive reviews with praise handed to its strong melodies but also indifference for an alleged lack of musical innovation. Paul Evans of Rolling Stone gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. He noted "Roland's flair for McCartneyesque melodic detail" and summed up with "the band proves it has the goods to continue to shine on brightly."

AllMusic's Tom Demalon chose "The World I Know" and "Gel" as AMG Track Picks. He, too, commended the strong melodies and stated "While not exactly ground-breaking, Collective Soul delivers the goods with a dozen, hook-laden songs for which they were awarded another multi-platinum outing."

Track listing

All songs written by Ed Roland, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Simple"Roland, Ross Childress 3:45
2."Untitled" 4:01
3."The World I Know"Roland, Childress4:16
4."Smashing Young Man" 3:45
5."December" 4:45
6."Where the River Flows" 3:35
7."Gel" 3:00
8."She Gathers Rain" 4:31
9."When the Water Falls" 3:40
10."Collection of Goods" 4:14
11."Bleed" 4:03
12."Reunion" 2:35
25th Anniversary Expanded Edition [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
No.TitleLength
13."That's All Right" (Originally Bonus Track For Japan Only)2:09
14."December" (Live)4:06
15."Where the River Flows" (Live)3:41
16."When the Water Falls" (Acoustic Live)3:40
17."Bleed" (Acoustic Live)4:02
18."December" (Acoustic Live)3:25

Personnel

Collective Soul:

Additional musicians:

Production:

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [18] Gold35,000^
Canada (Music Canada) [19] 8× Platinum800,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [20] Platinum15,000^
United States (RIAA) [21] 3× Platinum3,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>The Art of Drowning</i> (album) 2000 studio album by AFI

The Art of Drowning is the fifth studio album by American rock band AFI. It was released on September 19, 2000, through Nitro Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collective Soul</span> American rock band

Collective Soul is an American rock band originally from Stockbridge, Georgia. Now based in Atlanta, the group consists of the brothers Ed and Dean Roland, Will Turpin (bassist), Johnny Rabb (drummer), and Jesse Triplett. Formed in 1992, the original lineup consisted of the Roland brothers, bassist David Neal, guitarist Ross Childress, and drummer Shane Evans. Collective Soul released their Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid album on the independent label Rising Storm Records in 1993. The band went from obscurity to popularity that year after the album's lead single "Shine" received regional radio play. Around the same time, Turpin replaced Neal on bass. The album was then re-released in 1994 by the major label Atlantic Records; thus, "Shine" became a national hit as it peaked at No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock and No. 4 on the Mainstream Top 40 charts.

<i>The Magic Garden</i> 1967 studio album by the 5th Dimension

The Magic Garden is the second album by the American pop group the 5th Dimension, released in 1967. A concept album, it tells the story of a couple's love and the end of their relationship. In more recent discussions of the album, that love affair is said to be about Jimmy Webb — who composed all but one of the album's songs — and his time with singer and then-girlfriend Susan Horton. The album's one track not credited to Jimmy Webb, a cover of Lennon–McCartney's "Ticket to Ride", was originally intended for the group's debut album, Up, Up and Away.

<i>Dosage</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Collective Soul

Dosage is the fourth studio album by the American alternative rock rock band Collective Soul. The album was released on Atlantic Records in February 1999 and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard albums chart. The album's title was derived from a catchphrase they used to describe burnout after their previous tour.

Post-grunge is an offshoot of grunge that has a less abrasive or intense tone than traditional grunge. Originally, the term was used almost pejoratively to label mid-1990s rock bands such as Bush, Candlebox, Collective Soul, Live, Foo Fighters, and Silverchair, that emulated the original sound of grunge.

<i>Disciplined Breakdown</i> 1997 studio album by Collective Soul

Disciplined Breakdown is the third studio album by American post-grunge band Collective Soul. It was first released on March 11, 1997. The album was recorded during a difficult time in the band's career, when they were going through a long lawsuit with their former management, and they also recorded the album in a cabin-like studio due to lack of money.

<i>Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid</i> 1993 studio album by Collective Soul

Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid is the debut studio album by American rock band Collective Soul, it was originally released on an indie label in Atlanta called Rising Storm Records in 1993, Collective Soul later signed on with Atlantic Records and the album was rereleased in 1994 under the Atlantic label. The track "Shine" gained the band attention thanks to college radio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Roland</span> American singer (born 1963)

Edgar Eugene Roland, Jr. is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the rock band Collective Soul, along with his brother Dean, who also served as the band's rhythm guitarist. He is also active with his side project, Ed Roland and the Sweet Tea Project.

Ross Childress is an American musician. He was the original lead guitarist and co-songwriter for the rock band Collective Soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine (Collective Soul song)</span> 1993 single by Collective Soul

"Shine" is the debut single by American alternative rock band Collective Soul. It served as the lead single for their 1993/1994 debut album, Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid. "Shine" would remain the band's most well known song and a hallmark of 1990s alternative rock. It became the number one Album Rock Song of 1994, and won a Billboard award for Top Rock Track. The song also reached the top of the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for eight weeks. The song then went on to peak at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week.

<i>The Heat Is On</i> (album) 1975 studio album by the Isley Brothers

The Heat Is On is the thirteenth studio album by American soul and funk group the Isley Brothers, released June 7, 1975, on T-Neck Records and Epic Records. Written and produced entirely by the group, the album was recorded in 1975 at Kendum Recorders in Burbank, California. The Heat Is On features musical elements of rock, and is divided between uptempo funk songs and soul ballads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cry for You (Jodeci song)</span> 1993 single by Jodeci

"Cry for You" is a song by American R&B group Jodeci recorded for their second album, Diary of a Mad Band (1993). The song was released as the album's lead single in November 1993 by Uptown/MCA. It peaked at number fifteen on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and also spent four weeks at number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, and number one Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop airplay chart. The song was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales in excess of 500,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Flame (Cheap Trick song)</span> 1988 single by Cheap Trick

"The Flame" is a power ballad released in 1988 by the American rock band Cheap Trick and the first single from their tenth album Lap of Luxury. It was written by songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silent Running (band)</span> Irish rock band

Silent Running are a Northern Irish rock band, who emerged from the Belfast punk scene and were originally called The Setz, before changing musical direction in 1982. The original band members were Richard Collett, Peter Gamble, Tony Scott (guitars) and Ian Gault (drums). Prior to signing to EMI, the band recruited George Beavis on keyboards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joel Kosche</span> American musician (born 1969)

Joel Sefton Kosche is an American musician. He is best known for his thirteen-year tenure as the lead guitarist of the rock band Collective Soul. He is also a solo artist, and tours with his backing band, Joel Kosche Band. His debut solo album, Fight Years, was released in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">December (Collective Soul song)</span> 1995 single by Collective Soul

"December" is a song by American alternative rock band Collective Soul, released on the band's 1995 eponymous album. It was serviced to album rock radio on March 17, 1995.Written by singer and guitarist Ed Roland, it peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for nine weeks, becoming that chart's most successful song of 1995. In Canada, the song reached number two on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, becoming the band's highest-charting single until "The World I Know" attained the top spot in March 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The World I Know</span> 1995 single by Collective Soul

"The World I Know" is a song by American rock band Collective Soul from their second studio album, Collective Soul (1995). Written by lead singer and guitarist Ed Roland, the song was released as the album's fourth single in October 1995. "The World I Know" peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. In Canada, the song reached number one on the week of March 11, 1996, becoming the band's highest-charting single there.

<i>See What You Started by Continuing</i> Album by Collective Soul

See What You Started by Continuing is the ninth studio album by American rock band Collective Soul. It was released on October 2, 2015, by Vanguard Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meant for You</span> 1981 single by Debra Laws

"Meant for You" is a song written by David Lasley and Roxanne Seeman and recorded by American singer Debra Laws. It was released in 1981 as the third single from Laws' Very Special album by Elektra Records. The song was produced by Hubert Laws and Ronnie Laws. “Meant For You” appears in the film Fighting Back starring Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone and Michael Sarrazin.

<i>Charley Sings Everybodys Choice</i> 1982 studio album by Charley Pride

Charley Sings Everybody's Choice is the twenty-ninth studio album by American country music artist Charley Pride. It was released in March 1982 on RCA Victor and was produced by Norro Wilson. The album included three singles, all of which became major hits on the country charts: "Mountain of Love," "I Don't Think She's in Love Anymore" and "You're So Good When You're Bad." The album itself would also reach chart positions on multiple surveys following its original release.

References

  1. ↑ "Billboard". 18 March 1995.
  2. 1 2 3 Miller, Gerri No One Hit Wonder, CS Shines With Album #2 Metal Edge (Spring 1995). Retrieved on February 7, 2010.
  3. ↑ Demalon, Tom (March 14, 1995). "Collective Soul – Collective Soul". AllMusic. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  4. ↑ Jim Farber (March 17, 1995). "Collective Soul Review | Music Reviews and News". EW.com. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Rolling Stone Music | Album Reviews". Rollingstone.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  6. ↑ Sheffield, Rob (2004). "Collective Soul". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp.  180−181. ISBN   0-7432-0169-8.
  7. ↑ "Collective Soul – Collective Soul (2020, CD)". Discogs .
  8. ↑ "Collective Soul – Collective Soul (2020, Turquoise Marble, Vinyl)". Discogs .
  9. ↑ "Collective Soul – Collective Soul (2020, Vinyl)". Discogs .
  10. ↑ "Collective Soul – Collective Soul (1995, CD)". Discogs .
  11. ↑ "Craft Recordings Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Collective Soul with a Deluxe Reissue and Vinyl Pressing". June 16, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Collective Soul – Collective Soul". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Charts.nz – Collective Soul – Collective Soul". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Collective Soul Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1995". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Top Selling Albums of 1996". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  17. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1996". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  18. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1996 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – Collective Soul – Collective Soul". Music Canada . Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  20. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – Collective Soul – Collective Soul". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  21. ↑ "American album certifications – Collective Soul – Collective Soul". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 28, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.