Collective Soul - Collective Soul (CD) Collective Soul - Collective Soul (CD)

Collective Soul: Ed Roland (vocals, guitar); Ross Childress, Dean Roland (guitar); Will Turpin (bass, background vocals); Shane Evans (drums).
Additional personnel: Jerry Miller, John DiPuccio (violin); David Chappel (viola); Steve Sidgursen (cello); Janet Clippard (acoustic bass); Luis Enrique (percussion); Becky Russell, William Brown, Bertrum Brown, Jackie Johnson (background vocals).
Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida; Kiva Studios, Memphis, Tennessee; Streeterville Studios, Chicago, Illinois; Granny's Studio, Reno, Nevada.
Personnel: Ed Roland (vocals, guitar); Ross Childress (guitar); Jerry Miller , John DiPuccio (violin); David Chappell (viola); Steve Sidgursen (cello); Shane Evans (drums); Luis Enrique (percussion); Becky Russell, Jackie Johnson, Bertram Brown, Will Turpin (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Bob Clearmountain.
Recording information: Criteria Studios, Miami, FL; Granny's Studio, Reno, NV; Kiva Studios, Memphis, TN; Streeterville Studios, Chicago, IL.
Unknown Contributor Role: Alfredo Oliva.
This self-titled album from the group that surprised even itself with the success of its premiere release, HINTS, ALLEGATIONS & THINGS LEFT UNSAID, represents Collective Soul's first complete manifestation as a cohesive band. COLLECTIVE SOUL is a true rock and roll effort, full of hard-edged, rhythmic guitar work, tempered by dips into the musicians' reserve of metal, blues and radio-friendly pop.
Ed Roland's songs are simple and strightforward, yet searching--as in "The World I Know," an unpretentious observation of good and evil, laden with questions like "Has the sweet breeze blown?/Has all the kindness gone?" Vigorous riffs, a full-bodied '70s radio-rock sound, and an essentially optimistic outlook on life characterize this record, though there is the occasional surprise like the final track, "Reunion," a contemplative, gospel choir-backed blues tune.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock and Pop