Artist: Collective Soul
Title: Here To Eternity (Fuzze-Flex Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Live
Tell me more: One of the truly great American rock bands to emerge in the 1990s, Collective Soul has scored a slew of memorable hits including "Shine," "December," "Where The River Flows," "The World I Know" and "Run." Now the band fronted by brothers Ed Roland (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Dean Roland (rhythm guitar) is back with the outstanding 20-track Here To Eternity. The lead-off track "Mother's Love" is an infectious and melodic hard rocker showcasing Collective Soul's brilliant knack at crafting great verses and soaring choruses that fit together perfectly.
Other tracks capture that same undeniable approach, each showcasing the rock quintet's magic. The anthemic "Bluer Than So Blue" (enhanced by Jesse Triplett's amazing lead guitar work), power pop-tinged "Let It Flow," bewitching Americana romance-themed "Not the Same," rockabilly foray "Matter of Fact" and gorgeous piano-anchored "Be the One" are among the early gems on the disc.
The introspective modern rocker "Keep It On Track," euphoric "Who Loves," sweeping Baroque rocker "Bring On The Day," dreamy "Words Away," enchanting "I Know You. You Know Me" and heart breaking closer "Over and Out" are just as impressive on the album's final run. A particularly profound original on the album is "Bob Dylan (Where Are You Today)," an acoustic track recorded live whose emotional pull is likely magnified by the strife stretching around the globe: "Bob Dylan, where are you today / They preach that war is all around / No strength in leaders can be found/ Well I can't say / I'm a man that just prays."
Robert Kinsler
