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Review of Afterwords by Collective Soul |
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 By Adam McLane They say that you know a hit when you hear it. That is the case with the song "Hollywood" from Collective Soul's new album, Afterwords. "Hollywood" features a fun melody that you catch yourself tapping on the steering wheel in traffic and a chorus easy enough to remember for singing in the shower. There is simply no way to listen to this song and not get into it. Better known for their late 1990's alternative classics like "Shine" and "December," Afterwords marks a major shift for Collective Soul. The once hard sound matures into a sound rich with rock qualities while still uniquely Collective Soul.
 In 2004, Collective Soul left Atlantic Records and started their own label, El Music Group. Independent and free from the pressures of a major label the band expresses itself more freely exploring new sounds. Lead singer Ed Roland writes on the bands website, “The theme of this one is love. It sounds corny saying that but we’ve been blessed with success and with that comes the confidence to do things. I always liked writing positive songs and although a whole love record is different for me it’s an important step.” From the hit single "Hollywood's" comparison of falling in love with L.A. to falling in love with a woman to the Springsteen-like story of Georgia Girl, all of the tracks of this album are up-tempo and peppy without being driven along like their previous creations. For those lovers of early Collective Soul, never fear as "Persuasion of You" will send you back to 1999 for jumping around the living room.
Sometimes, fun love songs are good for the soul. While Collective Soul is far from a Christian band the themes of love, togetherness, searching, and connectedness are ones to which we can all relate. Afterwords is a great CD for those looking for something that provides the full-sized sound of a mature tour band that you don't have to worry about parents grimacing over. One interesting sidenote about the album. As it is released on a private label as an independent, Afterwords isn't available at all the typical outlets. You'll have to purchase it from Target, iTunes or the YMX bookstore.
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Adam McLane |
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Adam is Youth Specialties' official communitymeister. He oversees all kinds of online interaction, including what goes on here at Youth Ministry Exchange. Adam and Kristen live in San Diego with their two children.
Learn more about him at www.adammclane.com
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