Youth by Collective Soul (CD, Nov-2004, El Music Group)

Collective Soul is back – and in a HUGE way! “Youth”, their latest CD offering after a four-year hiatus, is nothing short of magical, rip roaring fun – mixed with a healthy dosage of emotion and well, let’s face it, one word: Soul. Collective Soul, to be exact.

Back in January of 2005, I purchased “Youth”. Around February of 2005, my best friend recommended some current popular favorite songs on the radio she felt I should listen to. “I can’t,” I replied. “I’m listening to this new CD and I just can’t stop…I’ll get to those songs soon.” Fast forward to March 2005. Lather, rinse, repeat…Fast forward to April 2005: The CD, “Youth” is still in the Number One position in my car’s CD player. My friend, Grace, is now a Collective Soul fanatic (along with me) and she has been to two major shows in the last two months, including the huge Atlanta, Georgia show with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. She now understands what I’m talking about!

There have been five CDs that I own, out of my collection of nearly 300 CDs, that I can say I adore every single song on them. I am proud to announce “Youth” is one of those five. With its popish-upbeat lyrics and upbeat good-for-your-karma infused guitar riffs (provided by the newly-installed Joel Kotsche), let the world be put on official notice: “Let the word out – I’ve got to get out: Oh, I’m feeling better now!” And mind you, this announcement doesn’t come in a sweet, tea party type announcement, but a “wrapped to be seen”, thirty/forty-something, down and dirty romp through many emotions we all recognize. So, stand up and take notice – and that’s not a request!

The CD’s first single, “Better Now” lets you know that Ed Roland and the boys are back – and they won’t be sneaking in like guilty school boys: They arrive in full force – kicking it and taking names. No holds barred, no prisoners taken. Stand back and bring it on! As a guitar nerd myself, I can appreciate the AC/DC-esque hard-driving rock. Collective Soul shows once again they are a definitive force to be reckoned with!

The highlights of “Youth” include:

“Home” – with a killer guitar riff by Joel, and a hard-driving, bass-thumping chorus, and crowd-pleasing sing along part (“Woo hoo!”);

The beautiful, yet bittersweet ballad “How Do You Love”, in which Ed Roland is possibly at his vocal best. Mr. Roland commands such presence and attention and grabs you to your core on this one. By the time he’s done, all you can say is “Wow…” in amazement. Flawlessly executed by a true master;

“Perfect to Stay”, a catchy, straight pop-oriented favorite (I rank this one as an “I can’t do without it!” selection on this CD.) Ed Roland takes an ordinary situation and turns it into an experience of such depth: “She said ‘Good day, boy. Are you ready to shake?’ I said ‘I love noise and this life that it makes.’” Sweetly written and hooked. Sure to be a pop favorite.

“Counting the Days” – a hard rocking, down and dirty “Guess what? We’re back, for all of you who missed it!!” number.

“Under Heaven’s Skies”, my favorite sentimental ballad. It’s honest, sweet, and romantic beyond belief.

“General Attitude”! I LOVE this song! Lyrically clever, driving rock and roll! The song is what its title says it is, and you really couldn’t ask for more.

I do not recommend CDs, nor do I write CD reviews – and I have NEVER been so intensely fanatical about anything in the last 10 years. I cannot recommend “Youth” enough.

'Youth' is definitely a profound welcome back from an exceptional rock band. Youth is the best studio effort from the band since 1999's 'Dosage' -- if it's not their best studio album to date... Certainly the addition of Joel Kosche (pronounced Co-She) to lead guitar brought a new rock quality to this album. Ed Roland's vocals are spot on and he wants you to know that he is definitely 'better now'.

Also, many of the songs on Youth are also on the bands 2006 release 'Home' -- which comes in two forms. There is the two CD music discs as well as a full length DVD concert featuring the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra. If you have to pick one -- buy the DVD. It is both visually and musically perfect. Still, once you've bought the DVD, you'll have to have the CD's too... you've been warned.

Yes. I sound like a fanatical fan -- and I am. Doesn't change the fact that this is great music!!! Listen and enjoy the work of masters...

This is an awsome group. There music is inspiring and has SOUL! It is rock type music, but NOT so loud, you can understand the words clearly. I enjoy a wide aray of music types and I really enjoy music that speaks to my heart and soul with a good beat and this group does just that! Their meaning is real without so much drama as lots of our modern music!!!!! Listen on line if it sounds like ur type of music and I am sure u will love it! Better Now is my favorite song!!!!

You should always dance with the partner that brung ya! Collective Soul does just that with YOUTH. Back to the super guitar riffs and well-thought lyrics, These Atlanta based rockers show once again-- They can bring it -BIGTIME!.This disc is more in line with their previous outstanding efforts like "Doseage"(1999) Another must for True Rock Collectors!
5 Stars

I hunted for this album because it has a song on it that became a big hit AFTER the "7 Year Itch" greatest hits CD came out. Anyone heard of "Better now"? I relate to the words. It's my life caught in action and put to song. This entire CD is way better than I thought possible. Had to play it twice in a row. You can't go wrong with a CD like this. For the price of a burger and fries you too can own one! Enjoy!!