COLLECTIVE COLLECTION

Collective Soul is one of those bands everyone deep down likes. But noone will ever admit it. These guys gave us a million reasons to like them, but we still are embarressed to admit it. It is about time they have a greatest hits collection so we don't have to waste money of each individual c.d only for two or three songs. For ever fluke Collective Soul had, they had so many great songs to make up for it. This collection is missing one of the greatest tracks they ever put out, Where The River Flows. It is also missing a few others. But at least we get this much. It should hold you off for a while.

1. Heavy- The intro to this song makes you want to turn it off. It sounds like Stabbing Westward. By the time the chorus comes on you realize you have a new favorite song. Then the rest of the day you will be humming the beat to ''all your weight that falls on me, it brings me down''.

2. She Said- This song was a soundtrack single. It isn't exactly the greatest song on the album but it sure is good. It is so poppy and melodic.

3. Shine-This song reminds me of being in a corn field in south central PA. If you listened to a modern rock station in the past 7 years and did not crank up this song at one point. There is something seriously wrong with you. But don't worry you don't have to admit it.

4. Energy-This is an unrealeased song that lacks pretty much every bit of enegry i've ever heard. Why this song is on this album is beyond me. Why this song is called Energy is beyond me.

5. Run- Well we are getting a little better. This song isn't too bad. It doesn't stick in your head as much as other tracks but you'll listen to it the whole way and enjoy it deep down. I promise

6. Gel- Another song that everyone has at one point turned up so loud they felt deaf for a few minutes. The guitar riff and vocals are so melodic it's kind of annoying after a while. It's just to catchy!

7. Precious Declaration- When this song starts out you wonder why these guys most always put techno beats in the intros of their songs. It is an all around good track. You can dance to it and jam away in your car. Just make sure the windows are rolled up so noone knows.

8. Why Pt. 2- THAT TECHNO BEAT AGAIN!? Well after that we get to hear another classic guitar riff that will make you say, wait I think I have a new favorite song. Why this song is Pt. 2, is beyond me. I guess it is just one of those things that make Collective Soul embarressing. When Roland screams ''So tell me whyyyyyy'' you'll remember why you bought this c.d.

9. The World I Know- A beautiful ballad. This song reminds me of pigeons and barefeet. Maybe it was that annoying video that went with it. It's not quite as 'hard' as the other stuff. But it is still another great reason to buy this c.d.

10. Next Homecoming- I hope there isn't another homecoming after hearing this song. This song bites. For lack of better word. It is a new song which makes Collective Souls future look damp. This song lacks everything that makes a song good.

11. Listen- Not one of my favorite singles of theirs but still a great song. It's one of those songs when the chorus comes on you start humming pretending you know the lyrics and say 'Hey I know this song!'. After you realize who it is, you try to play it cool by pretending you don't like it anymore.

12. December- Another classic single. This is another song that you'll pretend to know and end up just singing the one part. 'Spit me out' something , something. If it is late at night and you're in a rush to get somewhere this song fits the mood nicely.

13. Forgiveness- This song, wait a second this was never a hit! What the heck is this on here for. This isn't even a good song. Ok just turn off the c.d now and put it back on repeat. You want to deep down.

All in all this c.d is excellent for everyones collection. With the exception of Where The River Flows not being included. If you only buy one Collective Soul c.d, make it this one. So what if your friends pick on you, deep down they love it too. I challenge anyone who doesn't know the lyrics to at least one song on here. Or even better doesn't admit to liking a song on here. If Where The River Flows was included this c.d would have got 5 stars for being the most melodic, radio friendly, poppy collection since Hot Licks by The Rolling Stones