In the mid-1980s in Seattle, things were stirring, and a new, often misunderstood genre of music was developing fast. Grunge didn’t have the most attractive of names to describe it, but that didn’t seem to bother anyone.
In the mid-80s, Grunge was almost exclusively based in Seattle. Names like Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, emerged from the area.
A few years later, Collective Soul was one of the first Grunge bands that were formed outside of Seattle. They were also one of the first not from that area to make an impact.
Lots Of Labels
They were labeled many things, including Southern Blues-Rock, and by some, “bubblegum.” But, the music was more Post-Grunge than anything else. However, what you can say is that they are not simply a Christian Rock band.
Members of a band can be Christians…
As they are here, but that doesn’t mean their music should be labeled as such. The original members had a Christian background, and some of the songs have varying forms of religious symbolism.
One of the early releases also gave fuel to the thought they were Christian Rock judging by the lyrics. But, they never set out to be that despite their backgrounds.
They were not trying to convert anybody or force their views on anyone else. So, let’s not try to label them or put them in a record bin at the local store. Let’s dig into the Top 50 Collective Soul songs, and you can decide.
Top 50 Collective Soul Songs
1 Breathe
Let’s start with a track from their first album, Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid. The song was written by Ed Roland and released in 1994. This was their second single, the first single from the same album we shall look at later. The first was quite successful, but this track, not so much.
It didn’t make the American chart. But it did reach #12 on the American Mainstream Rock chart, which is not an accurate judgment, and I won’t mention it again. It also reached #35 in Canada and #95 in Australia.
A Difference Well Highlighted
This is a track that highlights what I have just mentioned. Not what you would call Christian Rock by how it sounds. However, there is some lyrical symbolism in the song.
“So plant a little seed, soon it starts growing – Shed a little light, then we’ll be glowing – Hear a little tune, then we’ll start singing – Give a little love, then love will start breathing.” A good example of what some of their music will be about and how they approach it.
2 Gel
Now, we go to the first of five singles that were released from the album, Collective Soul. Sometimes known as The Blue Album. Can’t think where they got that idea?
This was released in 1995 but failed to make the American chart. However, it did register in Canada at #8 and peaked at #52 in Australia. It was also featured in the film The Jerky Boys.
The vocals on this track are a bit like Johnny Rotten revisited…
Nothing special about the musical side of things, just a basic, efficient Rock sound. Perhaps also reminding us of Beastie Boys slightly.
Interestingly, the song has a bit of an autobiography about it. It talks about how a band comes together and then has plenty of stories to talk about.
3 Why Pt. 2
A track now from 2000 and the album Blender. The single reached #111 on the American chart. But, the album did significantly better, peaking at #3 in Canada and #22 in America.
This was a time when Rock Music was not at its highest point. Towards the end of the 1990s and the start of the new millennium, Electronic Music and all its variations were in vogue. Not surprising that bands like Collective Soul were finding it hard to get a chart entry.
Maybe that is why there is a slightly different feel to the song and look of the band. They had their hair cut, and the song, written by Ed Roland, is what you might call “Teen Pop.” Heavy guitars are still there, but this Rock Ballad has a much more commercial style to it. As a result, it’s in the Top 50 Collective Soul songs.
4 Where The River Flows
Back to 1995, and this track is from the Collective Soul album released in 1996. The song was written by Ed Roland. This was an album that did quite well commercially, reaching #1 in New Zealand, #4 in Canada, and #23 in America. That might be the reason they decided to release five singles from one album.
This was the last of those. It reached #39 in Canada but failed to make a main chart elsewhere. The rock riffs and the plain drum rhythms are still there, but the words become a little more poetic.
“I’ll give you answers – To the questions, you have yet to ask – Silence is beauty – Words, they only complicate the task.” It gets interesting in the middle solo as the drums double up, and the guitar becomes rather hectic. And, a nice example of some of the best Collective Soul songs.
5 Listen
Now, to the 1997 album, Disciplined Breakdown. The album did quite well, charting at #3 in New Zealand, #5 in Canada, #16 in America, and #37 in Australia. The single, however, did not fare so well. It reached #39 in Canada but only #72 on the main American chart. The song was written by Ed Roland, as usual.
This is a different type of song. The distorted guitar is gone at the outset, replaced by a repetitive riff on the keyboard. Some guitar overlays are added as the song progresses. More of a ballad than much of their other material. It is easier on the ear than most of their songs without losing their identity.
6 December
Back to their Collective Soul album of 1995 again for this song. This was one of the most successful Collective Soul songs reaching #20 on the American chart. It also reached #2 in Canada and #34 in New Zealand.
A complete change of style and mood for this song. It loses the over-distorted guitars and growling lyrics and gives us a much softer ballad. That seems to have made it a more commercial offering, judging by the chart placements.
7 Precious Declaration
“Precious Declaration” was the opening track on the 1997 Disciplined Breakdown album. Again, a song that didn’t set the world alight commercially. It reached #5 in Canada, #65 in America, and #81 in Australia.
This is a song that almost returns to a more recognizable format. There are some riffs but much more in terms of melody and structure. Probably deserved to be more successful in America’s main chart than it was.
8 Heavy
A visit to the album, Dosage for this track. The album did quite well, reaching #5 in Canada, #21 in New Zealand, and #21 in America.
A much more familiar sound from this track with the trademark over-distorted guitars. As the title implies, it is heavy. Released in 1999, it was written as a joint venture by all band members.
This was the last single of the band to make the Top 100 in America, peaking at #73. It did, however, make it to #5 in Canada. As a fan favorite Collective Soul song, it’s standard at their concerts and is probably best listened to ‘live.’
9 Shine
Back once again to their first album, Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid. “Shine” was the first and biggest Collective Soul song. It reached #11 in America, #6 in Canada, #8 in Australia, and rather surprisingly #80 in the UK.
It was their only single that made the charts across the pond. Therefore, “Shine” is Collective Soul’s most-known song.
And, that’s not all…
This is one of the songs that made some people think they might be a Christian Rock band. Indeed, there is enough symbolism in the lyrics to justify that thought.“Teach me how to speak, teach me how to share – Teach me where to go, tell me, will love be there? – Heaven sends a light, let it shine on me.”
Songwriter Roland initially denied the song was written with that in mind. But, he later agreed it may well have been his strict Christian upbringing coming out without him realizing it.
10 The World I Know
And so, to the #10 on this list of Collective Soul’s Top 50 songs. Again, this is a track from their Collective Soul album. The single hit the top spot in Canada and reached #19 in America. It is essentially a song about someone who feels suicidal and is contemplating jumping off a building.
“So I walk up on high – And I step to the edge – To see my world below.” Thankfully, the man comes to his senses when gazing down at the world below and knows he just can’t throw it all away.
Unusually for them, the song starts with an acoustic guitar and an impressive string arrangement created by Ross Childress. I have placed this at #1 because of the way they have created something different. But also because they have created a very good song with a simple message. Things are never as bad as they seem.
11Bearing Witness
12Generate
13After All
14Georgia Girl
15Why, Pt. 2
16Tremble For My Beloved
17Welcome All Again
18Reach
19Goodnight, Good Guy
20Needs
21Satellite
22Crown
23Staring Down
24Dig
25Everything
26Hollywood
27Counting The Days
28Better Now
29She Said
30How Do You Love?
31Youth
32A Goodnight’s Sleep
33Compliment
34Maybe
35Simple
36New Vibration
37Runaway Train
38All
39Georgia Girl (live)
40Bleed
41Forgiveness
42Heaven’s Already Here
43Persuasion of You
44No More, No Less
45Beautiful World
46In A Moment
47The One I Love
48No Secrets
49When The Water Falls
50You Speak My Language
Want More Rock Music from the Post-Grunge Era?
Well then, check out our thoughts on the Best Goo Goo Dolls Songs of All Time, the Top 10 Train Songs Of All Time, the Top 10 Nickelback Songs, the Top 10 Barenaked Ladies Songs, and the Top 10 Staind Songs of All Time for more great song selections.
Top 50 Collective Soul Songs – Final Thoughts
A difficult time is the best way to describe the musical environment they were in for the majority of their existence. As you can hear, they were mostly a Post-Grunge Rock band but one that had a softer side.
They often seemed to be more popular in Canada than in their own country, and success at times was rather limited in America. It is always worth listening to bands’ live performances in this genre of music, so check out one of their ‘live albums.’
And, if you want to hear more, then a good place to start is 7even Year Itch: Collective Soul Greatest Hits 1994-2001. But, turn it up a little bit, it will be better on the loud side.
Until next time, happy listening.
