Customer Reviews

Youth

5 star:		(158)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Thanks to digital locker, I've been listening to this CD for over a month now. It's truly a great CD from begining to end. In my opinion, it's a lot more pop-oriented, commercial, and listener-friendly than their typically 'heavy' rock material. They still have the same distinct sound that us fans have grown to love, it just doesn't have the same hard edge found on previous recordings. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that...bottom line is, it's still great music to listen to. Highly recommended...you wont' be disappointed.

There are a few gems on this CD, yet I still don't think there's anything 'ground-breaking' here, which is why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I think this is truly a great CD, a nice way to get back into the groove, but they're only scratching the surface right now. This band is extremely talented and continually growing and improving with each new venture. I assure you that the next CD will REALLY blow us away.

Collective Soul is back and well..they sound the same for the most part. The music is a little more experimental from their 90's stuff, showing that they haven't moved too far away from 2000's release, Blender. However, the Lyrics to Youth are a lot more uplifting than their last album.

As a fan of the downer lyrics off Blender: 10 Years Later, After All, Over Tokyo, Turn Around, and so on...it really is a change of pace to be hearing songs such as Under Heaven's Skies, Better Now, Satellite and so on.

The closest that Youth ever reaches to Blender's comfortable wallowness is on Him. The bouncy intro, it's questioning lyrics, and hypnotic outro just scream BLENDER! Thank you!

The worst song of the album is easily It Feels Like(It Feels Alright). A rocker gone bad, Ed's voice just sounds horrible during the chorus. However not as bad as the voice that joins in singing "It's alright" near the end. This song does NOT make me feel alright. Another reviewer said Counting The Days was a better rocker than this song and well yes, that's true, but I definitely think There's A Way has them both beat.

The best song hands down on the album is Under Heaven's Skies. The band said during a recent concert I attended that they wanted a rocker to be the first single...boy did they ever screw up. Counting The Days is a decent song, however this song would have owned the airwaves. Simply beautiful. Who could not buy this CD after they heard this song? Bad commerical mistake.

In review, there are a lot of great uplifting songs on this album to keep anyone who is in an optimistic mood happy. Collective Soul may have taken a step in a different direction than what I had hoped for but at least it is a step. Hopefully we won't have to wait 4 years for their next one.

Youth is quite an album indeed. Certainly one of their best in my opinion, yet I would say that I also found Blender to be superb. In fact this is one of those rare bands that seem to put
out pretty much all good stuff...the track Feels Like- What I Like
is no exception. For one thing if a person expects speed metal
then by all means buy records from speed metal bands but it seems
that some reviews have dogged the latest Collective Soul cds being glossy. I'd answer to that this way...they seem to incorporate a few new things to the sound on every cd they put out, it's called experimentation. In the end the main portion of sound is about the guitar. The fact that they have incorporated other sounds as well shows me they are adept at utilizing what is available today to engineer something different from just purely guitar in standalone raw forms - there are plenty of bands that do this and that's all many do. I like the hard edge many of their songs have as well as slower more reflective tracks. Ed seems to write both very well. In fact this band has been my favorite since '95.
To see exactly how much the sound has changed maybe checking out
Ed E Roland's self titled Lp is a good idea. The original
"Over Tokyo" is on there, and actually is a great song, among others. I bought a copy of Youth in November of '04 when it came out and I still listen to it regularly, I can't say that about many other cds I've gotten.

"Youth" is the sixth album in ten years from Collective Soul. I don't know about other Collective Soul fans, but I was a bit disappointed by 2000's "Blender". It seemed that the band was beginning to be overproduced and glossy, losing some of its personality. "Youth" is just a continuation of "Blender". In fact, I can't believe the band had their longest period between albums to come back with this.

On first listen, I thought this album was great--catchy, memorable melodies with typical Ed Roland lyrics. However, with repeated listening this cd began to wear thin. The songs all started to blend into one another creating one big mud puddle pop-rock album that's overproduced and extremely glossy like all the other rock bands out there right now (take a pick: Vertical Horizon, Jimmy Eat World, Green Day, Linkin Park, etc.)

I have all six Collective Soul cds, and I believe 1995's "Collective Soul" to be the band's best followed by 1999's "Dosage". "Youth" has some great songs (as do all their albums) like "Home", "Better Now", "Him" and probably the best track "Feels Like (It Feels Alright)". The first single "Counting The Days" is good, but I don't think it was the proper first single the band/record label should have chosen. I also see that the band finished their contract with Atlantic records and moved to El Music Group, which must be an independent label. You'd think on an independent label Ed Roland would take more lyrical and musical risks to reap greater rewards, but instead he falls back on "Blender" and just recycles the Collective Soul sound.

So, if you are a Collective Soul fan like myself, pick up a copy of "Youth", you could certainly do worse. However, if you are a casual listener, I'd recommend starting with "Collective Soul" or "Dosage" or try their best of "7 Year Itch".

I have been listening to these guys for a long time. I love the sound of there music. "Blender" was a fair recording at best. This CD is way better. The music has meaning and it has that catchy sound that makes it easy to listen to.
I know they are back to an indie label and I hope they make a huge statement to the record industry who passed them up.
"Youth " Is a really good CD.

Youth is more of the same from the band we know and love... the guys who've been turning out #1 hits for years now haven't let us down. This album is excellent. Although nothing here is very original, it doesn't really matter- they've perfected their formula and they know what works, and there's no shame in doing what you do best. Here's my track-by-track take:

1. Better Now- Upbeat but probably the most out of place for Collective Soul- what's up with the saxophone solo? Nice try, but I'd rather they stick to guitars.

2. There's A Way- excellent, sing-along-in-the-car rocker; kinda pop-ish but still very Collective Soul.

3. Home- I could do without the corny intro, but the soaring chorus will catch you and you'll find yourself humming it often.

4. How Do You Love- MY GOD this is one of my new favorite songs- in the mold of Run, Needs and World I Know, this ballad (a melancholy "why don't you love me?" theme is how I interpret it) with its beautiful violins and heartfelt guitar solos will definitely have you pushing the repeat button.

5. Him- One of the weaker songs on the album in my opinion, in the vein of "Disciplined Breakdown" era songs. Not particularly memorable, but enjoyable all the same.

6. Feels Like (It Feels Alright)- This was one of the songs I had the pleasure of hearing live before it made it onto the album, and I like how it's developed. Probably the next single after Counting the Days, it is one of the two highest-energy songs on the album, perfect for driving around town with the volume up and the windows down. Given a choice between the two however, I think I'd favor Counting the Days.

7. Perfect to Stay- This mid-tempo track exemplifies the excellent songwriting which Ed Roland is known for.

8. Counting the Days- Another song I got to hear live, I'm glad the album version captures the same energy. Along the lines of "Why pt. 2," anyone celebrating their freedom from an oppressive relationship will sympathize. The guitar solo is not their best, but the catchy chorus, driving riff and tempo will keep your attention.

9. Under Heaven's Skies- Perhaps one of the best alternative/rock love songs ever written. Not many rock songs have simple, outright themes about love because it's easier and usually more interesting to write something dark. But Collective Soul hits home with this beautiful track, bursting with lofty U2-esque guitar solos and Ed singing his heart out. I'd place it with R.E.M.'s "Be Mine" and U2's "Sweetest Thing" among my favorite rock love songs.

10. General Attitude- The momentum of the album carries right through to the end with this upbeat track filled with their trademark hooks and riffs.

11. Satellite- Although not as memorable as Under Heaven's Skies as a Collective Soul love song, the slower Sattelite is no less sweet and honest. Kind of reminds me of Reunion from their self-titled album, although I can't put my finger on why.

I have to admit, I wasn't a "Collective Soul Junkie" until "Youth". I missed all of the previous CDs with the exception of the self-titled CD (with "December" and "Gel"). I was off exploring other genres at the time - yeah, yeah - I really have no excuses... lol

BUT thanks to LaunchCast internet radio, I bought not only "Youth" but the entire catalog (one by one) of Collective Soul's material.

"Youth" to me, is a quintessential CD for ANYONE who loved 90s/80s and is really disillusioned with most of the stuff played on radio today aimed at today's teens/adults.

Ed Roland (lead singer/songwriter) is at his best. My favorite song (and hopefully next single) on here is "Under Heaven's Skies" - but I have to tell you it is HARD to pick ONE that would be a favorite. "Under Heaven's Skies" has a "U2 undertone" (you can hear it in fills and leads by Joel) but it's awesome and beautifully done.

"Better Now" is the current single - from the "Scream 3" soundtrack. I think it signifies what this CD is really all about - the band members have undergone major personal changes in the past four years since this CD was being cut, but have emerged "Better Now", which speaks volumes about their individual and collective characters.

Depending on the day, I have different favorites on this CD. It spans tempos - ballads ("How Do You Love" / "Under Heaven's Skies" and "Satellite" [Ed's tribute to his young son]) to medium tempo pop ("Perfect to Stay", "Him") to riff-driven fun songs ("Home"), to hard-driving blood-moving rockers ("Counting the Days", "It Feels Like (It Feels Alright)", "There's a Way").

NOTE: This is ALSO one of the very few CDs released in today's genre that is "family friendly" - I have no reservations about playing it around my 6 year old - and he loves it too and sings right along ("...the world's done shakin' me down").

You will NOT be disappointed! I don't recommend a LOT of things to people, but this is one I do. There are not many CDs I have in my over 300 CD collection that I can honestly say I love EVERY song on it. "Youth" is one. I refuse to part with it - and anyone who attempts to steal it from me, I will beat up... LOL

I am a professional musician and I am VERY finicky when it comes to anything that is a new release (seems most of it is "redone" or "remakes") - but "Youth" is DEFINITELY original and should be given more credit than it's currently getting. People are MISSING OUT if they do NOT buy this CD!

Incidently, I had the opportunity and joy to see Collective Soul in their Atlanta, Georgia show with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra backing them. This DVD will be out mid-October. I'm telling you, as strongly as I recommend "Youth", this upcoming DVD is MUST HAVE. Even if you are not a fan, per se, of Collective Soul, if you are a musician, or a songwriter, or anyone with a musically creative sense - even if you are an orchestra buff like I am, you MUST have this!!! This was without doubt the BEST concert I have ever seen, and I count in all orchestra concerts also, when I say this. (You might see me in the front row) ;)

Best wishes and happy rockin' ! I cannot recommend "YOUTH" ENOUGH...

I already had their self-titled CD and enjoyed it. It had been collecting dust until I saw the DirecTV freeview concert. I must've watched that thing 20 or so times, which probably annoyed my family a bit. Anyway, bought this CD as a result and loved it. Thought it as good as the self-titled CD. I also went back and bought a few of their other older CDs and really enjoyed them too, but still like this one the best. Bottom line, if you like Collective Soul and are tired of the crap that Free Radio is playing, then buy this CD!...By the way, I heard How Do you Love on Free radio......

Yes, Collective Soul is back! Finally! It's been four years since we heard new music from this remarkable band. I am a forty something who grew up listening especially to Britian's progressive rock bands because I have always loved the emotion and feeling that these great bands bring. Not just "sex, drugs, and Rock 'N' Roll." Collective Soul (along with Nirvana and Pearl Jam) were the first "new" bands (from a forty something's perspective that is) to really move me in many years.

I have to respectively, but resoundingly, disagree with much of the foregoing commentary about "Youth". It is Collective Soul. Just name a handful of bands (Aerosmith, for example) who retain their original line up for years and years. Things change and people change. Get over it!!

On "Youth", Collective Soul still has all the elements that makes Collective Soul great. Ed Roland's one-of-a-kind vocals and moving lyrics (though mostly basic), the heaviness of three guitars (Hmmm. Lynyrd Skynyrd had three guitars and did O.K.), the basic, but awesome, rhythm section of Will Turpin and Shane Evans, and the mucical and lyrical timing that few bands match nowadays.

If you want to hear "Shine" or "December" (great songs by the way) over and over aqain, buy 'Hints' or "Collective Soul" (or if you already have these CDs it as I do) and listen to them repeatedly and forget the wonderful sounds and feelings of the new offering.

However, if you want to hear a great band progress and offer different and yet instantly recognizable music buy "Youth" and enjoy the change from Ross (a great and completely individual guitarist)to Joel (he must be pretty good to get this gig, wouldn't you agree?). Don't fall into the trap of thinking that bands should just freeze in time. As long as Collective Soul is cranking out music, they will put forth CDs that are well woth the money we spend to buy them. I just hope they continue to give us the Collective Soul we know and love.

The signs for an end to the Collective Soul I have grown to love were all there: The unfortunate situation ending with Ross (lead guitarist) leaving the band. A change of record labels. A Greatest Hits CD being released. ALL the signs said that Youth was going to suck. After watching a series of my favorite bands peak and then continue to crank out one crappy album after another, I was almost afraid to buy Youth. (Why, oh why, didn't Jars of Clay stop after Much Afraid?) Fortunately, my wife is by far too dedicated to Collective Soul to let this one slip by. THANK HEAVENS!

Youth is a fantastic album. There are a few weak songs, Better Now and Home for example, but the rest of the album is outstanding! I would rate this album just slightly below Dosage, which is to me by far Collective Soul's best album. With repeated listening, however, I do expect Youth to challenge Dosage for the number one spot. General Attitude, There's A Way, How Do You Love, and Counting The Days are as good as any Ed has ever written.

Please don't think that because you haven't heard any songs off of this album being played on the radio that Youth isn't worth purchasing. Remember, Collective Soul is no longer with a major record label and most of the radio stations in the U.S. are owned by... the major record labels.

Buy this album! You won't regret it!