The latest greatest hits collection from veteran Alternative Rockers, Collective Soul, called 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001 is a fitting and nice introduction to the band’s best work during this time period. It has all the major hits that you’d want in a compilation, from “Shine” and “Heavy” to more reflective songs like “The World I Know,” there truly is a little bit of everything to be found here. The set was produced by lead vocalist Ed Roland, and he carefully sequences the songs found on this greatest hits album in a way that makes sense for the listener to best consume it. The album was originally released on September 18, 2001, but it never found its way to the vinyl format until last month, via Craft Recordings. The vinyl packaging is a bit on the simplistic side, with a standard weight LP that is encased in a full-color sleeve with lyrics on one side, and some band photography on the other. The reissued set includes “Next Homecoming” and “Energy” for the first time in this package, and neither song feels out of place when listening to it front to back. Collective Soul were one of radio rock’s biggest bands, and they deserve another moment to relish in their best work.
The band chose not to just go down the singles list in chronological order, as the first two songs, “Heavy” and “She Said” come from their fourth LP, Dosage, while the third track of “Shine” comes from their smash, Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid. One of my personal favorites by the band, “Run,” was prominently featured on the Varsity Blues soundtrack, and it makes another appearance on the front side of this collection too. Ed Roland’s crisp vocals mesh well with Elton John on “Perfect Day” that ends up closing out the front side of the LP.
The back half never loses momentum, but wisely picking right back up with the Disciplined Breakdown standout single “Precious Declaration.” The ultra-smash single of “The World I Know” sounds full and vibrant on this vinyl LP that showcases the band’s raw emotion that they put into every note. Closing the back side, and the entire compilation, with “Forgiveness” is only fitting, as it reminds fans new and old of the magic that happens when Collective Soul get in a room together to make memorable rock music.