Music Box  |  Official Band Site

Disciplined Breakdown

Artist: Collective Soul
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1997
Rating: 8 / 10

Despite the commercial success of their initial two offerings, Collective Soul did not achieve true artistic success until the arrival of their third album, Disciplined Breakdown. Featuring a completeness lacking in Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid as well as the band's self-titled follow-up, Disciplined Breakdown signals the band's true arrival as an alternative presence. Showcasing standout tracks like "Listen" and "Blame," the band's 1997 effort offers a glimpse into Collective Soul's future, while offering a barometer with which to measure their improvement over their earlier efforts.

The common theme throughout this album has to be Collective Soul's signature guitar rhythms. Opening numbers on the album's first track, "Precious Declaration," along with searing riffs on "Listen" and "Blame," mark the true feel of Disciplined Breakdown. Ed Roland's trademark metallic warble still exists as he belts out the tracks on this album, though it does not dominate as it did on the band's 1994 hit single "Shine." The band's greatest triumph might be in its continued exploration of its mellower side, a tact it begin with "The World I Know" on their second album. "Forgiveness" and "In Between" seem to be the logical extension of that effort, offering a more introspective look at the band's influences.

Collective Soul hopes to kick off 1999 with a bang, beginning with the release of their latest effort, Dosage, in February. If the band is able to continue the steady growth they have exhibited over the first three albums, Dosage will be one album that is sure to find its way into my collection. "You pushed me down, for all the world to see." "Blame's" opening lyric might just be prophetic at that: the world is now watching, and the next move belongs to Collective Soul.

Submitted 1/14/99.