Collective Soul, a band synonymous with enduring rock anthems, marks three decades in the music industry with the release of “HERE TO ETERNITY,” a double LP that stands as a testament to their continued evolution. Recorded in a unique setting – a California home once owned by Elvis Presley – the album captures the band’s signature sound while pushing creative boundaries. From the first notes, “HERE TO ETERNITY” delivers a full-bodied Collective Soul experience, packed with polished rock riffs and Ed Roland’s insightful storytelling.
Ed Roland himself expressed immense pride in the new collection of Collective Soul Songs, stating, “When I gave the album to management and radio promo, I was like, ‘Put the needle on any song, I’m that proud of it.’” This confidence underscores the quality and consistency found throughout “HERE TO ETERNITY.”
The recording process saw the core members – Ed Roland (vocals), Dean Roland (guitar), Will Turpin (bass), Jesse Triplett (guitar), and Johnny Rabb (drums) – immerse themselves in the Palm Springs atmosphere for a month. The chosen location, Elvis Presley’s former Palm Springs estate, added an unexpected layer of inspiration to the project. This estate is believed to be the only property besides Graceland that Presley owned at the time of his passing, making it a space imbued with musical history.
Will Turpin noted the subtle yet palpable influence of the King, “The sticky DNA, with Elvis being there, you can just tell it was his designs. All pink tiles. It’s straight out of 1977. It was super cool just to be there and in the zone.” Jesse Triplett echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s not something you can put your finger on specifically, but the vibe and energy of that place translated through the music. You almost don’t realize until the end and listen to the rough mixes and you go ‘oh shit … we did that.’” Johnny Rabb emphasized the seamless creative flow within this environment, “The energy was natural and the flow was incredible. We were all just in the pocket and the chemistry works so well.”
“HERE TO ETERNITY” showcases this synergy across its tracks. The album bursts into life with the bluesy undertones of “Bluer Than Blue” and the roots-rocking energy of “Not The Same.” Listeners will also find nods to the band’s musical heroes, Elton John and The Beatles, in tracks like “Sister and Mary.” The album’s diverse soundscape includes the rockabilly rhythm of “Matter of Fact,” reminiscent of Presley’s own style, and the delicate balladry of “Letter From E.” “Be The One,” a piano-driven love song, holds a particularly special origin, having been recorded by Ed Roland alone in Elvis’s former bedroom.
Adding to the album’s unique character is a live rendition of “Bob Dylan (Where Are You Today),” captured at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This track, recorded during a sold-out performance, further connects “HERE TO ETERNITY” to iconic musical spaces.
However, it’s “Mother’s Love,” the album’s lead single and opening track, that immediately captivates. Debuted live prior to the album release and featuring Brian Ray, Paul McCartney’s guitarist, on slide guitar, the song explodes with a powerful riff and soaring harmonies. Ed Roland’s lyrics in “Mother’s Love” resonate deeply: “Guess we’re all misunderstood/To what we can and what we should/Still I find above/All my strength from Mother’s Love.”
Beyond Brian Ray, “HERE TO ETERNITY” features contributions from Peter Stroud, Sheryl Crow’s longtime bandleader, and Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship, enriching the album’s collaborative spirit. Ed Roland recounted how Brian Ray’s involvement came about organically: “I happened to be walkin’ down the street and I had met Brian Ray a couple of times. I saw him and was like, ‘Brian, hey man. Why don’t you come over and break bread? We’re up at Elvis’ house.’” This casual invitation blossomed into a valuable musical partnership.
Closing the album is “Over and Out,” a folk-rock reflection on life’s transitions. Inspired by his niece going to college, Ed Roland described the song as being “about letting your children go and letting them start their adulthood. I tried to feel what my sister and brother-in-law were feeling, which I’m about to feel.”
To bring “HERE TO ETERNITY” to the live stage, Collective Soul will join Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain for the “Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.” This extensive tour will take them across North America, performing at renowned venues such as Fenway Park, Bridgestone Arena, Honda Center, and Pine Knob Music Theatre.
With 20 new collective soul songs in their repertoire, the band faces the exciting challenge of selecting their live setlist. As Dean Roland acknowledged, “It’s tricky. We know we wanna play the songs people came there to see, but it’s still fun. We’re gettin’ up there, doin’ our thing.” Fans can anticipate hearing new tracks from “HERE TO ETERNITY” alongside classic collective soul songs for years to come, solidifying that for Collective Soul, thirty years is just the beginning.
