It's the kind of run that is dreamed of by every musician who has ever picked up an instrument and every singer who has ever fronted a band.
In the span of seven years, Collective Soul released five albums that either went gold or platinum. The band racked up numerous hits on Billboard's singles chart, including "Shine," "Gel," "The World I Know" and "December."
But by 2000 the group needed to take a break; it was that or break up.
"For seven, eight years we were either on the road or the studio," guitarist Dean Roland said by phone during a recent tour stop in Tennessee. "It took a toll on our personal lives. Our perspective on things was kind of skewed. It was all saying, 'Time for you to chill out and take a break.' "
Band members were going through divorces — both in their personal lives and within the band — and guitarist Ross Childress was fired, allegedly because of continued drug use.
But in 2004, Collective Soul returned with a new record label, new management, a new album, a new guitarist and a new outlook on things. "Youth" was released on its own label, El Music Group, and introduced guitarist Joel Kosche.
Instead of playing arenas, Collective Soul slowly got back into the game with club shows. "It was kind of like getting our feet wet again. You never know what to expect after being away. You're not sure what kind of reception you'll get. So far, it's been great."
Roland; his brother Ed Roland, who is the band's lead singer; bassist Will Turpin, and drummer Shane Evans, will be in Salt Lake City tonight for a club show at In The Venue.
The new album's title track "Youth" and the song "Better Now" are both tunes that Dean Roland says were more declarations from the band than mere song titles. "It's stating where we are in our lives and our perspective. We're reconnecting to whatever feeling we started out with. It's the excitement of beginning."
The album has all the familiar elements, such as catchy guitar riffs, as on the Metallica-like rhythm of "Counting the Days," as well as the softer numbers, such as "How Do You Love."
Collective Soul actually went into the studio several times to record the album before it finally felt right. Many songs were thrown out before "Youth" was completed. "We weren't feeling great. The vibe wasn't there. When you're creating you're always looking for that mind space that comes naturally.
"It finally came together. It started to feel natural, and things happened."
If you go . . .
What: Collective Soul
Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West
When: tonight, 7 p.m.
How much: $20
Phone: 467-8499 or
800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com