Collective Soul is a thinking man's AOR band combining the grit of post-Seattle rock with melodic vocals and occasionally Hip-Hop-flavored percussion. They've enjoyed no small amount of success with the 25-30 age group interested in serious "alternative" music and continue to release world-conscious music in the passionate vein of Zooropa-era U2. Frontman and main contributor Ed Roland shows a strong Natalie Merchant influence, especially when he dances.
