COLLECTIVE SOUL’S 7EVEN YEAR ITCH: GREATEST HITS, 1994-2001 AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON VINYL

Craft Recordings announces the vinyl debut of 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001, the first collection of hits from multi-platinum-selling Southern alt-rockers, Collective Soul. Originally released in 2001, the compilation traces the apex of the band’s career – from their 1993 breakthrough, “Shine,” through ’90s staples like “The World I Know,” “December” and “Heavy.” Continuing the through-line, 7even Year Itch also includes the group’s 2000 collaboration with Elton John, “Perfect Day,” as well as “Next Homecoming” and “Energy,” both of which appear exclusively in this collection.

Set for release on December 1, the LP will also be available in several exclusive variants, including red and yellow swirl (via Target), clear with black splatter (via Walmart) and black and gray marble (via Craft Recordings). 

Collective Soul was formed in 1992 in Stockbridge, GA, by singer and songwriter Ed Roland, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin, guitarist Ross Childress, and drummer Shane Evans. Thousands of miles away from Seattle’s rising grunge scene, the band offered their own twist on the genre – blending influences of Southern hard rock and gritty soul into their songs. That winning recipe brought the band near-instant success, as a demo of their song “Shine” gained momentum on the local airwaves. Within months, the anthemic single had found significant commercial airplay, leading to a contract with Atlantic Records.

In 1993, “Shine” was re-released, serving as the lead single for Collective Soul’s debut album, Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid. With the support of a label, the song achieved even greater heights – topping Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and peaking at No.11 on the Hot 100. The single also brought the band international fame, becoming a Top 10 hit in Canada and Australia and landing at No.11 on the UK pop charts. Following the success of their debut, the band returned in 1995 with their self-titled sophomore album. Their highest-selling LP to date, Collective Soul included many of the group’s biggest hits, including “December” and the reflective “The World I Know” – both of which topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, were Top 20 hits on the Hot 100 and peaked at No.2 and No.1, respectively, in Canada. The album also included the frenetic “Gel,” which landed at No.2 on the Mainstream Rock chart and was a Canadian Top 10 hit.

Going back to basics, the five-piece rented a remote cabin and poured their emotions into their songwriting for 1997’s Disciplined Breakdown. The resulting tracklist reflected Collective Soul’s mindset at the time, including “Forgiveness,” “Listen” and “Precious Declaration.” The latter two songs returned the band to the top of the Mainstream Rock chart, while “Precious Declaration” was another Top 5 hit in Canada.

The group’s fourth studio album, Dosage, marked another creative turning point, as they incorporated a variety of electronic effects, loops and synths. Released in 1999, Dosage featured one of the quintet’s most successful Mainstream Rock hits, “Heavy.” The biting – yet hook-filled – song spent an astonishing 15 weeks at the top of the chart and garnered further attention when it was featured in the popular Electronic Arts game, NHL 2001. The lushly arranged “Run,” meanwhile, topped Billboard’s AAA chart – thanks in part to its appearance in the popular 1999 film, Varsity Blues.

7even Year Itch continues through the turn of the millennium, with hits off Collective Soul’s fifth album, Blender. Released in 2000, Blender found the band moving further towards pop – particularly in tracks like “Why Pt.2” and the funky “Perfect Day” – a collaboration with legendary singer-songwriter Elton John. The compilation also collects several non-album singles, including the longtime favorite “She Said.” Originally featured in the 1997 Scream 2 soundtrack, the song also appeared as a hidden track on Dosage. Additionally, as an exclusive at the time of its release, 7even Year Itch gifted fans with two new tracks: “Energy” and “Next Homecoming.” Both songs, as well as the album, marked Ross Childress’ final work with Collective Soul.

Praised by AllMusic as containing “some of the most melodic rock hits of the ’90s,” 7even Year Itch was released in September 2001. Selling more than 225,000 copies in its first year, the album reached No.50 on the Billboard 200 and went Platinum in Canada, where it peaked at No.9. Today, it has sold nearly 500,000 copies and remains an enduring favorite in Collective Soul’s impressive catalog.

Celebrating nearly 30 years together, Collective Soul continues to maintain an active presence on the road as well as in the studio. With a line-up that includes founding members Ed Roland, Will Turpin and Dean Roland, plus drummer Johnny Rabb and lead guitarist Jesse Triplett, the band has spent much of the year supporting their 11^th studio album, Vibrating. Tour dates will continue throughout the winter, with appearances across the US and New Zealand. Visit the band’s official website for tickets and more info.

7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001 Tracklist

Side A

1. Heavy
2. She Said
3. Shine
4. Energy
5. Run
6. Gel
7. Perfect Day (feat. Elton John)

Side B

1. Precious Declaration
2. Why, Pt. 2
3. The World I Know
4. Next Homecoming
5. Listen
6. December
7. Forgiveness