Songs such as “Shine,” “December,” and “Heavy,” have been staples on rock radio stations for over a decade, yet Atlanta band Collective Soul has not released an album in three years. Fans rejoice; one of the greatest post-grunge bands to emerge out of the ’90s is back and doing things their own way.

Known for their hard rock riffs and soulful melodies, Collective Soul (right) was formed in 1992 by brothers Ed and Dean Roland, Will Turpin, Ross Childress, and drummer Shane Evans. The band signed with the Atlantic Recording Company in 1994, and since that time, the quintet has made quite a name for themselves. They released six albums in seven years and along the way racked up more number one mainstream rock hits than any other rock band in the United States during the ’90s – even more than Pearl Jam and Metallica. Two of these songs, “Shine” and “December,” both won the Billboard award for “Album Rock Song of the Year” in 1994 and 1995, making Collective Soul the only band to win two years in a row.

On Nov. 16, 2004, under their own label El Music Group, Collective Soul burst back on the scene with their newest album “Youth.” The first smash hit from the album, “Counting the Days,” can be heard all over the radio and has become a top ten single. “Better Now,” the second song released from the album, has already been featured on the soundtrack of Wes Craven’s movie “Cursed,” which recently came out in theaters.

Although Collective Soul has accomplished much in their career, it is the quality of their music that makes them great and “Youth” is a prime example of this. The album has a sound different from any of the band’s previous recordings. The new music touches on the band’s roots and displays a very upbeat and positive sound.

Ed Roland is a brilliant songwriter who is known for his ability to write catchy lyrics and beautiful melodies, and he definitely outdoes himself here. The last track, titled “Satellite,” was written about Roland taking care of his young son and is one of the most touching songs that the band has ever produced. Other great songs on the album include “Feels Like (It Feels All Right)” which many compare to songs written by David Bowie, and “Under Heaven’s Skies,” a fan favorite and instant classic. The album title reflects the “rebirth” of the band, as if the band were starting over again with their independent label and a fresh start.

Collective Soul has been on the road traveling to sold-out venues all over the country and plans to tour Canada in an effort to promote their album. “Youth” has been doing extremely well and many consider it the band’s best album to date. But Collective Soul is not stopping here.

A new album entitled “From the Ground Up” will be released on April 26 and will feature acoustic versions of some of their past and current hits. Later this year, to answer the requests of their loyal fans, the band will be releasing a live CD and DVD boxed set which will include bonus features and behind the scenes footage. The CD and DVD will be recorded with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and will be called “Collective Soul ‘Home’ with the Atlanta Youth Symphony.”

Throughout their career, Collective Soul has had many ups and downs, but they have stood strong and are now better than ever. Make sure to be on the lookout, because Collective Soul is back, and their best music is yet to come.