Customer Reviews

Hints, Allegations ...

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this CD back in '95 and it has remained one of my favorites since. Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid is an eclectic collection of melodic rock-infused tracks, soulful ballads, and beautiful instrumental string arrangements. This record, though not as commercially viable as later releases, is a showcase of Collective Soul's versatillity and talent, and an epitaph to their idealism and integrity as an independent garage band striving to make a name for themselves.

Later Collective Soul albums seem to be motivated more by dollar signs and record deals than by the uncorrupted passion for music that drives Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid. The band recorded this album independently before fishing for a label and when they signed onto Atlantic Records, the disc was re-pressed, but the original independent recordings were used. This is an album that could only be made independently, free from the tampering of record execs and from the influence of business.

This is one of those rare albums that is all about the music. A true classic, a standard, and a time capsule from a Georgia garage band that made it big.

If you like Collective Soul's new sound, do not shy away from this album, but be prepared for something a little different.

I don't know why it says this is an EP, it's 13 songs. Even though this great debut is their most "grunge" album, it's alot more rootsy, than it is metal or punk based. I mean, the big song here "Shine" is probably the heaviest track. Songs like "Sister Don't Cry" and "Heaven's Already Here" are more like acoustic soul-pop. But the great thing is, it's all very good. I like this one just as much as the 2nd album, or "Dosage", which are generally regarded as better. Another favorite track of mine is "All". In fact the only thing I don't like about "Hints Allegations And Things Left Unsaid", is the cover. It's one of the worst ones I've ever seen. But like the old saying goes, "You can't judge a disc by its cover".

Well I would have to say that this is the album that got me hooked me on Collective Soul. This one hasnt left my cd player for quite a while. There isn't a song on this cd that dont like. I recommend this cd to all Collective Soul fans!

My only complaint about this album is that "Shine" is the first track. It happens to be one of the greatest songs of all-time (not to mention on this CD.) It's unfair that the listener hears "Shine" then completely ignores the other tracks. My reccomendation to you is to listen to every track exept for "Shine" first. There are some AMAZING songs on this CD: "Breathe" and "Burning Bridges" just to name a few. You are for sure going to enjoy this album.

Although released nine years ago, this album is still one of my favourites Cd's ever.
Collective Soul's first record is a delicious rock treat that introduced the quintet as one of the greatest bands of the 90's led by the hit-single "Shine".
However, the album is not only about this song, on the contrary, there are better songs that marked me deeply, such is the case of the gospel-like "Wasting Time", the touching "Sister don't cry" and "In a moment".
The fact of having 3 guitars, helps a lot (this fact will be more evident on subsequent releases) . There are lots of amazing riffs and solos.
Ballads (the 3 aforemetioned tracks) are the high point as every Collective Soul effort, the rocky tunes are catchy as well ("Love Lifted Me", "Breathe"), there is also an instrumental beautiful song ("Pretty Donna") and even a flirt with country music ("Heaven's Already Here").
The music is quite basic, but seductive, there's a special atmosphere on this record that is hard to describe (maybe it's me).
Ed Roland was giving his first steps as a songwriter, and the result is impressive ("...well I don't wanna bleed anymore for you, and I don't wanna breathe any hatred too...") and he talks mostly about love and hope, he is one of my favourite ballad writers.
The closing tunes "Burning Bridges" and "All" are a proof of that, and I think that's the perfect way to finish an album.

1994 proved to be a very interesting year in the music world. With Kurt Cobaine's death and the ever changing sound of Pearl Jam. People began to turn their interests back to the past a bit. Hair Bands were dead, and grunge was still lingering but everyone truely loved their Rock still. Dont get me wrong There are still hints of grunge on this album. Its not quite Metal, its not quite Rock.. its all of them put together. Quality music from start to finish. One of the few albums where the first single simply is the best and not the ONLY awsome song on the CD. "Shine" Truely does shine. And boy do i love the guitar solo. Reminds me of Def Leppard. This is the album that you and your girlfriend can both listen to together. Like it or not, you will find yourself relating to this album. Other than the obvious monster hit of "shine" There is pleanty more to be offered on this album. For example; "Wasting Time", "Love Lifted Me", "Breath", and "Scream". Heartfelt through and through but without being sappy. And for thsoe who want a little energy and attitde there is a bit of that for you also. Although not concidered Collective Souls Best album.. it truely is unique and wonderful to listen to. Buy this album.. or pop it back into your CD player, given it another listen and Enjoy ;)

This first album by Collective Soul is probably actually their weakest album. As I heard it at the time, it was an album thrown together so that the awesome single "Shine" could be put on a full length album. For sure, that single helped "wake up" the rock music scene that had been depressed by grunge the previous few years. It was one of the best singles of the '90s no doubt with its crunching guitars, melodic vocals, and overall catchiness. A second single, "Breathe", didn't fare nearly as well, but it was still a decent sound that was a melodic/modern hybrid.

For an album that was basically thrown together, this still sounds pretty darn good. Songs like "Wasting Time", "In A Moment", and "Reach" are all mid tempo tunes with a good melody. "Pretty Donna" is a nice, soft, emotional instrumental. Opposite ends of the hard/soft spectrum occur near the end of the album. The very catchy, hard-rocking "Scream" is followed by the pretty, rather soft "Burning Bridges". These are two of the best songs on the album that indicate this band, like most good to great rock bands, is capable of expressing various emotions through various tempos of songs.

Since their first two albums, this band has been very underrated in my book. All of their albums are high quality modern/melodic rock that encompass many of the best elements of the past 30 years of rock music. For sure, this album was just a foretaste of what was to come from this band.

There are some really good songs on here. The only thing I always skip on the CD is the instrumental. I particularly love Breathe, Sister Don't Cry, and Burning Bridges, in no particular order. The band has a great alt rock sound that I find neither too heavy or too soft - it's definitely not pop, but it's not metal, either. Initially I was fearful it would have a real heavy grunge, garage band sound, which I tend to dislike. The lyrics are pure, thoughtful and intelligent. Ed Roland sings about relationships in a way that people can relate to, and although the quality of the instrumentation isn't quite up to par, the sound/mood fits the lyrics. Definitely worth a listen.

I was deeply disappointed with this album. I am a devout fan of Collective Soul, and thought for sure that Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid would be another phenomenal album in the band's growth. I was horribly mistaken. The single "Shine" stands out, being an excellent Collective Soul song. Everything else on the album sounds like nothing but filler. The percussion is horrible; more than half the songs boast percussion parts of nothing but straight quarter notes. (This is NOT an album for any drummer) The song "Prima Donna" is a beautifully written orchestral piece, but not exactly a staple for a rock and roll fan. If this were any other rock band, I would praise this album greatly; for the music is very toe-tapping and worth listening too. But I guess I've come to expect more from one of the greatest rock bands of the '90s.

With this album, Collective Soul's first, the band established a well organized sound with emotionally moving lyrics. This effort produced 'now' classic tracks including the hit "Shine" and my personal favorite "Wasting Time". Old rock style mixed with "New Rock" flavor gives Collective Soul a very distinct sound unlike any other. Considered by many to be the best album to date, I believe looking back, it foreshadows the bands unending presence in modern rock today. This is a must buy for any Rock-n-Roll fan either of the Classic Rock era or "New Rock" generation.