Titling an album Greatest Hits, as both do, implies some degree of self-importance. But whereas Alice in Chains take a light-hearted approach, featuring a picture of a boxer getting his face reduced to lunchmeat as the cover art (hence the “greatest hits”), Collective Soul takes itself and its implied legacy more seriously, complacently incorporating the length of their career into the title.

As Cary Grant said, if you have to tell ‘em who you are, you ain’t.

As one progresses through 7even Year Itch, a progressive decline can be seen from the moment of the band’s initial success. Having created a triple-platinum selling record, Collective Soul frontman Ed Roland was convinced that the burden of writing rock’s next great anthem lay heavily upon him. A sharp contrast between the heartfelt strains of “The World I Know” and the simply strained “Precious Declaration” serves as immediate evidence. Not surprisingly, “Forgiveness,” the only post-platinum track that remains toned down, is a highlight.

Taking a different approach, Alice in Chains triples its strength by denying it altogether. The record consistently attacks with the same energy that once adrenalized the entire rock scene, and the collection, though understated, is a visceral powerhouse. The band’s dedication to the music is further reinforced by the inclusion of all previous cover art in the booklet in lieu of a string of member photos.

So despite the small strokes of ego, those seeking a bit of nostalgia will, after a quick listen to both records, be brought back to the days when flannel was cool and soap wasn’t.