Collective Soul emerged in the 1990s as one among many alt-grunge bands dominating radio at the time. Songs like “Shine” and “The World I Know” had enough thrusting guitar hooks to plant them in the rock scene, but also had enough pop sensibility to sound happy. Or as happy as a grunge band can sound.

Alternative rock veered away from grunge and moved to the bland depression of nu metal, and Collective Soul took the opportunity to jump ship. The band’s members, Ed Roland, Dean Roland, Will Turpin, Joel Kosche and Shane Evans, embraced the love of pop music that bubbled beneath the surface of their rock songs. In 2001, they released Blender. Shiny melodies and a guest appearance from Elton John marked the band’s shift from hard rock to adult contemporary music, and critics panned the transition.

More than a decade after they burst on the music scene, Collective Soul is now just trying to get back to where they once belonged. With the release of Rabbit last month on Roadrunner Records, the band is proving once again that they can rock with the best of them.

Collective Soul plays poolside at Hard Rock Hotel September 11 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $31.36, or free by registering at spyonvegas.com.

By Caitlin McGarry