Bush headlining Coralville’s free RAGBRAI concerts

It’s not easy to come back in the rock world and it’s hardly a breeze to change opinion. However, Bush and singer-songwriter Gavin Rossdale managed to accomplish both feats.

The veteran British band’s latest album, the aptly titled, “The Art of Survival,” is a surprising and vital project, which recalls the group’s salad days.

During its mid-’90s heyday, Bush connected with rock fans courtesy of such bangers as “Everything Zen,” “Machinehead” and “Little Things.” Many of the tracks from 2022’s “The Art of Survival” are muscular, gritty and anthemic.

But the big difference between the fresh new tunes and the hits from the Bush hey day is that the recent tracks are about something. Many of the lyrics from back in the day Bush are inscrutable.

“Just wanted to be myself/Hey you said you would love to try some/Hey you said you would love to die some/In the middle of a world on a fishhook” are some couplets from the 1996 smash “Swallowed.”

Fast forward to “The Art of Survival,” and there’s a story delivered with most songs. “More Than Machines” is pro-choice and “Shark Bite” is about saving the planet.

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Rossdale, 55, admits that he’s changed his tune on lyric writing at midlife.

“Back during Bush’s early days, I was interested more about how lyrics sounded coming out of my mouth than I was about the actual words,” Rossdale said while calling from Los Angeles. “But now I am more interested in the words. I love what Patti Smith did as a songwriter. I love her lyrics.”

Rossdale follows in the footsteps of John Mellencamp. When the Heartland rocker performed as John Cougar during the early ’80s, he delivered some of his most banal and hackneyed lyrics.

After scoring a few unsubstantial hits, the silly name imposed by his then record company was junked and Mellencamp had an epiphany.

“I never really worked on the lyrics to those early ones (hits),” Mellencamp said in an earlier interview. “When I finally did actually put some thought and feeling into the lyrics, everything changed.”

Rossdale can relate. Bush, which also includes guitarist Chris Traynor, bassist Corey Britz and drummer Nik Hughes, has made some noise over recent years by releasing four albums over the past decade.

“Man on the Run” from 2014 featured a change in direction with some fresh-sounding electro-rock cuts. Bush landed back on the radio courtesy of the gorgeous love song “The Only Way Out,” which has a massive hook.

But that shouldn’t be a surprise, since Rossdale always has been adept at writing catchy tunes. “I know I can write a song,” he said.

As he has matured, Rossdale has proved that he can craft more substantial tunes. He’s the lone original member of Bush left standing. But Bush, which will perform Friday during RAGBRAI’s overnight stop in Coralville, is hardly the only band that’s been around for a generation that has such a story.

“It’s great to just still be around and have an audience who cares about what you’re doing,” Rossdale said. “I’m incredibly fortunate to still have this. I appreciate it more than anyone knows. There are so many bands from back in the day that are no longer around, but Bush still exists.”

Rossdale still has plenty of inspiration.

“I always have songs running through me,” he said. “I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself.”

Bush has plenty of new tunes to complement the classic material.

“It’s nice that there is a mix,” Rossdale said. “I still enjoy playing the older songs. If the fans want to hear those songs, we’ll play them.”