The Outsiders [+digital booklet]

Needtobreathe | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: August 21, 2009
• Release Date: August 21, 2009
• Label: Atlantic Records
• Copyright: 2009 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 49:40
• Genres:
  • Alternative Rock
• ASIN: B002LCAY7E
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,676 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Outsiders" No More August 26, 2009

By Matthew Robbins

Format:Audio CD

Things are about to get a lot bigger for the guys from Needtobreathe. They successfully avoided the dreaded "sophomore slump" with their stellar, Dove-award-nominated album, The Heat, back in 2007. Songs from that album appeared in movies, TV shows, and even on ESPN. Now, their third studio release, The Outsiders, showcases a band that has found its identity: outsiders who don't fit neatly into anyone's boxes, but can connect with most. Masterfully blending earnest lyrics with elements of southern rock and a modern rock sound all their own, Needtobreathe has produced easily their finest work to date, and possibly the best rock record of the year thus far.

Fans of The Heat will recognize all the stylistic components that made that record fantastic, but production, musicianship, and song-writing have all improved here, the result being an extremely professional-sounding record that doesn't lose the gritty, southern rock feel. The album leads off with the title track, and the acoustic-driven "Valley of Tomorrow," both of which would have fit right in on The Heat.

"Through Smoke" follows and shows the improved and diverse song-writing skills of the band. Pounding drums, along with subtle guitars and piano support the glorious vocals of Bear Rinehart as he sings of seeing truth through confusion and doubt. Rinehart has one of the best rock voices I've ever heard, and his voice sounds spectacular here. The crescendo, with group vocals and even a harmonica, is simply beautiful and leads right into the current single, "Lay `Em Down." This is straight-up southern rock, hand claps and foot stomps included.

The album hits its stride then slows things down with "Stones Under Rushing Water," as Nickel Creek's Sara Watkins joins Rinehart on a gorgeous acoustic-based song about longing for the past (Note: the deluxe version includes a video of a live acoustic version of this song and makes the deluxe version completely worth it). Rinehart's voice shines throughout the album, but even more so in this stripped down tune. The lush harmonies evoke powerful emotion and again showcase the amazing song-writing on The Outsiders.

There is honestly not a weak track on this 14-song album. Other highlights include "Prisoner," which could be off a CCR or Skynyrd album with its straight southern rock and smoking guitar solo, and "Girl Named Tennessee," an up-tempo, piano riff-driven gem. Just try to listen to either of these songs without tapping a toe or bobbing your head. "Garden" beautifully paints a picture of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the album closes with "Let Us Love," which possesses one of the most beautiful verse structures I've heard. Subtle guitar picking and piano build to a driving, group-sung chorus.

The Outsiders is an interesting title for this collection. Without trying to be everything to everyone, Needtobreathe have refused to adhere to any kind of sacred/secular label for their music, choosing instead to let the music speak for itself. They're not preaching, but they don't hide the worldview from which the music springs.

Obvious spiritual aspects are present in the lyrics, and the music itself connects with the soul at times, but this is simply solid music that reflects the artists who produced it. It will connect with believers and cynics alike, taking each of them on a beautiful musical journey. Needtobreathe may still feel like outsiders, but this album is sure to convince many to let them in to stay.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Too good not to review it. August 30, 2009

By C. Johnson

Format:Audio CD

First I need to say I am a music lover. I purchase at least one new album each week. I don't consider myself any kind of authority on what "good" music is versus "bad" music, but I love music for how it makes me feel- the beat, the lyrics, the feel, the way it challenges me or moves me. Whatever. This is the first album I have ever reviewed on amazon, and although I know music is subjective, I don't see how anyone can not like this music. Whether you listen as a Christ-follower or not (I am, my husband is not, and even he can't help toe-tapping when I've got it playing in the background), the songs are powerful, moving, and in a lot of cases, just plain fun. I should probably say that probably 90% or more of the music I purchase and listen to is NOT Christian rock- usually I am not a huge fan- too often Christian rock feels to me just not very relevant to my real day-to-day life, but this is just a fabulous blend of solid music, plus great messages. Good running music, good for inspiration, and good for just jamming in your kitchen or your car. Just solid. I just wish I could tell more people about it. I happen to own their previous album, The Heat, and I loved it, but this is beyond. Do yourself a favor and expose yourself to this band. Then share them with your friends- they'll thank you.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic 3rd album August 25, 2009

By C. miller

Format:Audio CD

These guys are just flat out good musicians and song writers. They have there own sound and style, and they OWN it. The blend southern rock, rock, piano, banjos, harmonicas, and all sorts of other musical elements into one unique sound. Not to mention the sound of the vocals is completely unique and he has his own sound that is full of passion and really draws the listener in. There first two CDs were excellent, but this one really shows there roots and you can tell this is the kind of album they have been wanting to create from day one because it resembles there amazing live show more closely than the other 2 CDs. And if you haven't seen them live, make sure you do, they are one of a few bands who actually sound much better live than there CD.

Overall, I don't have any favorites on this CD because they are seem to all be really good, but if i had to pick I'd say: The Outsiders, Through Smoke, Prisoner, and Girl Named Tennessee are a few of my standouts at this point. And only because I've had the single "Lay Em Down" a few months before the CD release and it's been played on repeat the last few months!!!

Buy this CD!