What makes Outrun the Sky by Lalah Hathaway notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics and showcased Hathaway's vocal prowess, helping to further establish her reputation within the genre. It also achieved notable chart positions, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart, which solidified her presence in the contemporary music landscape. Outrun the Sky is Lalah Hathaway's second studio album, following her self-titled debut released in 1999. At this point in her career, Hathaway was solidifying her identity as a leading voice in the neo-soul movement, building on the critical acclaim of her first album while expanding her musical boundaries with more complex arrangements and collaborations.

How many songs are on Outrun the Sky?

Outrun the Sky has 13 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Outrun the Sky

Lalah Hathaway · 2004

64 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of contemporary R&B and jazz-inflected soul, marked by heartfelt vocals and intricate musical arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How Many Times — This opening track sets the emotional tone for the album with its poignant lyrics about longing and regret paired with a smooth melody that highlights Hathaway's powerful voice.
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Forever, For Always, For Love — This cover of a classic love song showcases Hathaway’s ability to breathe new life into familiar material, emphasizing her unique interpretation and emotional depth.
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Stronger — This track stands out for its empowering message and infectious groove, representing Hathaway's growth as an artist both in lyrical content and vocal delivery.
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We Were 2 — A deeply reflective ballad that captures the essence of past relationships, featuring intricate harmonies that allow Hathaway's vocal range to shine beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal arrangements and solid production, marking a significant step in Hathaway's career.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, often with Hathaway's voice doubling or echoing itself in call-and-response patterns.
Several tracks incorporate intricate instrumental solos, particularly in the bridge sections, allowing for dynamic shifts in texture.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

How Many Times

The moment shifts from introspective questioning to a direct plea for understanding, emphasizing vulnerability in love's complexities.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 How Many Times 3:39
2 Back Then 4:49
3 Your Favorite Song 4:07
4 Forever, For Always, For Love 5:52
5 Better and Better 4:04
6 Outrun the Sky 3:06
7 If U Ever 4:15
8 In the End 3:48
9 Admit It 5:34
10 Stronger 5:47
11 We Were 2 8:10
12 More 5:10
13 Boston 5:39

What to play next

Listen next

Self Portrait

2008

Go back to

The Song Lives On

1999

Full Lalah Hathaway discography Artists like Lalah Hathaway

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata