What makes The Outsiders by Needtobreathe notable?

The album debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and significantly boosted Needtobreathe's visibility beyond the Christian music genre. It received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its lyrical depth and musical arrangements, which contributed to the band's growing influence in both Christian and alternative rock circles. The Outsiders is Needtobreathe's third studio album, released in 2009 after their breakthrough album, The Heat, which helped establish their presence in the Christian rock scene. This release marked a pivotal moment for the band as they began to expand their sound and audience, incorporating more mainstream elements while still rooted in their Christian message.

Who is The Outsiders for?

The Outsiders works well if you're into introspective lyrical exploration, dynamic emotional journeys and steady, consistent energy levels.

How many songs are on The Outsiders?

The Outsiders has 14 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

The Outsiders

Needtobreathe · 2009

49 min · 14 tracks · Christian rock

A blend of soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics that fuse rock energy with spiritual introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Lay ’em Down — This track showcases a powerful call for surrender and community, presenting an infectious chorus that invites listeners to engage with its message of hope and redemption.
→
Hurricane — With its driving rhythm and vivid imagery, this song encapsulates feelings of turmoil and resilience, representing the emotional core of the album.
→
Something Beautiful — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics that explore the search for meaning and beauty in life, showcasing the band's knack for blending spirituality with relatable themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and varied arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a high-energy rock sound with driving rhythms and layered instrumentation, while the fourth track shifts to a more acoustic arrangement.
Several songs feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of live performances.
The album includes moments of dynamic contrast, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Hurricane' to the reflective 'These Hard Times', which slows the pace significantly.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective lyrical exploration
dynamic emotional journeys
steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album boosted visibility beyond Christian music after their previous success.
Career context: The Outsiders is Needtobreathe's third studio album, released in 2009 after their breakthrough album, The Heat, which helped establish their presence in the Christian rock scene. This release marked a pivotal moment for the band as they began to expand their sound and audience, incorporating more mainstream elements while still rooted in their Christian message.
Stylistic neighbors: Switchfoot· Tenth Avenue North· David Crowder Band