Needtobreathe offer up another collection of sweeping, reverent anthems with
The Outsiders, the band's first effort since
The Heat earned praise from the Christian community two years prior. This is the musicians' first album as genuine stars, and the music is appropriately huge, with echoing vocals and ringing guitars that take their cues from arena rock. Such epic material has become standard in the CCM world, where the influence of
U2 and
Coldplay is never more than a guitar riff away.
The Outsiders also flirts with elements of roots rock, however, from the banjo-fueled twang of "Won't Turn Back" to the title track's Southern stomp. Appropriately, this album covers a wider range than similar releases, and a cameo appearance by
Nickel Creek's
Sara Watkins helps solidify the band's presence in the upper echelon of CCM. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide