The Outsiders
by Eric Church
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Feb 11, 2014
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22

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  1. Mab_987
    May 28, 2014
    6
    To call this album a mixed bag is a big understatement. While The Outsiders definitely has enough quality songs to be worthwhile (overlooking some of the cheesy pseudo-outlaw posturing), it also has its fair share of baffling clunkers, and the way it shifts so drastically in feel from track to track makes this one of the least focused albums I've heard in a while.

    (To see a more    To call this album a mixed bag is a big understatement. While The Outsiders definitely has enough quality songs to be worthwhile (overlooking some of the cheesy pseudo-outlaw posturing), it also has its fair share of baffling clunkers, and the way it shifts so drastically in feel from track to track makes this one of the least focused albums I've heard in a while.

    (To see a more in-depth track-by-track review, look up "Spin It! Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  2. AngeloUnderwood
    Jun 5, 2014
    9
    Wow, this album is great, it ROCKS.
    He is a gifted songwriter with lots of talent. Those other wannabe rappers at Nashville should learn how a REAL ARTIST sounds like.
    I gave it a 9 only because "Devil, Devil" is a track I usually skip because of its lenght.
  3. EderOlivas
    Mar 20, 2014
    10
    Here's a guy that is challenging contemporary country music. In a time when we usually listen to 'bro-country', Mr. Church decided to take the artistic way on his own. It's like he took "Chief" and figured out a way of how to take it to the next level, in his own terms, meaning in a rock and obscure kinda way. The thing about Church's work is that he has learned over the years how toHere's a guy that is challenging contemporary country music. In a time when we usually listen to 'bro-country', Mr. Church decided to take the artistic way on his own. It's like he took "Chief" and figured out a way of how to take it to the next level, in his own terms, meaning in a rock and obscure kinda way. The thing about Church's work is that he has learned over the years how to translate his lyrics with the music. He makes it clear with the first single "The Outsiders" that he wants to set the difference between him and his contemporaries. Then he showcases his vulnerability in "A Man Who Was Gonna Die Young". And then he opens up about his artistry with tracks like "Cold One", "Broke Record", "That's Damn Rock & Roll" and the obscure "Devil, Devil (Prelude: Princess of Darkness)". And just in case you wanted a song reminiscent of his previous works, you have "Give Me Back My Hometown".
    With this album, Church set the bar for all the country artists releasing an album this year    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PopMatters
    Feb 21, 2014
    70
    This might be cynicism, but pop music is as much about the sizzle as it is about the steak, and no one plays both ends against the middle as efficiently as Church.
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  2. The Guardian
    Feb 20, 2014
    60
    An album with a radical spirit but a conservative heart.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Feb 12, 2014
    70
    The more pedestrian half of this album effectively tests whether Mr. Church sings these sorts of songs with more authority, or more vision, than his contemporaries--in essence, whether he’s allowed to get away with it, whether he’s somehow earned the right. Generally, the answer is no. One argument in his favor, though: He knows how to tip his beat-up ball cap to the road most traveled and then peel off onto a back alley.... And Mr. Church is nothing if not a wise songwriter.
    Read full review
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