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The Outsider
by
The Outsider Image
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 46 Ratings

  • Summary: Following acclaimed, sample-driven efforts 'Endtroducing' and 'The Private Press,' 'The Outsider' detours DJ Shadow into more conventional hip-hop, with rappers such as David Banner and Q-Tip guesting.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    The Outsider screams to be downloaded in sections by fans of specific genres.
  2. Uncut
    80
    As brave as it is diverse. [Oct 2006, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Playlouder
    70
    Aside from track sequencing issues... and dodgy indie geezers, 'The Outsider' is a great album and well worth the wait.
  4. Spin
    60
    Slinging new styles and innovating them are separate matters. [Oct 2006, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Guardian
    60
    While the hyphy tracks might scare some people off, they are the record's undoubted highlights.
  6. Pitchfork
    58
    This album should alienate virtually everyone who's ever been a Shadow fan.
  7. Stylus Magazine
    25
    Great ideas abound--it’s just that they stumble on their face.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 18 out of 35
  1. jONb
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    This album is amazing! and easily stands beside anything that DJ Shadow has ever done... Unfortunately close-minded fans of only certain This album is amazing! and easily stands beside anything that DJ Shadow has ever done... Unfortunately close-minded fans of only certain genres of music will probably not be able to follow the master through the full extent of his journeys. They'll wind up hating on this album, but truly only revealing their own ignorance... Too bad, DJ Shadow has left you in his dust! In short... a truly killer and visionary work... Don't miss it cause of all the haters!… Expand
  2. clump
    Sep 30, 2006
    9
    A lot of people is sad and even aggresive - because this album differs from their expectations and rigid perception of music or what... I A lot of people is sad and even aggresive - because this album differs from their expectations and rigid perception of music or what... I feel sorry for all of those bitching about The Outsider, because it's a really good album. The problem seems to be only in their minds, not in the music. This is very colorful record, entertaining and diverse, fully reflecting Shadow's broad approach to the music. We all know he likes funk, strange hiphop, triphop, that he has been influenced by working with UNKLE and so on... All of this and a lot more is reflected here and for me - this is true DJ Shadow. All those moaners should take a shower, wake up, have a spliff and enjoy this for what it is - piece of really great music, just not respecting the barriers between the genres.… Expand
  4. Scott
    Sep 21, 2006
    8
    While not Davis' best work, there is something here for everyone. And if you enjoy genre hopping like I do, you might enjoy the whole While not Davis' best work, there is something here for everyone. And if you enjoy genre hopping like I do, you might enjoy the whole thing. Solid production throughout.… Expand
  5. ChoreoF
    Dec 20, 2006
    3
    the 3 is for effort and i could never give my numba 1 DJ a 0 but damn...this time it was hard. the album is easily comparable to Jay-Z's the 3 is for effort and i could never give my numba 1 DJ a 0 but damn...this time it was hard. the album is easily comparable to Jay-Z's kingdom Come...high expectations, High let downs. And ditto to Andrew B, In full agreement! Josh, please leave the hyphy movement to the idiots tryin to market it to the east coast surburban kids and come back to the da bassment with da true hip hop heads.… Expand
  6. TylerD
    Sep 27, 2006
    2
    What happened to you Josh? Man. Endtroducing is in my top 5 of all times. Private press was cool too. What a let down!
  7. JMo
    Sep 30, 2006
    1
    Shadow is following trends rather than setting them...nuff said.
  8. JoshJ
    Sep 14, 2006
    0
    I don't get any of the hyphy stuff on this record, I hope Josh doesn't make another record. Stick to spinning records at clubs, Josh.

See all 35 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2006

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