The Outsiders

RELENTLESS, EXPANSIVE THIRD ALBUM

They're MercyMe's younger cousin—the charming Southern one that takes over the room as soon as they walk in. We first met Needtobreathe in 2006 when they burst onto the Christian music scene with their stunning debut, Daylight, a compelling mix of catchy-as-can-be radio hooks and vocalist Bear Rinehart's signature vocal delivery.

The momentum continued with 2007's Heat, an album garnering multiple Dove nominations and the group's biggest hit to date, "Signature of Divine (Yahweh)." More importantly, Heat served as a marker indicating the South Carolina quartet was just getting started. Now, The Outsiders, their third studio effort, brings even more evidence to the table that Rinehart's rock sensibilities only improve with time.

The foot-stompin' good time you might already be familiar with is "Lay ‘Em Down," a Mike Farris-styled, front-porch romp that finds the band's Southern influence developed to its fullest. It's a soulful song from a soulful singer, and Rinehart's never sounded better. Title track "The Outsiders" keeps the same vibe, though it thunders a bit more and opens the album with a fantastic energy. "These Hard Times" harkens back to past efforts with expertly crafted radio appeal.

Meanwhile, the album's second half provides some of the most beautiful moments on the record. "Something Beautiful" captures the perfect acoustic approach and mesmerizing rhythm to highlight Rinehart's fantastic vocal. The result is perhaps the strongest track on the album. And by the time "Let Us Love" fades, there's no doubting this foursome's sheer level of talent.

—Matt Conner