While You Were Out is an album by the American band Soul Asylum, released in 1986.[1][2] It was produced by Chris Osgood.[3] While You Were Out was the band's third release of 1986.[4]

"The Judge" was covered by the Wildhearts on their album Stop Us If You've Heard This One Before, Vol 1. "Closer to the Stars" was covered by Automatic 7 on their debut release.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[5]
Robert ChristgauB+[6]
Los Angeles Daily NewsA[7]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide[8]
Spin Alternative Record Guide7/10[4]

Robert Christgau noted that "once again the most striking track is a slow country-folk rip."[6] The New York Times wrote that Soul Asylum "plays explosive speed-rock in jubilant major keys, the sound of frustration transmuted into sheer momentum."[9] The Advocate deemed the album "professional level garage band music that embodies the very spirit of rock and roll."[10] The Los Angeles Daily News concluded that the band "has moved beyond its punk roots without sacrificing its raw power."[7]

Track listing

  1. "Freaks" – 3:26
  2. "Carry On" – 2:22
  3. "No Man's Land" – 2:56
  4. "Crashing Down" – 2:16
  5. "The Judge" – 3:09
  6. "Sun Don't Shine" – 2:45
  7. "Closer to the Stars" – 2:51
  8. "Never Too Soon" – 2:59
  9. "Miracle Mile" – 2:17
  10. "Lap of Luxury" – 1:53
  11. "Passing Sad Daydream" – 6:13

References

  1. ^ "Soul Asylum Biography by Mark Deming". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Soul Asylum". Trouser Press. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  3. ^ Bream, Jon (25 Jan 1987). "Minnesota's pop music covers wide spectrum". Star Tribune. p. 1G.
  4. ^ a b Aaron, Charles (1995). "Soul Asylum". In Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig (eds.). Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. pp. 368–369. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.
  5. ^ "While You Were Out Review by Mark Deming". AllMusic. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Soul Asylum". Robert Christgau. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  7. ^ a b Rosen, Craig (February 6, 1987). "Soul finds a new Asylum". L.A. Life. Los Angeles Daily News. p. 37.
  8. ^ The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. p. 655.
  9. ^ Pareles, Jon (13 Feb 1987). "Pop and Jazz Guide". The New York Times. p. C23.
  10. ^ Gilbert, Calvin (January 16, 1987). "Soul Asylum While You Were Out". Fun. The Advocate. p. 2.