Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 26, 2026

While You Were Out (album)

While You Were Out is the third full-length studio album by the American band Soul Asylum, released in 1986. It was produced by Chris Osgood. While You Were Out was the band's third release of 1986.

Last revised
Jul 26, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
369 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗
While You Were Out
Studio album by
Soul Asylum
Released1986
Recorded1986
GenreRock
Length33:34
LabelTwin/Tone
ProducerChris Osgood
Soul Asylum chronology
Time's Incinerator
(1986) 		While You Were Out
(1986) 		Hang Time
(1988)

While You Were Out is the third full-length studio album by the American band Soul Asylum, released in 1986.12 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
AllMusicStarStarStar5
Robert ChristgauB+6
Los Angeles Daily NewsA7
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStar8
Spin Alternative Record Guide7/104

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

References

  1. "Soul Asylum Biography by Mark Deming". AllMusic. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  2. "Soul Asylum". Trouser Press. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  3. Bream, Jon (January 25, 1987). "Minnesota's pop music covers wide spectrum". Star Tribune. p. 1G.
  4. 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 May 19, 2023.
  6. "Soul Asylum". Robert Christgau. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  7. 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 (February 13, 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.