The Outsiders

Style: Smoky southern rock Top tracks: "Lay 'Em Down," "Hurricane," "Stones," "Garden"

In a nutshell: NEEDTOBREATHE was previously dismissed for sounding a little like every other band out there—Train, Third Day, Matchbox Twenty. Though "unique" might not be the South Carolina rock outfit's calling card, their third record is good enough that it matters less. Packing more soulful, bluegrass twang than their sophomore effort, The Outsiders delivers a satisfying sonic spectrum including a good old-fashioned southern revival on "Lay 'Em Down"; a perfect, whimsical radio rocker on "Hurricane"; and an achingly beautiful, harmonica-tinged duet on "Stones." Belting sensitive, redemptive lyrics about love, life and God, Bear Rinehart's fevered vocals surprisingly rival Jonny Lang's. All told, it's a southern-fried rock sound that finally stands alone.