"Outland" is a studio album by English musician Gary Numan, released in 1991. As the follow-up to his “Metal Rhythm” album, Numan continued his exploration into more commercial territories, mashing up his synth-pop style with elements of funk, dance music, and balladry — surprises from a man known for his dark, moody, and atmospheric work.
The most notable track from the album is "Heart," which managed to reach the UK Top 40. "My World Storm" and "Emotion" also stand out as the other two singles from the album, though they didn't achieve the same level of commercial success.
"Outland" was supported by a 12-date UK tour, featuring a lavish stage-set involving huge inflatable tube sculptures, which sadly led to extra expenses causing Gary financial losses during this period.
Critically, "Outland" garnered mixed reviews, with some critics praising the synth-pop compositions and approach, while others were unimpressed with the mainstream-oriented sound that distanced itself from Numan's earlier, more innovative work.
Overall, the album is seen as an essential part of Numan's discography, highlighting an intriguing period where he played with different popular music styles while maintaining his recognizable synthesis of music.
The album managed to reach number 39 in the UK Albums Chart, indicating its substantial commercial success during its release. It remains an enjoyable, if lesser-known, piece of Numan’s extensive musical portfolio.
