Released as the lead track on a double A-side equivalent for the CD age, "Out There" didn't quite connect as it should have. The better choice would have been to focus on one song, namely the inspired and inspiring "Brilliant Creatures." While in many ways lyrically it's the scenario of the
Soft Cell landmark "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" updated for the house/techno generation, it's still a wonderfully arranged and performed effort thanks to producer
Martyn Ware and
Almond's own full-bodied, heartache-filled delivery. "Out There," in contrast, is pleasant but more an atmosphere with beats instead of a good stand-alone song, undercutting its end impact. One original B-side, "Lie," appears in two different versions. The original take is a rough but fun synth/rock crunch,
Almond delivering some sharp lines about a romantic mistake over the mayhem. The
Beatmasters' remix, meanwhile, revamps the track into their preferred exultant house/techno fusion, making it a very enjoyable kick indeed. ~ Ned Raggett