[12] Texas Monthly noted that, "riding on a slinky Texas-to-California blues axis, the album has plenty of space to breathe yet contains some of Jimmie's finest soloing.

"[16] The Washington Post opined that "the late Stevie Ray was flashier but Jimmie's strengths, riffing and grooving, have proven rarer and thus more valuable.

"[17] The Ottawa Citizen concluded that the "minimalist approach has led to a lot of misunderstandings in the past, but Vaughan's fiery, precise work on Out There should help overcome these misconceptions.

"[18] The Boston Globe wrote that the album "is a return to Vaughan basics: the stinging yet svelte guitar tone, the warmth of a Hammond B3 organ, and a reliance on blues shuffles that hook you.

"[19] AllMusic called the album "a familiar blend of Texas blues and roadhouse blues-rock.