Out in the Blue is predominantly a rootsy acoustic rock album, but also contains elements of rockabilly and country.

The majority of the songs on the album were written by Barnes, many of them in relation to his recent heart surgery.

Neil Finn contributed the track "Blue Hotel" and Kasey Chambers performs a duet on "When Two Hearts Collide".

Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil also appears on the album, along with Mark Punch, Chris Haigh, and Barnes' four children Mahalia, EJ, Jackie, and Elly-May.

[1] Tracks on Out in the Blue are:[2] (Limited edition bonus CD) ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.