Kathy Mattea was considered among the "most respected female country stars of her era", according to Steve Huey of AllMusic.

[4] During the eighties and nineties decades, 40 of Mattea's singles reached the American country songs chart, four of which went to the number one spot.

[5] After nearly two decades of commercial success, Mattea left her longtime Nashville label in favor of the independent company, Narada Productions.

[6] According to Mattea, the album was built off an acoustic sound she developed from being on tour with her long-time guitarist, Bill Cooley.

[7] The album featured three covers: The Rolling Stones's "Gimme Shelter", John Fogerty's "Down on the Corner" and the gospel spiritual "Wade in the Water".

[7] The song was based on a real-life event when Mattea met musician Keb' Mo' for the first time.

Thom Jurek of AllMusic rated the project 3.5 out of five stars and concluded, "Mattea is one of those singers who can do anything she likes; her emotive phrasing and willingness to stretch herself are commendable, and Right Out of Nowhere is one of her most ambitious outings yet.