This Is an Outrage!

Critical reception

The album garnered mostly very positive reviews from most professional music sites and reviews.

Sputnikmusic openly praised the album stating: "The whole record bleeds infectious energy, sing-along-choruses, and pop rock melodies...With such a simple concept, you would think this record would be easily forgettable, or passable as just another fun pop/punk/rock record. However, Capital Lights performs this simplicity so well that you won't really even notice it, and will immediately be roped in by the catchy, bouncy sound. Check out This Is an Outrage!, you won't be disappointed." Lindsay Wiseman of Jesus Freak Hideout positively said: "Overall, it is an extremely powerful debut and is consistently fun, energetic, and extremely pleasing to the ears. Capital Lights has made a name for themselves with This Is an Outrage!, no doubt." Nathan of New Release Tuesday went on to say: "Ever wonder what Anberlin might sound if they were punk rock? Well wonder no more because now we have a close example. The debut album for the band Capital Lights is here, and it’s an outstanding blend of Relient K, and Anberlin, with some bits that sound like Eleventyseven and Run Kid Run. The result is one of the best punk/power pop/rock, with a hint of emo rock, albums in a while." Griffin Klemick plainly said in closing, "The end of the story: In July 2008 this CD unseated Alkaline Trio’s Agony & Irony, the latest effort by my favorite band, in my CD player. This Is an Outrage! did not leave it for more than five weeks."

On the other hand, Matthew Tsani of AbsolutePunk did frankly state, "In the end, the main letdown of the album is the fact that this band had an ample amount of potential to write songs that could very well make them the next decent pop-punk hit, but instead are writing songs that prompt people to categorize them as merely “generic.” Whether this is because of the influence of the label or not is not really that big of a deal. What is important, however, is that Capital Lights swim themselves out of this monotonous sea of electro-pop before they make another album. In the meantime, fans will still have fun with This Is an Outrage!" Matt Conner of CCM Magazine negatively said: "Unfortunately, the bottom line is set low as many other bands simply do it better. If Tooth & Nail sticks with them, maturity is certainly a possibility as seen with other bands (i.e. Relient K). But for now, Capital Lights fails to make its mark."

Singles

On May 6, 2008, the first single "Outrage" off the album was released. It was later placed on the X 2009 Christian rock hits compilation album, as well as the 2011 compilation album Time Will Pass You By.

"Out of Control" peaked at #1 on the R&R Christian Rock charts in 2008.

"Outrage", "Out of Control", and "Return" all peaked within the top 5 of the ChristianRock.Net radio charts.

Besides these, the song "Worth as Much as a Counterfeit Dollar" was also a single from the release.

Track listing

All tracks written by Capital Lights, except track 6 by Capital Lights and Aaron Sprinkle.

Personnel

Per liner notes

Music videos