Although Out of Step has only been released on CD in limited quantities, it has been repressed on vinyl as recently as 2010[1], and all tracks from the album are available on Minor Threat's 1989 compilation album Complete Discography.
It is considered as an elementary piece of the punk rock (specifically hardcore punk) genre and has been cited by many critics and magazines as one of the best progressions for the history of rock music, which specifically helped shape the path of many genres of underground musical currents (alternative music). Its influence is notorious in future bands that would boost the Youth Crew movement, also in other genres such as grunge, post-hardcore, 90's skate punk and thrash metal, as well in the development of New York hardcore music scene and aesthetics style.
This album is characterized by greater complexity in its songs, with more elaborate riffs and arrangements, main factor that distinguishes it from the previous recordings.[citation needed] The bass octaves retain the dynamics of the guitar line. For this album Brian Baker became second guitarist and Steven Hangsen joined the bass.
The lyrics of the majority of the songs reflect self-reflection, youth frustration, personal problems and difficulties with friendships, in contrast to that of Minor Threat's first recordings (which contained a politically critical message and as opposed to drug use)
