Rhett Miller: The Believer
CML call number: CD/ROCK/Miller
Christian Hoard wrote in Rolling Stone: "Having fronted Dallas' Old 97's as they evolved from steal-your-gal cowpunks to a world-class pop-rock act, Rhett Miller is still an underrated songwriter, partly because he makes his finely wrought romantic tunes seem so easygoing. Miller's second solo album, recorded while the 97's are on hiatus, doesn't unveil any new tricks, but like 2002's The Instigator, it's full of gracefully rocking arrangements and ace tunes. Miller is a well-read guy who believes in keeping his heart on his sleeve and his songs tidy and focused. Catchy winners like 'Brand New Way,' the Rachael Yamagata duet 'Fireflies' and the power-pop opener, 'My Valentine,' air their discontent and deep feelings without ever slipping into bathos. On the sorrowful title track, Miller remembers Elliott Smith with a simple, elegant refrain where many Smith memorializers might have plumbed much further into the darkness. These fluid, unfussy songs don't quite stick in your gut the way the 97's' best stuff does, but give Miller a chance and he can charm you something fierce" (3/9/06, p. 90).
Christian Hoard wrote in Rolling Stone: "Having fronted Dallas' Old 97's as they evolved from steal-your-gal cowpunks to a world-class pop-rock act, Rhett Miller is still an underrated songwriter, partly because he makes his finely wrought romantic tunes seem so easygoing. Miller's second solo album, recorded while the 97's are on hiatus, doesn't unveil any new tricks, but like 2002's The Instigator, it's full of gracefully rocking arrangements and ace tunes. Miller is a well-read guy who believes in keeping his heart on his sleeve and his songs tidy and focused. Catchy winners like 'Brand New Way,' the Rachael Yamagata duet 'Fireflies' and the power-pop opener, 'My Valentine,' air their discontent and deep feelings without ever slipping into bathos. On the sorrowful title track, Miller remembers Elliott Smith with a simple, elegant refrain where many Smith memorializers might have plumbed much further into the darkness. These fluid, unfussy songs don't quite stick in your gut the way the 97's' best stuff does, but give Miller a chance and he can charm you something fierce" (3/9/06, p. 90).
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