Rhett Miller
The Believer
Verve Forecast Records [2006]
A little background—Rhett Miller is best known as the lead singer of the Old 97’s, one of the strongest alt-country bands around. Give me Too Far to Care (1997) or Fight Songs (1999) any day. On his 2002 solo debut The Instigator, Miller leaned into a poppier sound. With The Believer, he pushes even further in that direction, boosted by the polished production of George Drakoulias (The Jayhawks, Tom Petty, The Black Crowes) and guest vocals from Gary Louris of The Jayhawks.
The result is a sleek collection of songs that—on the right day, with a little luck—could break into the Top 40. Tracks like the southern ballad “Fireflies” (a duet with Rachel Yamagata), the infectious “My Valentine,” and the bouncy “Ain’t That Strange” show Rhett’s strength in melodic pop songwriting. While I enjoy his voice and the record overall, I could’ve done without the re-recorded Old 97’s tracks “Question” and “Singular Girl,” which feel like leftovers. Still, if you’re an Old 97’s fan, you’ll find plenty to like here.
KEY TRACKS
“My Valentine” / “Meteor Shower” / “Ain’t That Strange”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Old 97’s / Tim Easton / A poppier Ryan Adams
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
