Music
Fan Album Reviews
Tell us what your favorite Rhett Miller album is by filling out the form below. We may post your review for all to enjoy.
The Believer
28/02/06
Rhett Miller's second solo outing is a brave one. This disc is unlike anything he has ever done before. The lush arrangements on the album might turn a few Old 97's fans off, but the Miller's lyrics continue to impress. The strongest tracks on the album for me are "Brand New Way", "Meteor Shower", "The Believer" and "My Valentine". I'm always impressed with Miller's ability to capture human emotions in his songs, the strongest example on this disc being the title track. In part written for late great singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, this song is the most venerable track on the album. There are a few tracks that Old 97's fans might recognize, "Fireflies", "Singular Girl", and a new arrangement of the female fan favorite "Question". While some fans of the Old 97's might brush these songs off as a rehashing of old material, I think the new arrangements give new life to the songs. "Fireflies", featuring Rachel Yamagata, is hauntingly beautiful, and is in the running for the twangiest song on the album. There are, of course, songs about love, the most straightforward being, "I'm With Her", pop melody at its finest. "Ain't That Strange" conjures up glam-rock and is sure to make the concert audience nod and bob their heads. "Brand New Way" is probably the most lush song on the record, and certainly a step forward for Rhett in terms of song structure. The song's positive lyrics always leave a smile on my face and the line about "cushioning your breakables" still makes me blush even though I have heard it a million times. Overall, I this this album is very good, and won't be leaving my CD player for a long time, and I hope it gets some time in yours too.
Sarah
The Instigator
24/09/02
The Instigator was released in 2002, and now, in 2007 it stands up as fresh as the day it was released. The record itself has become one of those albums that I think of as a musical hug. Every song has a special story attached, or a particular place that comes up in my minds eye. The first track on the record "Our Love" is one hell of a way to open a record. It's a slow build with just guitar vocals and kick drum telling of Richard Wager (very cool composer) and his fleeting affair. By the time the rest of the instrumentation kicks in Rhett's vocals are soaring in the chorus. In my opinion the best song on the record is "Four Eyed Girl", not just because I am one of those lucky myopic women, but because the song symbolizes what Rhett's music is. There are clever lyrical twists, and an undeniable hook. The last song on the record is "Terrible Vision". In the song, the narrator is pleading with his love interest who just doesn't seem to see his affection. I love how the song keeps building up and up and up until finally climaxing with a chorus of voices at the end. This song is a gem live as well, because Rhett really gets into it. Overall, if I had to give The Instigator a rating it would get 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend that if you don't yet own it, pick one up from the store. It's well worth the $12 and your ears will certainly thank you.
Sarah
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Rhett is just an amazing songwriter. This CD is like poetry put to music! Do not ever stop writing music Rhett, you have truly been blessed with a unique gift!
Shannon
