The Believer

Rhett Miller | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: February 28, 2006
• Release Date: February 28, 2006
• Label: Verve Forecast
• Copyright: (C) 2006 The Verve Music Group, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 43:21
• Genres:
  • Rock
• ASIN: B000V9ER2W
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,368 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I believe in "The Believer" February 28, 2006

By Sarah

Format:Audio CD

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 strogest 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 arrangments 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 thier heads. Overall, I this this album is very good, and won't be leaving my CD player for a very long time, and I hope it gets some time in yours too.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Rhett Miller - The Believer April 27, 2006

By T. Snyder VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I've never figured out why Rhett and his band, the Old 97's, are relatively unknowns. I am not sure what the label is trying to do with his solo career (go the Rob Thomas route?), because Rhett is way more talented of a musician/ songwriter. I would hate to see him completely sell out and go soft...

That said, Rhett Miller (Old 97's) makes catchy, upbeat Americana-rock songs. And he's been doing it for quite awhile now. Luckily, "The Believer" continues the trend.

The songs are mostly acoustic-guitar driven, upbeat, happy songs with catchy choruses. You'll be singing the choruses before the songs are finished.

I would recommend this to fans of the Jayhawks, Son Volt/Wilco, Jack Johnson, Pete Yorn, Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, Fountains of Wayne, etc. Recommended!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars near perfect April 11, 2006

By G. Vickers

Format:Audio CD

do NOT believe the naysayers below who are saying the record is ho-hum or needs to grow on you -- this album is a classic from first listen!

rhett miller explores his more Pop side with his solo work, sanding down some of the rough edges often left so gloriously intact with his other band and bringing the melodic end of things up to a sparkly shine. but don't let that make you think miller has gone solo-and-soft ... there's plenty of upbeat rockers on the album, reminding you that yes this is a solo record from the man behind the old 97's.

like a young ryan adams, miller is a man who's songrwriting cannot seem to escape being memorable and catchy. much of the album offers a variety of stylings for miller to hang his songs on, from lonesome balladeering to electric altcountry to jangly powerpop. he does it all with able talent and aplomb, seemingly simple and breezy but with a real knack for bringing a passion and honesty to his work that is often missing in pop.

this album hasn't left my stereo since i got it.