Film + TV Composers
Rhett Miller
Already widely loved for his work as frontman and main songwriter of the hard-charging rock 'n' roll quartet the Old 97's (of which he is still a member), Miller revealed a more introspective side with his acclaimed 2002 solo debut The Instigator.
The Believer takes its predecessor's achievements several steps further, with a dozen deeply-felt, craftily melodic tunes that demonstrate the Texas-bred artist's knack for using accessible songcraft to address complex emotional issues.
The Believer ranges from the puckish rock punch of "My Valentine" and "Ain't That Strange" to the expansive art-pop textures of "Brand New Way" and "Meteor Shower." "Help Me Suzanne," "I'm with Her" and "Fireflies" - the latter a duet with Rachael Yamagata - demonstrate Miller's ability to write poignant, pointed love songs whose depth and insight are matched by their tunefulness.
The spare, thoughtful "Question" finds Miller revisiting an Old 97's favorite from an older-and-wiser perspective. The album's one cover is a buoyant, barbed reading of "I Believe She's Lying," written by frequent Miller collaborator Jon Brion.