Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. The New York Times
    60
    While the Los Angeles-based Mr. Miller looks good at the cabaret mike, he's still better when part of a real band. [27 Feb 2006]
  2. Sticks to the mold of its hook-y predecessor.
  3. The Believer may be a formula recording, but it still satisfies, for the most part, on the level of what it is: a finely crafted pop/rock album.
  4. After Drag It Up, their dismal last offering, The Believer is another sign pointing to what may be the wreck of the Old 97s.
  5. Unfortunately, the music gets bogged down with strings and other symptoms of overproduction.
  6. Miller's compositions are typically well crafted and slightly artier than what you'd hear on, say, a Josh Groban disc, but this isn't too far off that sort of pouty boy bellowing.
  7. There's no question Miller can wring plenty of twisted emotion out of tender love songs. He's one hell of a songwriter. Problem is that even when working with uber-producers Jon Brion and George Drakoulias, Miller misses his bandmates.
  8. Alternative Press
    40
    The sound of an artist losing the qualities that made him unique to begin with. [Apr 2006, p.216]
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. StephenV
    May 19, 2006
    9
    Rhett Miller understands how to write catchy songs that get better with repeated listens. I can't understand the low ratings. To me it Rhett Miller understands how to write catchy songs that get better with repeated listens. I can't understand the low ratings. To me it is one of the top five recordings of 2006. Having said that I still prefer the Old 97's. Full Review »
  2. Stan
    Apr 8, 2006
    8
    I like this a lot more than the last 97's album too. I like Singular Girl at least as much here, and you can't blame him for I like this a lot more than the last 97's album too. I like Singular Girl at least as much here, and you can't blame him for rerecording "Question" which should be a hit somewhere. Put him in the long tradition of artists like Matthew Sweet, Marshall Crenshaw and The DB's who put out perfect pop songs and will never make it on the radio. What's wrong with this world? Full Review »
  3. JDSaint
    Apr 4, 2006
    8
    Better than the Old 97s Drag it Up or the 1st Rhett Miller solo The Instigator. This one continues the evolution from alt country to power Better than the Old 97s Drag it Up or the 1st Rhett Miller solo The Instigator. This one continues the evolution from alt country to power pop though the re-recording of Singular Girl is actually twangier than the Satellite Rides outtake - and Question is inferior to the all acoustic original. Full Review »