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The Instigator - Rhett Miller
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Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This solo set by the frontman of the (still intact) Old 97s was produced by Jon Brion, and ventures away from the alt-country sound of that group's work.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. PopMatters
    90
    One of the year's best pop albums.
  2. All Music Guide
    60
    Hearing Miller's unmistakable singing and songwriting style without Murry Hammond's backing vocals and the rest of the 97's chunky country-rock-pop behind him seems a little less than it could be.
  3. Magnet
    30
    Shallow and superficial. [#56, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. jamesl
    9
    a pop gem
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. BenC
    9
    I am an old fan of the 97's, and of course was kind of bummed to see Rhett go solo for this album, but I bought it and I think it's great! Too Far to Care is my fav 97's CD, and while some of his songs on this album may seem kind of soft and poppy, if you imagine them with more aggressive instrumentation you know that Rhett Miller's songwriting has essentially remained the same. I give it a 9 because I don't want to seem like a fanboy. Rhett Miller is a great artist, and I hope he hits it big.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. S.E.Johnson
    5
    If you love the song "Oppenheimer" from the Old 97's Fight Songs album, then you will love the new Rhett Miller. It is poppy and happy, even when trying to be sad. It rings a little empty without the rockin backing guitars and vocals from the rest of the guys in Old 97's. Overall, I found it to be boring and repetetive.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 8 User Reviews

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