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  • Release Date:
The Instigator Image
Metascore
70

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

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

  • 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.

Top Track

Come Around
I'm dressed all in blue and I'm rememberin you and the dress you wore, When you broke my heart I'm depressed upstairs and I'm rememberin where and... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. One of the year's best pop albums.
  2. Offers 12 diamonds that aren't quite total pop or total rock--but fall in a wonderful zone somewhere in between.
  3. Sung with the versatile confidence of a star, and impeccably assisted by ace producer Jon Brion, The Instigator's songs feel instantly familiar in the best way possible.
  4. The songwriting is self-assured and thoughtful; the album is unified as a pastiche of romantic musings.
  5. Miller offers more than enough quality material here to justify stepping out on his own: what he's occasionally lacking in energy, he largely makes up for with craft.... That said, it's unlikely to instigate much beyond some afternoon head-nodding, and even some of Miller's fans will be somewhat put off by the album's borderline MOR sound.
  6. Fans of the Old 97's most recent work will surely snap The Instigator up with glee; in fact, anyone who likes their guitar pop sprinkled with a little angst will be pleased with what Rhett Miller has come up with on his own.
  7. Magnet
    30
    Shallow and superficial. [#56, p.101]

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. jamesl
    Oct 6, 2002
    9
    a pop gem
  2. BenC
    Oct 5, 2002
    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 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
  3. S.E.Johnson
    Oct 3, 2002
    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, 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