Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. As usual the songs come clear eventually.
  2. Alternative Press
    Jun 7, 2012
    80
    His fifth solo album calls on both his folk and roots-rock experiences, in a bold yet familiar transition for the seasoned performer. [Jul 2012, p.98]
  3. 80
    It's his easiest, least labored sounding record in years, still lushly produced yet not overly fussy.
  4. Jun 5, 2012
    80
    The Dreamer is also an album that calls for multiple spins-it's not likely to grab listeners by the throat, or even kick them in the shins for that matter. It's just good.
  5. Jul 12, 2012
    78
    Some of his warmest melodies.
  6. Jun 15, 2012
    76
    The Dreamer is a very traditional record, straight-up pop with a tinge of alt-country. It's easy company, a warm and thoroughly enjoyable summer listen.
  7. Jun 28, 2012
    70
    What is undeniably true is that Miller has rediscovered the alt-country voice that earned him his fanbase back in the '90s.
  8. Jun 6, 2012
    70
    A breezy, but challenging mix of pop and folk rock songs.
  9. Jun 5, 2012
    70
    [The Dreamer's] sad pedal steel and simple tropes might sound formulaic were Miller not so advanced at his craft, with wryness and spryness enlivening even the acoustic guitar and corny extended metaphor of "Marina."
  10. Jun 5, 2012
    70
    Sharp, shapely roots-rock songs, with flashes of surf rock and Brill Building pop surfacing amid the usual twang.
  11. Jun 5, 2012
    70
    Miller's duet with Rosanne Cash on "As Close as I Came to Being Right" is a gem, one of the best realized moments of his solo career; it's the best thing on The Dreamer, but there's plenty of other music here that should earn the approval of fans of both Rhett Millers.
  12. Jul 11, 2012
    60
    The return-to-roots exercise that is The Dreamer isn't bad; it just seems unnecessary. This is a good album; on a song by song basis, I'd even venture to say it's great. But given what Miller has shown us in the past, this can't help but feel like second-rate.
  13. Uncut
    Jun 6, 2012
    60
    Miller can't help occasional returns to his powerpop protocol. [Jul 2012, p.77]
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Jun 17, 2012
    6
    "The Dreamer" is an purely country album - which is unique in th fifth-album Miller's career. On CD are included mostly cheesy song about"The Dreamer" is an purely country album - which is unique in th fifth-album Miller's career. On CD are included mostly cheesy song about nothing - but here there were also a place for solid compositions, such as rock "Out Of Love" or similar to the "Neon Bible" by Arcade Fire song "Sleepwalkin' ". Still the album has soothing, country-folk character - perfect for a Sunday afternoons, however in comparison with the competition falls fairly average. Full Review »