The Believer
by Rhett Miller
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Blender
    70
    There's a little too much goop here. [Mar 2006, p.113]
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    A few more quirks and blemishes might've made it more memorable. [3 Mar 2006, p.100]
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  3. Billboard
    80
    Has less twang but more bang than any of his previous work. [4 Mar 2006]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    These fluid, unfussy songs don't quite stick in your gut the way the 97's' best stuff does, but give Miller a chance and he can charm you something fierce.
  6. E! Online
    67
    Ultimately he fails to make a lasting impression.
  7. The A.V. Club
    83
    Given time, though, The Believer blooms.
  8. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    He thinks he belongs up there in front of that expert new band, singing or shouting whatever banality, profundity, or turn of phrase he's written down, and his level of enthusiasm combined with his level of craft will convince anyone who still likes, you know, songs.
  9. Lost At Sea
    75
    The Believer is a strong and enormous album about sex.
  10. Village Voice
    70
    What, besides an extra layer of production syrup, can Believer cuts like "Ain't That Strange" and "Delicate" offer that almost any Old 97's barn burner can't?

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. 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 »
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