[rating=7.00]
Everyone loves Rhett Miller as the front man of Old 97s, but his solo records have been a bit more divisive. Miller has been more experimental with his own music, recording more pop-heavy albums like The Instigator and The Dreamer. But on his latest full-length solo record The Traveler, he’s moved in a different direction, creating a true country album, and collaborating with backing band Black Prairie. The change works for him, and Miller seems to have found his groove.
Rhett Miller’s solo records have never been as great as his work with the Old 97s. While Rhett Miller is a hell of a front man, he’s best with his band. Old 97s’ latest record Most Messed Up was a statement making set of songs about their lengthy career in the music business. Songs about late nights, endless tours, crazy people and feeling jaded, it was a fun romp of a journey through their many great years together. But The Traveler finds Miller fronting another band that brings out the best in him.
You have to give Miller credit for being one of the hardest working people in the business. He seems to be constantly recording music and touring, and somehow maintains those boyish good looks and that sultry, smoky voice. And his voice does sound as fantastic as ever on Traveler. “Most in the Summertime” is classic Rhett Miller, alternating between a controlled shout and really pretty harmonies. And “My Little Disaster” is a sweet, fiddle-heavy country tune that’s cleverly written with that signature charm of his.
Traveler is easily Miller’s best solo record, and it’s thanks in significant part to Black Prairie. Consisting of members of the Decembrists and Peter Buck of R.E.M., they add great country details, like the rich fiddle and steel guitar. Songwriting-wise, it’s everything you expect from Rhett Miller – bright songs and instrumentals, sweet lyrics with the occasional cheeky verse. “Lucky Star” is one of the best, even if it is a bit sappy. An ode to a long-term relationship that keeps him just crazy and just grounded enough, much like the record itself. “Fair Enough” is similarly beautiful, with a driving, quiet melody.
The collaboration with Black Prairie puts Miller with a band that suits his musical sensibilities as both singer and songwriter. When it comes to songwriting, Miller makes it look so easy and painless, it’s unbelievable. He can churn out songs so efficiently and smoothly, it’s no wonder he’s created such an impressive wealth of material over the years. He’s a sturdy, reliable presence in the lives of his fans, always giving them something new and rarely disappointing.
