Already widely loved for his work as frontman and main songwriter of the hard-charging rock ’n’ roll quartet the Old 97’s (of which he is still a member), Rhett Miller revealed a more introspective side with his acclaimed 2002 solo debut The Instigator. His latest, The Believer, takes its predecessor’s achievements several steps further, with a dozen deeply-felt, craftily melodic tunes that demonstrate the Texas-bred artist’s knack for using accessible songcraft to address complex emotional issues.

The Believer ranges from the puckish rock punch of “My Valentine” and “Ain't That Strange” to the expansive art-pop textures of “Brand New Way” and “Meteor Shower.” “Help Me Suzanne,” “I'm with Her" and "Fireflies” — the latter a duet with Rachael Yamagata — demonstrate Miller’s ability to write poignant, pointed love songs whose depth and insight are matched by their tunefulness. The spare, thoughtful “Question” finds Miller revisiting an Old 97's favorite from an older-and-wiser perspective.

The Believer’s quietly powerful title track was inspired by Miller's acquaintance with the late alt-rock troubadour Elliott Smith. “I wrote it in New York City the day he died,” he explains. “It really hit home for me. I met him and spent some time with him during his last years. My first date with my wife was seeing Elliott play at the Royal Albert Hall, and his drummer Scott McPherson ended up playing with me on the tour for The Instigator. I had a pretty serious suicide attempt when I was 14 years old, and I've always wrestled with that impulse, as do a lot of people in my line of work. I don't know if the song is all about Elliott maybe it's about me at 14, I'm not exactly sure. But the song's kind of saying thanks for doing the good work you did, and I understand that you were doing your best.”

Miller recorded The Believer with renowned producer George Drakoulias (Black Crowes, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) and a distinguished musical cast. Gary Louris of the Jayhawks adds backing vocals.

Miller continues to balance his solo endeavors with his membership in the Old 97’s. The still-active quartet has released seven albums since 1994 (the latest being the live set Alive and Wired) and are prominently featured in the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn romantic comedy The Breakup.

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