The Instigator (2002)

As singer for the once-twangy Old 97's, Miller has been a little bit country, a lot more rock & roll. On this solo debut, Miller's simmering pop propensity is finally outed, with his guy-and-a-guitar approach finding a safe home in Jon Brion's rich production. Though much of Instigator is merely pleasant, its fantastic first five cuts -- especially the love-me lament ''Come Around'' -- have the feel of the most happily heartbroken radio station on earth.