Dean Miller

12.19.2005 -- Review by: David McPherson

With Platinum, 15 years since landing in Nashville, the son of famous songsmith Roger Miller has finally found his musical feet. Music Row can be cruel. And, Music City can be harsh. But, songwriter Miller has paid his dues and suffered these blues long enough. On Platinum, he uses these experiences as inspiration for his words and music. Nowhere is this more apparent than the witty and pointed commentary he offers up in “Music Executive.” In this country-ballad, Miller paints a picture of this power player in the music biz who “maxes out his expense accounts” and “only has three minutes and 42 seconds to decide your fate.” He croons in the chorus: “I’m a music executive/I’m an industry star/ Got no time to listen/I’m late for the bar.” Koch Records Nashville deserves kudos for giving Miller the creative freedom to record this song. Platinum showcases a mature Miller in both his vocal delivery and lyricism; the young songwriter penned nine of the disc’s 11 tracks and also produced the album. The disc opens with the hard drivin: “Hard Love,” and is followed by a cover of Fred Eaglesmith’s homage to the need for speed (“105”). Later, the younger Miller also pays tribute to his dear old dad by tackling the ballad “I’ve Been a Long Time Leaving,” and giving this song a newfound energy that gets ones feet a stompin’. Blending some honky-tonkin’ with elements of the Outlaw country music that recalls Waylon and Willie, Miller has produced a country tour de force. www.DeanMiller.info