Multi-talented producer/guitarist/singer/songwriter Buddy Miller emerged in the 1990s as a driving force in Americana. He's renowned as much for his work with Emmylou Harris and with his wife, Julie, as for his solo work, but this anthology covering his 1995-2002 releases is a reminder that he's one of the most substantial artists ever to work under the alt-country umbrella. From the doomy clang of "Midnight and Lonesome" to the tender balladry of "My Love Will Follow You," with stops along the way at raucous honky-tonk ("Hole in My Head") and sweet country soul (a cover of Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is"), THE BEST OF THE HIGHTONE YEARS overflows with Miller's raw passion, stinging guitar, soulful singing, and spot-on songcraft, and makes for an excellent introduction to his work.