After two full-length albums and too many Midwest miles to count with former indie rock quartet Cheating Kay, an older, wiser Miller Howell has reemerged with Habits Can Be Hard to Break: six songs about traveling through life, getting from point A to point B, and experiencing all moments in between. “Tomorrow Comes” begins the disc with a somber look forward and an inventory of past essentials: “Had a good job, had a good life, had a good love, had a good cry.” An angrily strummed “Missing You” raises the tempo, Miller’s strong voice soars and asks disbelievingly, “Oh girl, did you just say the words?” “I’m Here” is equal parts lullaby and love song, an ode to a fallen friend, while “Kirksville” allows the listener a heart-wrenching view of a breakup.

The inherent moving storytelling has already endeared Habits to his fans, new and old. “I’d just love other people to be along for the ride,” he says.

Shotgun, anyone?