Customer Reviews

Rufus Wainwright (Ltd.Ed)

5 star:		(118)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

I first heard Rufus Wainwright on NPR (luckily, they announced who the gorgeous singer was!) and later read an interesting interview with him (I think it was in the NY Times?), so I picked up this CD, popped it in the player in my car, and was absolutely charmed! Rufus Wainwright is very musical, quite original, unpredictable and fresh, and he has a voice like a cello, so expressive and soulful and clear. Wow! And I'm not easy to win over, either! I listened to the CD once, then started over from the beginning. Am looking forward to hearing more from this fine, fresh talent.

Rufus Wainwright is an unfortunately little-known singer/songwriter with a very strong, very loyal cult following. His debut self-titled debut album is tpyical of what has become Rufus' own genre of sorts. Yes, his own genre, because there is absolutely nothing like Rufus' work. His music is hauntingly original, using varied instruments to acheive a near-perfect range of sound.

This album has no profound information regarding a bad childhood, inner-city living, or even the trials of the working man. It is an eclectic assortment of music that reflects the little things of life like love. Rufus' voice exudes the emotion that the listener begins to feel from listening to the elegant lyrics flowing effortlessly from their speakers. This album has been the most enjoyably diverse that I have purchased in 12 months.

Rufus is the best songwriter working today, yet he's relatively unknown. Poses, his second CD, is an easier introduction- this CD can get a bit slow for mainstream taste, but this CD contains THE BEST and catchiest song written in the last decade, April Fools. Nevertheless, all of the songs are brilliant, but be prepared to spend a little time to get to know them. Most of them grow on you as opposed to instantly embedding themselves in your brain, although April Fools with win you over from the first note.

In the late 90's, people only knew Mr. Wainwright for "Instant Pleasure"; a rather shallow pop selection about the joys of loveless sex. Soon after, Wainwright released his first album and prooved that he was capable of producing something much greater. His self titled debut is a collection of cleverly told stories, expressed with unique and enjoyable music.
The tracks "Foolish Love" and "Baby" are my favorites. They are cleverly orchestrated, well-executed gems on this album. Other stars include "April Fools", "Damned Ladies", "Millbrook" and "Danny Boy".
There are 2 reasons that I gave this release 4 stars instead of 5. The first is the album's relatively non cohesive nature. While most are good songs, they don't seem to relate to one another in the way that I believe a 5 star album should. I had a problem finding a prevelant underlying theme in all the selections. Second, some of the tracks are, in my opinion, downright poor, "Imaginary Love" being the primary culpret. Wainright's voice on this selection is whiny and the lyrics/music are simply unmemorable. Additionally I was not a large fan of the song "Barcelona". In this track, Wainwright's tendancy to be mellow is taken to a downright dull extreme.
However, the strong tracks on this album (especially "Foolish Love") make it, in my opinion, a very strong release from a very talented artist.

Simply one of the best albums I've ever heard. Rufus Wainwright's cabaret stylings & unique singing voice make his music just so pleasing to my ear. My two favourite songs at the moment (they keep changing) are Imaginary Love (the lyrics "hoped to look at you in a cab / back of your head across my lap / oh what grace / green back seat against the red of your face" are my absolute favourite from any song EVER!) & Foolish Love, which evokes a hipper, smoother Broadway and is about the vulnerability and helplessness that accompany love and how this can make one want to run, run away. April Fools & In My Arms also rate up there, as well as the very fun Damned Ladies, dedicated to the tragic heroines of opera. Simply put, Roofie rocks la maison! Why aren't there more like him? No matter, there's only one Rufus, that's what makes him special.

Rufus has the most powerful, captivating voice I have ever heard. So soulful, so tortuted, simply powerful and evocative. This is a must!

I love Rufus Wainwright! I think that he is one of the most gifted and original artists in years, and has all the potential to have a long and great career. I love all the tracks on this debut CD, but the one that stands out is "April Fools". This song to me is on unrequited love. In fact, all of the songs on this CD is about that. Rufus has cornered the market on that subject. He has most decidedly tapped into the alternative youth market of the gaeboy variety. And his voice is the perfect instrument for this venue. In 'April Fools' you feel the joy and longing and sadness associated in adolescence. The one main criticism I've heard that the public has is the distinct nasal quality of his voice. That may be. But no more than say, Justin Timberlake's? I wouldn't classify his voice as mainstream, but his is as deep and beautiful and charismatic. All one can hope for in these troubled times.

Having heard several times of that guy, I just thought I might give his music a try. Well, maybe this is not my type of music, who knows. But after 10 or 15 minutes of listening to his most irritating voice, and to a music that, at best, reminds me of the classic sixties, I just switched it all off. I honestly think this may be good for people who enjoy musicals, but to me, this is just boring. I give it two stars because the pastings on the inner sleeve are great. It should be possible to buy the sleeve without the record.

I bought Rufus's debut after falling in love with "Poses." Although I prefer Rufus's second release, this CD is a must-have as well.

I picked up this CD at a used music store after hearing some of RW's music in a coffee shop. I was blown away by it! Incredible depth of lyrics, lush layers of music. RW is truly a unique, extremely talented songwriter. I just ordered his "Poses" album...can't wait!