Want One

Sounds like the marketing department opted to keep me out of the target audience for this one.

I wasn't sure what to expect from a Rufus "the Hallelujah guy" Wainwright, but this definitely exceeded my expectations. It has many sounds to be later found in later alt / indie music of the next few years. Specifically reminiscent of artists like Andrew Bird and Sufjan Stevens. Really excellent songwriting with a lot of eccentric charm throughout the different styles. Heartfelt and theatrical, bits of whimsy intercede with deep emotion. Put it on early thinking it'd be casual but it really gripped me while listening

what a great album of awful songs!

So emotional that I get the feeling That this is Music for People with no feeling, for those who do not listen to music but get these 1 or 2 recommendations per year they completely dig. CD rack holds 27 albums.

A great flowering of talent here, it seems. Rich and lush and layered and interesting – "breathtaking, eccentric opulence" is about right. A criticism might be that it all runs together a bit, in tempo and mood and excess layering, but how enjoyable and engaging it all is along the way and the combo of ambition/vision and fearless execution/willingness to go for it on every cut seems borderline genius. It’s a steady flow from strength to strength, with every cut registering – “Oh What a World” is a strong opener and great mood-setter, “Vicious World” and “Movies of Myself” keep things moving in rich cinematic fashion, And then what a sequence from the power of intense “Go or Go Ahead” to the yearning “Vibrate” to the rollicking “14th Street” to the legit-lovely “Natasha” to the wry “Harvester of Hearts” – RW leaves nothing on the table (hard to believe another record is coming). “Want” is beautiful, too, with the strong “11:11” and the riveting (if maybe overwrought) “Dinner at 8” make for an extraordinary (and fitting) close. Maybe it’s a little weak vocally, with a one-note style that throws up the same modulations and tics at every song. And it’s not hard to see how the overall feel might be overly dramatic for some tastes (not to mention excessively multi-tracked and overly instrumented/orchestrated). But the payoff is there, song after song after song. One expects to build a long-term relationship with this record (and its twin, which is nearly – but not quite – as excellent) as they have already repaid multiple listenings and definitively give off the air of a masterpiece.

Not bad at all. Never listened to him before. A little much in parts. Kind of Nilsson in parts. A little like Thom Yorke but more theatrical. Go or Go Ahead is great! Sounds a bit like a Radiohead song. Overall pretty good! At least a 3.5. Cover is weird though.

Something disgustingly beautiful about the way he sings and the way these songs are orchestrated. I can appreciate it but it's not something I will likely choose to listen to. One of my favorite parts was the very end of "Harvester of Hearts" when he says "that's all you're getting tonight" then laughs that goofy strange laugh. It felt like a glimpse behind a lush facade to something that is hiding behind meticulously crafted prose and arrangement - something that I'm more interested in seeing that what's being shown.

I listened for a few tracks, lost interest, shut it off and didn’t feel bad about it, because this album has been removed from the book.

Exceptional. I loved every song on this. Jericho was a personal favorite.

powerful. transportive. emotional. beautiful.

An immediate classic when it dropped. Still one of his best.

Pulled out the oil like diddy and jerked my shit to each song

This is magnificent. It's a soundtrack for a beautiful life, any life, in all it's pain, joy, heartache, and optimism. The whole album is full, front-to- back, with wonderful arrangements and rich instrumentation on songs that all sound like the perfect end credit track for a truly stunning movie experience. It's contemplative and sometimes sad yet often triumphant. I've never heard this before, but I'll be back often.

Was so good really enjoyed 8/10

Beautiful compositions

Beautiful album. First time hearing him.

One of my faves. Perfect baroque pop.

Soothing

Amazing listen. Vocals, melody, lyrics. Emotional waves and one great song follows another.

I discovered Rufus through Elton John, who recommended him in an interview in his beginnings. I loved him in many of his songs! Thanks, Reg!

I've enjoyed Rufus from afar for years, but have never listened to a full album. Marvellous, heartfelt, theatrical, passionate, and vintage are all words that come to mind, and it all comes together in such a uniquely rich and unique way. Love it.

Delicate and brash, pulling from a wide array of genres. Lyrically playful and vocally enticing, the songs ebb and flow throughout. A beautiful album

Adored everything about this. It made me very emotional. The variety and layers to this really got me. I'm going to want to dedicate time to dig deeper into this.

For want two I said I enjoyed it but wouldn't go back (and I haven't) but I'll definitely go back to this. It was still a singer songwriter version of Thom Yorke in parts but also reminded me of Jeff Buckley and Beirut. The classical influences were a bit too thick in parts, preferred it when it was a bit more indie. Otherwise a really good album. 4.5

I like the guy - similar vein to Sufjan Stevens although more emotive and theatrical. Loads of references to other songs throughout. Other than Poses, not listened to one of his albums all the way through. A bit samey but I think this is partially due to how he sings - the orchestration and songwriting are fantastic. On the fence between a 4 and 5. Feeling kind.

I love the lyrics, the music, the voice. One I want to keep listening to. Wonderful!

Oh yeah, I know Rufus Wainwright. Wait, looking at the cover, maybe I don't. Oh yeah, I am familiar with this sound. Wait, maybe I don't know what I am talking about at all. Whatever, it was pretty amazing!

Oh, I'm so glad this one's on the list. I became a fan of this album after hearing Beautiful Child in a movie. That's still a favorite, along with What a World and 11:11. I like Wainwright's whole deal.

A record must have a killer edge to cut through the kind of ballsache of a day I’ve just had on one broken-up playthrough. This has heft behind the sparkle and I must return to it. Consider this 4/5 a placeholder.

If you crossed The Bends with Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Happier than Radiohead, but less interesting 3/5

His voice on this album reminds of something between Robbie Williams and Thom Yorke. First song of the album is very original. And I like it mainly beacuse of it.

No. 226/1001 What A World 3/5 I Don't Know What It Is 3/5 Vicious World 3/5 Movies Of Myself 3/5 Pretty Things 3/5 Go or Go Ahead 3/5 Vibrate 2/5 14th Street 3/5 Natasha 3/5 Harvester of Hearts 3/5 Beautiful Child 3/5 Want 3/5 11:11 3/5 Dinner At Eight 3/5 Average: 2,93 Just an average album. Nothing I didn't like, but also nothing that really excited me.

This is quite syrupy and unpleasant, some tunes buried within the grandiosity but his voice does not sit well in my ears. Too long and too self-absorbed, but tolerable in brief snippets

It's like your favourite Disney song but worse!

Thom York sings Broadway songs. Nothing stands out as bad, but nothing stands out in a good way either.

The ultimate hipster album.

Cover? Bad. No shrek version of Hallelujah. That’s strike 2 Mr. Wainwright. If that is your real name. I think the title of “Mr. Wainwright” is probably taken by an off-duty oil man who drank the most Jell-O shots at some fly by night bar in the titular northern Alberta town. Stiff competition Rufus. Oh what a world. He omits the “wonderful.” Already a slap in the face of Louis Armstrong. Bold. I respect it. Also, it just dawned on me that ol’ Rufus is Canadian. Huge miss on my end. This music is actually pretty cool. Lush and grandiose. Like it’s bellowing through an empty church. Good atmosphere, but the vocals are not my favourite. That normally doesn’t play out well for the review. Noooooo. No. Nope. In the wise words of that one weird Italian (?) guy from that one “I Think You Should Leave” sketch; “Stinky.” Good lord. Boring and yet somehow also truly terrible. Only a vicious world could produce something this abhorrent. Alright. We’ve truly decided the direction we’re going into I suppose. The melodies continue to disappoint and the vocals continue to stay at the same annoying tone. Things are not going well for the Canadian here. Is it too late to disqualify him for being born in the USA?? I even checked Wikipedia. We all know about divorced dad rock, but have you heard of divorced mom rock? Rufus was making brave new strides in this still burgeoning genre. This was bloated and smelled like wine. I felt empty listening to it. Go or Go Ahead is a brief respite. A little bit more of the emotion I’m looking for. A better melody for starters. Some energy for finishers. It’s, by no means “good,” and it sounds a little bit like Coldplay not looking for radio play, but it provides more than the preceding march through songwriting purgatory. 8 more songs hey? What’s the opposite of Christmas miracle? A Yuletide tragedy? Maybe I’ll trademark that. Nobody beat me to it. Vibrate sounds like the rest of the songs so far. This is an adult Harry Potter enthusiast’s favourite song. Something so very millennial about it. Maybe I need to speak to a doctor. This is the most depressing album I’ve heard in months. Oh good. The same vocal tone again. Should’ve left this stupid vibrato on 14th street pal. Yes, I could’ve made that “joke” on the song “Vibrate,” but I was essentially catatonic listening to this fucking disaster. This song is like a pharmaceutically pacified psych ward patient attempting to sing in a hallmark commercial. Poor Natasha. Nobody deserves this kind of treatment. Bad song. Messy horns. And you guessed it, the same vocal tone. Back to the well. It sounds like he fell down a well and if that would end this, I’d be in favour. My hand would be stuck up in an affirmative vote. 11:11. Make a wish everybody. Shhh don’t tell me or it won’t come true. My wish won’t come true anyway, as I will be listening to the rest of this song and album. I guess the cat is out of the bag. I’m sure it wishes it could go back in the bag. I know I do. Fuck. Another wish down the tubes. How is this not the same song? Please end please end please end please and please end please end please end oh god it’s swelling. Good lord this was atrocious. There’s nothing to even grab onto and make fun of. It’s just the same boring song on repeat. Each track sucks the colour out of the room reaching through the listening device. Vitality vampirism aside, the lyrics weight speak to me and any cool sounds that occurred on the first song were ultimately betrayed in favour of the true intentions of the artist. Apparently those intentions were to exhaust the listener via a barrage of unlistenable songs with a monotone vocal that began to resemble drone music. If nothing else, bad albums are exciting creative outlets for me. “Want One” couldn’t even produce a canvas, let alone the paints in order to produce something of value from this steaming pile of low-budget Coldplay. 0-0.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Oh What a World.

My grocery store needs new music. I will suggest this.

Yeah this album was awesome. I don't even know how to describe it. It had "Radiohead" influence but with horn sections? Also the singer reminded me a lot of the "Lemon Twigs" vocalist. Such a great album. Every song was different yet similar and so good. I liked this album a lot especially considering I knew 0 about it before listening. "Go Or Go Ahead" might be my favorite "discovered" song from all these albums so far. Actually a 4.5. Liked Songs: "Oh What A World" , "I Don't Know What It Is" , "Movies Of Myself" , "Go Or Go Ahead" , "14th Street" , "Harvester Of Hearts" , "Beautiful Child" , "11:11"

GAS

Pre-listening thoughts: okayyy Rufus wainwright!! We might have cooked here guys I am a little excited for this one. Why was this released thru dreamworks records I didn’t know dreamworks had a label 😭 Post/during listening thoughts: I adore this actually. It’s so baroque pop. His voice sort of drolls over the songs in a Thom Yorke way but honestly it works. But when the sound gets really big that is when this album excels. The instrumentation is so varied but full and fun. Really really enjoyed this one. Hype that Want Two is somewhere in our future (and glad we got this one first). 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: me personally maybe? but to everyone saying “I hate pop music” listen to this one and get back to me Fav tracks: this is a no skip album but seriously special shoutout to Go or Go Ahead bc I was gagged during that song. Absolutely insane. Least fav tracks: none

Something different from the rest, existential dread delivered in catchy, pleasant tunes! Will give this one a listen again in the future.

Creative, bringing you theatrical energy of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, somehow, with Julian Casablancas-like vocals - both sounding emotional, and delivered with almost lack of care, but in the opposite direction. Then, the energy it brings avoid being epic like that of Meat Loaf. But still grand, very much emotional. My worry is that with next listens I'd find the album samey, too-similar, but that remains to be seen. It lands into the type of music I like, and I think it's somewhere between 4 and 5.

extremely fortunate to roll this now since want two, one of my best new discoveries of the project, has been in my rotation recently. that record deffo feels a bit more out-there and sonically cryptic, where this hits u a bit more between the eyes...not a bad thing at all since, among the melody-writers id never even heard of before this project, rufus wainwright might be my very favorite. painfully beautiful, soul-rich, with that lavish yet intimate chamber pop sound thats been enchanting me on want two but a wee bit more cohesive and approachable. these two records are operating on levels of touch starvation even I almost cant relate to. almost!

abi ben cok begendim cidden tekrar kesin dinlicem en sevdigim sarkı go or go ahead

Unique Rêveries. like listening to someone's beautiful secret. Rich full colourful art rock that's gently theatrical and cinematic but also too personal for those descriptors . An assemblage that at times reaches intensity thats almost excessive but makes you want to hang on and let it expand your capabilities ... It may span too varied a range to truly hang together as an album, as it feels more like a compilation of rapidly evolving styles, but maybe that is Rufus, nothing is the same as the last and there isn't a particular style, just a voice and talent doing the work and sharing the lyrics.... or maybe these are just emotions and not enduring moods that he wishes to share: like pages from a poetry book.... Because then... he drops in a slow ballad stripped down and pours the shining gleaming weight of his story into your upturned palms. More intimate and personal than anything I've heard in a long time. And so lyrical and beautiful. He has a voice. I think it's unique in warmth and that singular reediness, a soaring Karen Carpenter in a male voice. Oh how O hope he holds this together and evolves and performs like. Happy to reminded of this artist.

I was familiar with this album back in the day. It was good to return to this! The two opening numbers are exquisite, and the rest of the album is pretty darn good as well.

I haven't actually made it all the way through this album yet, despite starting it about 5 times. The opening track hooks me in and I want to keep teasing it apart, so I start back at track 1 after every interruption. I'm enjoying Rufus's voice, and the contrasts between vocal and instrumentation on various tracks. Some of the harmonies are wonderfully unexpected. An album to return to, and an artist to explore.

Oh What A World I don't know what it is Vicious World Big drama, ali nježne i zanimljive stvari.

I haven't listened to this in years, I had forgotten how good it is.

Me ha gustado bastante...se parecían a panic at the disco

Oh good, so Want One was in the book at one point. I am very clear that they kept the wrong one in, Want Two is not a patch on this. Incoming message from the Big Giant Head - "this is The best album ever made containing a reference to Third Rock from the Sun." Not a big Rufus fan tbh, but I was introduced to this album a few years back and for me it's a masterpiece. Very much enjoyed the performance he did of this with BBC Phil a couple of months ago also. I see a review call him Rufus 'Hallelujah' Wainwright which I thought odd as there's at least 3 other artists I think of for that song before him, not sure I've heard his version much at all. This record appeals to the side of me that loves the Divine Comedy - indeed the central chord progression in Go or Go Ahead massively reminds me of the Certainty of Chance. But wider than that the general vibe and sweeping instrumentation really scratches something for me. Gloriously overblown from the off, occasionally evoking a stage musical, and delivered beautifully. Most obviously with the bolero of Oh What a World. The voice described as Broadway meets Thom Yorke pretty much nails it. Also a rare example of a really long album which I wouldn't drop a song from. Honestly it's the only record he's done which I like, but I bloody love it. Favourites, Beautiful Child, Go or Go Ahead, 14th Street.

simply lovely. i love this style of music.

Masterpiece

Þessi plata er ógeðslega góð. Við fyrstu hlustun er þetta ekki rödd sem ætti að ná til mín, en hún gerir það nú bara samt. Productionin íburðarmikil en aldrei of, og lögin eru góð, sum hver geggjuð. Óskiljanlegt að hann sé ekki stærra nafn.

Pretty darned lovely. 4.5 stars... Oh. what the heck, give him 5.

I wasn't overly familiar with Rufus Wainwright coming into this, but I was pleasantly surprised. The opening song is fantastic with the marching band sound going behind the lyrics. And it just gets better. Really one of my favorite albums thus far.

Wonderful - like a warm hug on a cold day. An artist I have never appreciated before this, but now have a huge admiration for. A great voice, interesting songs (lyrically and musically) - all round, a brilliant album

Never heard of him before, but I'm now a big fan.

BEAUTIFUL

Dásemd! Hvílík rödd! Hvílíkar laga- og textasmíðar! Elsk <3

Now THIS is how you pop a baroque.

Even though I listened to Want Two first, this is The Return of the King

A great album all around.

awesome

Interesting, very different to any kind of music that I have listened to before. Very funky but enjoyable to listen to.

Distinto, místico, mágico. Para mí este siempre fue un disco perfecto de punta a punta.

This one really worked for me. Every song is expertly crafted, expansive, and poetic. It's night and day compared to the second entry. Best track: Oh What A World

Great album. One of the best two-song openers of any album I've heard. Movies of Myself, 14th Street, Go or Go Ahead are also great. The inbetweeners also have a lot to offer. Well done, everybody.

got better and better the more i listened to it. beautiful lyrics! first track kinda reminds me of FUN.'s music

Lush and gorgeous

I've never listened to him before this. He was always one of those artists on the periphery of my knowledge that I knew was a) widely acclaimed and b) quite openly gay. I often mixed him up in my head with Sufjan Stevens -- an artist that I'm lukewarm enough on anyway. Initially, I thought this was headed to three-star territory, but his Harry-Nilsson-crossed-with-Thom-Yorke stylings grew on me as the album went on. By the end, I really found myself enjoying it, and I'm glad that this was included in the list. Unexpected bangers: Go or Go Ahead, Vibrate, 14th Street, Beautiful Child, Want.

Men reading fashion magazines - Straight men! Oh, what a world. Little did 2004 know, the world would become even wilder and more outrageous in the years to come.

Really enjoyed the first half of this album. By the end it was starting to get pretty samey. Reminds me of Joanna Newsom but a guy, and that guy sounds similar to Thom Yorke, but the baroque pop isn't as interesting as radiohead. Still, quite liked a lot of it. 3.5/5

This was really beautiful! I like how cinematic they are. They’re ethereal without skewing into woo-woo ambient music territory. It also passed by way faster than I thought it would for an hour-long album because there was a lot of variety actually. *Fav tracks: I Don’t Know What It Is, Movies Of Myself, Go Or Go Ahead*

## Overview of *Want One* by Rufus Wainwright Rufus Wainwright's *Want One*, released on September 23, 2003, is a pivotal album in his discography, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter and performer. It is characterized by lush orchestration, intricate lyrics, and a theatrical flair that reflects both personal struggles and broader themes of love, loss, and longing. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while also highlighting its pros and cons. ## Lyrics ****Complexity and Depth Wainwright's lyrics in *Want One* are rich with literary allusions and emotional nuance. The opening track, "Oh What A World," sets the tone with its introspective lines that balance existential questioning with whimsical imagery. Wainwright’s use of couplets often leads to profound revelations hidden within playful language. For example, the line “I don’t know what it is / But you got to do it” encapsulates the album's exploration of uncertainty and desire. Throughout the album, Wainwright grapples with themes of identity and emotional displacement. In "Go or Go Ahead," he navigates a complex emotional landscape that builds from soft guitar strumming to a crescendo of sound, mirroring his internal struggle. His lyrics often reflect a sense of vulnerability, as seen in "Dinner at Eight," where he confronts familial issues with stark honesty. ****Cultural References Wainwright’s lyrical style is also marked by its intertextuality. He weaves references to pop culture, classical music, and personal anecdotes into his songs. For instance, "I Don’t Know What It Is" includes nods to Judy Garland and television shows like *Three’s Company*, creating a tapestry of cultural commentary that enriches the listening experience. ## Music ****Orchestration and Style Musically, *Want One* is an ambitious project that blends various genres including pop, classical, and jazz. The album features grand orchestral arrangements that elevate Wainwright's theatrical vocal style. Tracks like "Beautiful Child" and "Harvester of Hearts" showcase lush strings and harmonies that create an immersive soundscape. Wainwright's vocal delivery is another highlight; his powerful tenor voice navigates both delicate passages and soaring climaxes with ease. The track "Movies of Myself" exemplifies this blend of introspection and flamboyance, combining catchy melodies with complex arrangements reminiscent of Elton John’s mid-70s work. ****Production Quality The production of *Want One* is meticulous, with layers upon layers of instrumentation that create a rich auditory experience. The use of orchestral elements alongside traditional pop instrumentation results in a sound that is both opulent and accessible. Critics have noted the album's "breathtaking eccentric opulence," which serves to enhance Wainwright's lyrical themes rather than overshadow them[4][2]. ## Themes ****Desire and Longing Central to *Want One* is the theme of desire—both romantic and existential. The title itself suggests a yearning for something elusive. Songs like "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" reflect Wainwright’s struggles with addiction while also conveying a sense of longing for simpler pleasures. This duality captures the essence of human experience: the interplay between desire for fulfillment and the recognition of life's complexities. ****Personal Struggles Wainwright’s personal experiences heavily influence the album's narrative. Having recently undergone rehabilitation for substance abuse issues prior to recording *Want One*, his lyrics often touch on themes of recovery and renewal. The poignant "11:11" serves as a reflection on life post-trauma, encapsulating moments of clarity amidst chaos. ## Influence ****Artistic Impact *Want One* has been recognized as a significant work in contemporary pop music due to its fusion of high art with popular sensibilities. Wainwright’s approach has influenced a generation of artists who seek to blend theatricality with songwriting depth. His ability to draw from diverse musical traditions while maintaining a unique voice has set him apart in the industry. ****Cultural Resonance The album resonates not only on a musical level but also culturally; it addresses themes relevant to many listeners—identity, addiction, love, and loss—making it relatable across different demographics. The way Wainwright intertwines personal narratives with broader societal reflections allows listeners to find their own stories within his music. ## Pros and Cons ****Pros - **Lyrical Depth**: The album features intricate lyrics filled with literary references and emotional complexity. - **Musical Diversity**: A rich blend of genres creates an engaging listening experience that appeals to various musical tastes. - **Production Quality**: High production values enhance the overall impact of the music without overshadowing Wainwright’s vocal performance. - **Emotional Resonance**: Themes of desire and personal struggle resonate deeply with listeners, making the album relatable. ****Cons - **Overindulgence**: Some critics argue that the lavish arrangements can feel excessive at times, potentially alienating listeners who prefer simplicity[4][6]. - **Inconsistency**: While many tracks shine, some songs may lack the same emotional weight or musical cohesion as others[5][8]. - **Accessibility**: The complexity of both lyrics and arrangements may deter casual listeners who favor straightforward pop music. ## Conclusion Rufus Wainwright's *Want One* stands as a testament to his artistic vision and emotional depth. Through its intricate lyrics, lush musical arrangements, and exploration of universal themes such as desire and identity, the album offers a rich listening experience that continues to resonate with audiences today. While it may not be universally appealing due to its grandiose style or lyrical complexity, those willing to engage deeply will find a rewarding journey through Wainwright's unique artistic lens.

This didn't grab me quite as much as Want Two, but I still enjoyed it. I really appreciate the theatrical embellishments. They elevate what would otherwise be a relatively standard pop record to something more entertaining and certainly more interesting. 4/5 Highlights: Oh What a World Go or Go Ahead

A very interesting experience. An album that exudes a very deep emotion in its sound and lyrics. I was in tears while listening to "Go or Go Ahead". Few things stop me from giving it 5 stars today. It's hard to find faults. I'll give it 4, but a 4.99999999...

Ah, the other Rufus Wainwright album. I reviewed Want Two earlier this year, and didn’t care for it very much. I enjoyed the vocals, but I found the album to be pretty boring overall. I don’t have high hopes for this one, but I’m willing to give it a fair shot. Let’s jump in! Well, this isn’t the first time I’ve been pleasantly surprised by an album, and I hope it won’t be the last. I thought this album was really good. As with Want Two, I really enjoyed the vocals on this album, but Want One also had some really rich arrangements and beautiful melodies that were a joy to listen to. Additionally, there was a good mix of songs on here, with quite a few lively and up-tempo songs to keep things varied. I really enjoyed how “Oh What A World” started off with some humming, but it threw me for a loop when the tuba started playing. However, as the song went on, it really grew on me. I thought the next song, “I Don’t Know What It Is” was really good too, and the string arrangements were particularly great. The album kept on rolling along with beautiful songs; “Movies of Myself” was really fun to bop along too, and I loved the backing vocals. I really enjoyed how “Go Or Go Ahead” started off slowly, and then built in intensity; the second half of the song was fantastic, making the whole song worth its long runtime. “14th Street” had some great horn playing, and the backing vocals were some of the best on the entire album. “Beautiful Child” had my favorite vocals on the entire album, and this song really reminded me of Doves’ The Last Broadcast, which I absolutely love. This was a really good album, and it completely shifted the opinion I built of Rufus Wainwright after listening to Want Two. Some of the slower songs on this album were a bit boring and just blended into the background, but this was still a beautiful album, full of great singing and rich arrangements.

Never heard of him before this. I enjoyed every second of this album. I wouldn't say it achieved greatness but it was very pleasant.

Never heard this album before. I liked it very much. Beautiful music and vocals.

It's been over a year since I listened to Want Two by Rufus Wainwright for the album project. Now, I finally get to listen to that album's predecessor, the aptly named Want One. It's kind of a shame that I had to listen to these two swapped. I feel like it would've made a lot more sense to listen to Want One before Want Two. Whatever, let's just talk about this album for a bit. I like it. I'd say it's about as good as I remember Want Two being. The things I liked from that album are definitely here too. The singing definitely has a sort of Thom Yorke-esque vibe to it, but I'm okay with that. The sound is nice. I don't think I said anything about the instrumental sound in the Want Two review. Obviously this isn't a review for that album, but I do want to say that the sound on Want One is pretty good. The writing is still quite interesting. It's good though. The album is a bit long in my opinion, but when these songs are as good as they are, I don't care that much. I especially like the opener, "Oh What A World" and "Go Or Go Ahead." There aren't really any bad songs on the album though. Overall, I like this album a good deal. I may want to revisit Want Two after this to see which one I like more. It's close though. 4/5.

Getting strong radiohead vibes from this one, solid listen

Pretty good stuff.

4.0

A troubadour in the style of his father. Great stories.

To know that Rufus Wainwright is the child of a musical legacy in Kate McGonical and Loudon Wainwright, plus has a background in opera, classical and theater would make sense that Want One is such a classical study of music. I mean, who else could incorporate Bolero into a pop music song and make it seem flawless? Rufus isn't for everybody, but speaking for this period of pop music for such a quirky person to sneak into popular charts is a good thing. 4/5

Pop. Dudo entre un 3 o un 4. Venga, un 4 porque tiene algo de pop barroco en alguna canción.

beautiful music amazing singer and songwriter

Movies of Myself and 14th Street are super chad. Chamber and Baroque Pop are Alfa. 4.5

8/10 - I really liked this album. It kind of reminded me of radiohead for some reason. I thought his voice was nice and the songs were well written.

EASIEST 4.5 of my life genuinely an instant classic! I only know this guy from loneliest time with carly rae but HOW does he make this so soulful and beautiful while it still being singer songwriter vibes. The first track hooked me due to how it reminded me of Red Rock Riveria and I fell in love. The references to NYC just make me feel. The instrumentation and the rhythms. I wanna listen again!

This album is sneaky good. Didn’t expect it.

Interesting record. Enjoyed a lot of the music but Wainwright has a Dylan-esq vocal tone and I think that it works for Bob and not so much for Rufus. I don't think I'd run into it before and I'm glad it was on the list.

I fell in love with his song Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk years ago and explored a few other songs, but never got around to a full album. This was lovely, theatrical, and vulnerable. His voice is gorgeous and very legato, and I'm a sucker for great storytelling behind a piano. I Don't Know What It Is, Vicious World, Go Or Go Ahead, and 11:11 are my favorite tracks after a couple of listens, but I enjoyed them all.

I'm not very familiar with the (apparently famous) Wainwright family. To the extent that I always thought Rufus was the father. So I went in quite blind to this album and was pleasantly surprised. On first listen, I was hooked by a couple of songs ('I Don't Know What It Is' and 'Beautiful Child'), and the rest of the album has continued to open up with repeat plays. The music reminds me a lot of Sufjan Stevens and sounds very cinematic at points. The album as a whole is quite dynamic. It's easy to stop paying attention during some of the quieter moments, like the first half of 'Go or Go Ahead' but it always wakes up again draws me back. It is maybe a bit pretentious of hipstery (the album cover doesn't really help), but I really did enjoy it, much more than I expected. If it's good enough for Bowie, it's good enough for me.

Very heartfelt. From the bottom of his heart he pulled this album. I enjoyed listening more than I thought. Never liked his version of “Hallelujah” so I didn’t have high expectations, but he pleasantly surprised me. Simple, yet entirely complex by adding the smallest of details. A great album from start to finish, if not, a little repetitive. Otherwise, hurrah. 4/5

Passed me by at the time, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It's indulgent and vain, but it works in a Todd Rundgren lite kinda way.

This felt like a breath of fresh air after the string of fairly terrible picks I’d been given in the last week. Loved the tone of this, it felt like a warm hug!