Want One

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perfect. I could listen to this all day on repeat.

J'ai trop aimé, les instrus et les rythmes sont super cool, dynamique et émouvant, la voix un peu un mix de Radiohead et U2, les instrus variées m'ont fait penser à Scissor Sisters parfois, un peu Elton John d'autres, franchement super découverte je l'ai écouté 2 fois de suite. Chansons pref : I don't know what It Is, Dinner at eight, mais en vrai j'ai tout aimé

J'ai vraiment adoré, hyper musical, plein de changements de rythmes et d'instruments, une très bonne découverte. J'avais déjà entendu parler de lui mais je crois pas avoir déjà écouté. 5/5

I thought this album looked familiar but I'd gotten Want Two already and the covers are similar. This is a really solid album. I'm just ok on the vocals but the songwriting and execution is top notch.

I knew Rufus mostly through his piano pieces—the ones that feel like he’s singing directly into your living room. Want One is _like_ that… but blown up to cathedral scale. It’s Rufus fully unrestrained: orchestral, theatrical, and absolutely unapologetic about being larger than life. What surprised me is how coherent it all feels. He piles on drama, strings, choirs, crescendos—yet nothing collapses under its own weight. It’s still him at the center: that voice, that melodic sense, that emotional clarity. The simple songwriter I knew is still there, just dressed in full regalia. It’s beautiful, decadent, and unmistakably Rufus.

A beautiful album from a beautiful artist.

I absolutely LOVED this. I've long been aware of Rufus Wainwright and thought he was fine. This album, though, had a bunch of uptempo songs with big sound and they worked incredibly well for me. There are a handful that are more what I'm used to from him that are fine, but the 5-6 peppier songs on this really made the entire thing sing for me.

For some reason, my brain wants me to believe that "Rufus Wainwright" must be a contemporary of Lionel Richie and his voice sounds like Ray LaMontagne's. Wildly wrong on both counts. I really couldn't get past this on my first listen and needed to come back to it. What an unexpectedly beautiful baroque pop album.

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Jesus, this man’s voice is beautiful and I’m a sucker for schmaltz.

As a long time fan of Rufus’ Dad, I had never quite got into the ‘tit man’ before and was initially put off by his vocal style. This album is outstanding though and I listened several times. Echoes of Radiohead and a lot of Beatlesque moments. Oh What A World Is a great opener. Will keep coming back to this album.

Ah, ungdom. Det e lenge lenge siden sist æ hørte på det her albumet, og etter å ha hørt det igjen kan æ ikke helt skjønne koffor, for det e jo vakkert og orkestralt og flott og gjør mæ glad, så det skal ikke gå like lenge til neste gang, håpe æ.

the first of a two part, theatrical pop album. compared to other baroque pop albums I've listened to, this one takes the cake for being the most maximalist and otherworldly. you've most definitely heard his cover of "hallelujah", but he has so much more in store. with layered vocals, orchestral arrangements and a vibe that doesn't know when to be sad or carefree, this album is a spectacle in this list. this album demands your attention, and you literally won't expect how the next song will sound. it's not too often you find something this emotionally... layered. that's the word i'm gonna use to describe this.

For years I though Rufus Wainwright was terrible because I thought he was another artist. This album is very much my thing. (33 known/73 new)

10/10 loved Want Two when I first had that generated for me way back, and this is great too!

Really pleasant surprise

Great one quite surprised by it

Beautiful

What a beautuful album. His voice is a mixture of Freddie Mercury, Matthew Bellamy, Chris Martin and Michael Buble. A relaxing slow tempo album with slow rock and experimental plus some horns and a crooner style singing in some songs. Absolutely magnificent. Added to shit I want to listen everyday

Prachtig album, zieke find dit. Ik krijg echt kippenvel van zijn stem

No way to classify this recording. From the album cover to the songs, lyrics and arrangements, it defies categories. While many of the albums on this list are just repetitions of something heard before, this was different. It sounded more like a soundtrack to a Broadway show. Thoughtful, deep lyrics, string melodies and arrangements. While this album is not pop by any wild stretch and wokld not be of interest to many, I suspect, it deserves a listen.

Wish I could just insert the Willem Dafoe interview where he is describing his character in the movie The Boondock Saints . "He's gay but he has a special connection to classical music" Same thing describes Rufus and Sufjan's music for me. Beautiful music all around but if you listen carefully, very gay.

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.

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.

Oh What a World has lived rent free in my head for 15 years, absolutely iconic

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

Svag för thom yorke-ös-rösten. Bitvis riktigt bra, bitvis lite bjäring. Stark 3a eller rak 4a

3/4

Absolutely stunning in some places. Best appreciated by me in smaller pieces at a time. Running through the whole thing in one sitting highlights some of the melodrama and excess, but take a song at a time there is real beauty here.

I love his voice!

I know in general what his music sounds like, but am really not familiar with his catalog. He has about a dozen albums since 1998. This is the only one that Apple Music has an “Essential Album”. Very much enjoyed it, as did Elizabeth. Didn’t mind that it was 59 minutes long.

Weird, the mp3 of 11:11 I downloaded off limewire in 2003 didn’t have the depth of the Qobuz streaming version in 2026. Heard some new sounds in an old favorite.

Surprisingly fun and good. Never heard it before.

magical

impresive good sufjan stevens illinois but worst

La voz es preciosa, tiene un estilo "ópera moderna suave". Go or go ahead, vicious world, harvester of hearts es increible. Suena como esperanzador y melancólico, tristeza bella. Muy de soundtrack, una peli indie elegante.

Where to start? With the review about "Thom Yorke goes to Broadway?" Sure. Spot on, but I, on the other hand, think that's a positive, contrary to that reviewer. Such grandiose music apparently inspires me to be pretty careless with commas. Pizzazz! I couldn't focus on reading the Wikipedia article, nor could I pay attention to my own thoughts for the review while this played. Everything here commands my attention. This isn't pop. You're not going to have some catchy hook stuck in your head for a week, driving you to buy the album or request it on the radio (does that still happen?). This is a "sit down and appreciate the music while it's happening" album. Over a year ago, the 1,001 list brought me this album's sister, Want Two. I think I had previously heard Wainwright's name, but never his music. I loved that album, and I love this too. Both will be fine additions to my personal collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐

He has such a distinct voice, and he sounds wonderful when he controls it. Sometimes he leans nasally and it almost feels lazy. But when he projects from the throat, he sounds great.

Lovely instrumentation. His moody way of singing resonates with me.

I had only heard I Don't Know What It Is and Dinner at Eight before but the rest of the album was pretty good. I probably won't be doing a deep dive into his catalogue because the opulence and grandeur of the songwriting isn't something I'd always be in the mood for, but I might change my mind. After all, Rufus was at one time, a tit man, according to his Dad.

I like this guy

I read the less favourable reviews before I started this album. Those along with my initial preconception of Rufus Wainwright based on one song I heard and didn't like, I felt this was going to be a chore. Happy to say again, I was incorrect..pleasantly surprised with this album. It's giving a good 4, enough for me to revisit it in a few months. Some of these tracks sound a bit Broadway but it's not all bad. Never realised how much he sounds like Thom Yorke until I read the reviews.

Loved the theatricality

Melodious and enjoyable.

I have huge issues with his voice (& live it is revolting with uncomfortable sucking sounds on the inhale), but there is a bit of genius within which isn't a surprise with his heritage. The setting of "Oh What A World" against Ravel's Bolero is audacious and brilliant, it just works. I did have this at the time of release and quite liked it but didn't lead to me following him thereafter (his sister took over for us!). It's a shame if Rufus is on here twice but not his mum dad or sister! 23 years on and this sounds very fine indeed, I've enjoyed every moment of it and will be keeping it on rotation, thanks 1001 and Rufus.

Anything I would write about this album would be too corny to memorialize here

Me ha encantado. Creo que es el primer disco de Rufus que me gusta tanto. Solo me guardo 3 canciones, pero el disco entero merece la pena: I don't know what it is, Movies of myself y Go or go ahead.

My friend loves this album, and informed me that the first track was a stunner; I must admit, after about 30 seconds of thinking it was okay but, basically, similar to Billy Joel (nowt wrong with that) I realised it was, indeed, special - I loved the Bolero motif and the theatricality. The theatrics continued on, in the lyrics, melodies and production of the album: RW was certainly a fine songwriter at this stage; it had a feel of the West End, so it's no wonder he's gone into writing musicals. I don't love everything about his languid voice, but it's a beautifully crafted album and an uplifting listen. Go Or Go Ahead is a great track; I just need to figure out which of my playlists it belongs on. I feel the need to include the words beautiful, gorgeous and lush in this review.

Equal parts humour and pathos. One of the best singing voices in the business

Recognized him from Meet the Robinson's. Kind of a sucker for his music style

If Thom Yorke had at least 1 cup of coffee

I kept going back and forth on whether I could objectively rate this album without any nostalgia, but fuck it. I burned this album and played it nonstop when I was feeling particularly intellectual in high school. The melodies, his operatic voice, and the witty, musing lyrics still hit for me. I loved revisiting this for the first time in probably over a decade.

Powerful but unserious

Great energy

This album cover looks like AI slop before "AI slop" was a thing! The music is solid, though.

этот местами больше понравился чем остальные его из местных списков, в т. ч. песни с тенором и гармониями как у турин брейкс) но по итогу кажется только одну песню запомню

me gustoooo, las mejores para mi son 14th street y go or go ahead.

The singer has a voice similar to Thom York to me, and kind of like that one guy in Tally Hall, pretty good.

Soothing vocals

The big band songs were great very catch Rest was ok

The curse of being born with a thom yorke voice is that you’re lucky enough to have a good voice, but you’ll always be labeled a thom yorke knock off. Which I think is unfair because Rufus is doing a lot of cool stuff here

I loved Want Two when it came up on this list so I was excited for this. Overall it’s a good album with lush sounds, but I don’t think it reaches the peaks Two does.

Odd that I should get this only days after Want 2. I prefer this one a bit.

Rufus Wainwright has one of my favorite singing voices of all time, moving and creative lyrics, and beautiful melodies, but something stops me from giving this a 5. For all I love it, it is not something I come back to very often. Sorry, Rufus!

This was a lot - LOT! - better than Want Two. It felt wat more sincere, and significantly less annoying. There's still a weird musical theatre vibe to the whole thing, led by his insistence on over enunciation all the time. But the songwriting is very good and the album flows along beautifully. Interestingly (insofar as any of this is) I listened to it in the gym, and it worked a little better than you might imagine.

A light four? But tbf, I listened to this twice yesterday. Rufus Wainwright IS pompous, navel-gave-y, and self-important, clearly convinced of his own intelligence, but hey, I liked the songs, and that’s what this project is about. Gets a little long in the tooth towards the end of this very long album as a lot of albums of the CD era do. But hey, whatever, I was down with this vibe yesterday. Starbucks hipster music, take me back to the early 2000s.

I actually quite enjoyed this!!

Hadn't listened to this in probably 20 years and not a lot when it came out, even though I bought it. An hour of Rufus is usually a little much for me at one time, but a lot of great highs here, it was really fun to revisit. "Go or Go Ahead" is epic! Maybe some more revisiting of his catalog is in order.

It almost feels like a musical. I dig it

This was nice but I couldn't shake the "reminds me of Michael Bublé" allegations

decent

Theatre kid feelings

Listened Before? N I've heard of the artist, but his music never crossed my radar until now. I hope this is representative of his whole catalog because I really liked this album. It was easy to listen to, and the range of styles from folk-ish to big avant-garde pop sounds was intriguing. It was maybe a touch too long at nearly an hour, but that's forgivable. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Oh What A World

Wonderful Way better than I expected

It feels like a heartfelt mixtape of rock and pop history, filtered through one very very confident voice. Moving very fluidly through moods and eras - tender, theatrical, playful, downright heavy - but still feels like one cohesive record. I'm makin' more time for ol' Rufus. Fun fact: with a name like Rufus Wainwright - I definitely thought this chap was going to be from the 60s era.

Good one

Album Review 053 Want One by Rufus Wainwright (2003) Rating 4/5 If I were to review this album in one line it would be this: “Want One is an album that insists upon itself”. (Queue the Family Guy meme) So, what do I mean by that? Want One is pompous, grandiose, and seems full of its own self-importance, which is an approach that works for or can even define some artists (Freddie Mercury??). But, unless it’s done with enough character or authenticity, depth, grandiose pomposity would be something I’d find off-putting at best, repellent at worst. I really didn’t think I’d like this album but there is some charm and even an occasional glimpse of brilliance here, and I’m already looking forward to listening to Want Two.

Orchestral & cool

I wasn’t expecting much because I’d never heard of Rufus Wainwright and the album cover is a strange one but this really sort of hooked me. Interesting and beautiful.

4.5

There was a certain panache to it that made it more intriguing than recent albums

first surprise of the year. wonderfully arranged and produced. his voice is pitch perfect and masterfully utilized throughout. does get a bit long in the tooth at the last 3 songs though.

Really enjoyed this one. There’s almost a musical/showtunes type aspect to this album. Saved several songs.

14th Street, Beautiful Child, Dinner at Eight, Go or go ahead. This has been a top album in my life and these songs have been so important to me to at many times. These songs. Bliss! 4.5

Argh! I kinda love this but... OK. So honestly Rufus Wainwright is awesome. Lovely voice, good solid lyrics... great band, the whole nine yards. This is technically a gem to be held and cherished. ... ... But I suffer from a "thing." That thing is that some bands, often ones I really like, I just can't do "in a row" like in listening to a whole album. There is a redundancy that builds up and I get like a kind of "hurry up" boredom instead of enjoying what comes next. So, I love Rufus Wainwright, but I don't want to listen to a whole album of him in a row. I want him on a playlist where I can revel in the beauty of his music. That said: I can't say the ALBUM is a must listen, but I can say HE is!!

beautiful as always

loser ahh music fav vicious world 8/10 2026/1/9

like a lullaby

sounds good

Unlike anything I've heard before. This record is very much off the beaten track for my tastes, but I can't deny how majestically and beautifully rich this is. The variety of instrumentation is really fun to listen through - from lush orchestra to a lonely piano, the harmonies are very complex and deep. Rufus' voice morphs easily between a broken Thom Yorke, to a triumphant Mercury/Keane. Best Tracks: - Go or Go Ahead - 14th Street - Natasha - Harvester of Hearts Worst Tracks: - Oh What A World Rating: 8/10

J'ai adoré certains morceaux mais d'autres sont trop répétitifs malheureusement.

This is tough one for me. First time it was really good. But it also has many things that I don’t like. His vocal range is actually very narrow. And he chose to use a more pointy tone when he’s in his comfortable range. Just a few notes higher, he has to switch to mix belting, that’s when I found he’s got a good voice. It’s be very nice if the producer or the song writers can challenge him to showcase more techniques. Music wise, pleasant, poppy and they tried their best to be catchy. Nice work overall I like it.

Great album. I always feel like I’m listening to Radiohead when I listen to him.

Labai gražu buvo, klausysumiuksi antrą kartą, nes jaučiu, kad nesu tinkamai įsiklausiusi.

I thought Rufus Wainwright was more country but he’s just a very beautiful melodic folk/rock or something. Man am I bad at genres but he reminds me of Bob Dylan. Beautiful melodies, orchestral moments, piano solos. Nostalgic vibe. It was a good time and I am now on my second listen.

This was pretty good. I had heard of Rufus Wainwright before today, and had heard some of his stuff, but I really couldn't name a song by him or describe his style, so I didn't really know what to expect from this. I liked it, and hummed along to the harmonies the whole time. He's clearly a very talented musician and there were a few places where his sound _really_ reminded me of Muse, which is a very good thing. I enjoyed listening to this but wasn't blown away and I don't know if I'd listen to it again any time soon. Four stars.

Completely over blown but that is very much to its credit

Part of this is genuinely amazing work, branching multiple styles and genres together into a concise and beautiful work. Another part is a decent to good assortment of ideas and concepts, with some humour to remind you that a human was behind all of this somewhere. It certainly sounds like something made 22 year ago, but it feels like it holds up can't really fault that. I enjoyed this. It's quaint. Feels like an ornate Christmas card given by a colleague. Best Tracks: Go or Go Ahead, 14th Street, Want, Harvester of Hearts, Dinner at Eight

The first thing that hit me was how smooth Rufus Wainwright’s voice is. He sounds effortless, and that alone makes the album easy to fall into. The songs flow well, the production is clean, and the whole thing has this calm vibe that’s just nice to have on. Simple, solid, and a really easy album to enjoy. Favorite song: I Don’t Know What It Is

A chorus of celebration from a real one in the early 2000s.

Brilliant album.

The only thing I knew about Rufus going into this album is that he sings my least favorite cover of Hallelujah. With that, I really didn't have high expectations. That said, there are some great tracks on here, especially early on in the album! He creates some great, layered music, and although his vocals took some getting used to, they really grew on me by the end. Still, a couple low points on here (looking at you, Vibrate).

I wasn't a fan at first but it grew on me. Each song has a feeling of bigness that I can't quite describe.

first listen artistic and beautiful

3.5

I bought this cd when it came out but to go back reminds why I got it in the first place. Symphonic, pop, baroque, broadway but so melodic and these long drawn out lines that reel in you into this music are his signature.

Ah yes, this album. The one which features Rufus looking like a gloriously sexy alt sadboy knight on the cover, and sounding like an extra moany Thom Yorke most of the time inside. Some of it is pretty good - the opening track gives dark cabaret vibes, but not in a terrible Amanda Palmer kind of way. Some of it sounds like outtakes from one of the more mediocre Radiohead albums. Four stars for at least trying to be something interesting?

Another artist I typically like when I hear him but haven't given a lot of close attention. Wainwright has a lack for plaintive melodies, poignant lyrics, and dramatic, even flamboyant instrumentation that avoids camp and cringe both. Had to listen to this album in a car with three friends, so maybe this vote is a little more for the artist than the album itself.

Men reading fashion magazines, oh, what a world it seems we live in. Straight men, oh, what a world we live in.

Oh What a World is so great, and a few more come close, several don't on early listens. But there's a ton going on in the lyrics - I don't think there's going to be a middle ground, I'll either get sick of the self-reflection of it all or love it.

Beautifully arranged songs with a breathtaking voice

Someone bought this for me many moons ago. Would not have bought myself. But through many listens really came to appreciate it. Objectively don't think I can give it a 5 but it's a great bit of art to me. 4.

Really enjoyed this album. The vocalizing and song writing have me hooked!

This album started off very strong for me because I *love* the first song, Oh What a World. The song interpolates Ravel's Bolero which is super cool. I enjoyed the rest of the album, though none of the other songs stood out to me too much. I like the pleasant, folky vibe though. 8/10 (if the rest of the songs were as good as the first song I would give it 10/10).

Beautiful songwriting! Album flowed well and I appreciated the family contributions, his sister and mom are both on the album! Sometimes the dynamic similarities made it feel like some tracks were blending, but overall I enjoyed the listen! 7/10

Definitely didn't expect this to be as good as it is. Like a less crazy Radiohead. But man, that runtime is brutal. I was kinda just over the whole sound by the 40 minute mark and it had 20 minutes of songs I didn't at all care for. So I gotta dock it a star for that

Absolutely solid.

what if thom yorke was frank sinatra

Very cool, nice production, like a movie score maybe.

I knew Rufus Wainwright from, of course, his Hallelujah cover. He definitely has pipes, and I thought that his vocal talents were showcased phenomenally in this album. It's, at times, a bit too dramatic with the vibrato. VERY theatrical. However, it still felt like a breath of fresh air after the last few albums I had. This was something different, fresh, and a great listen.

Grade: 5

Great voice and pleasant songs

Vocals gave me Radiohead vibes, solid album I liked a few songs especially

Great voice and a lovely mellow album. Worth another listen

'Want One' started off very strongly, I really thought I was in for another big discovery. The wow-factor doesn't hold till the end though. Most tracks are good and enjoyable. The album as a whole leaves things wanting. But it is one I will turn back to shortly.

A great storyteller with a distinctive sound and good use of music - but so distinctive it kinda became samey. You have to give props to the only person on both the Shrek and Moulin Rouge soundtracks

Had never listened to Rufus Wainwright before but was pleasantly surprised. He has a very unusual langid sounding voice that suits his music perfectly. I enjoyed how much instrumentation there was which I think was a source of criticism at the time but that I appreciate. Something new is happening on every song. Fave Tune: Go or Go Ahead.

I already knew (and liked) the first song "Oh what a world". The rest of the album is not bad, but less memorable.

this wacky guy is alright!

This is a name I remember hearing a lot but couldn’t say anything about. Pretty clever instrumentation but only okay singing

Love Rufus Wainwright

I don't understand the hate this album received in it's ratings. Compared to the last albums I have heard, this was better than most of them by far. I saw many 1 star reviews and I was just doubting if my tastes are that bad. I guess I am biased as I like this type of pop and rock music. I didn't get tired or started watching the clock to wait for the album to end. It was pretty solid and it actually sounds as if it was released yesterday indicating how stagnant this music genre is. Anyways, I had a good time listening to this. I never heard of this artist before but their voice are pretty undistinguished from other artists in the genre.

Some of the songs reminded me of Billy Joel B-sides, or even tracks that he'd left in the vault on purpose. Some were amazing. I'm going to listen to this one again to see if I come around about the songs I didn't care for as much.

I loved relistening to this album. Beautiful and filled with irony.

I've never been a fan of Rufus Wainwright's voice, in particular, but also a lot of his songwriting sensibilities and style. However, he is a very good songwriter and composer, and there are songs of his that I could definitely see myself really loving if another band or artist were to do them in a slightly different way. Therefore, this album is a 3.5 or maybe 4 stars for me, weighing all of that. Not something I will go back to, but I do respect it.

The first couple songs are incredible, but the rest all sorta hit the same two tones. Impeccably produced and written with true talent.

I enjoyed "Want Two" when it came up a while back, and this is very much along the same lines. I like this about the same amount; a solid four stars.

Day565 - i finally get the rufus wainwright hype. really good album

I think I would've appreciated these songs much more if I could have listened to them spread out and on their own. Hearing them all together in one go got a bit tedious and I was getting annoyed with his voice by the end of the album. Still, these are some beautiful and poetic songs. I really enjoyed Oh What A World, Natasha, Beautiful Child and Dinner At Eight.

Interesting start. Rufus Wainwright has always been someone I had avoided somewhat consciously - not sure why I know he is well regarded. I know my friend Joe likes him although that isn't always a reason I would like it. Already I can tell I will like it and it is really good.

Good listen, I liked the bolero effect of Oh What a World.

an album that feels so unique, from such a precise point a view. I'm so grateful Rufus had his own voice to express all these songs with superb arrangements and melodies

Very interesting. Cool songs, unique vocal delivery, melodies and songs seem to have some influence from classical and musical theater which is an odd but appealing addition to a pop music record

Love this and have for 20 years. No one sounds like Rufus. Perhaps I should look into more Baroque Pop. *does some digging* Oh, I've listened to and like a lot of other bands in this genre. Excluding fucking Nick Drake, ugh. I think maybe I want more post 2000 Baroque Pop, like Hey Marseilles and Fleet Foxes (which I consider more Chamber Pop, if I were to split hair).

ok so i’m obsessed with every part of this album except his voice. every single song feels like it’s lifting me up into heaven through air and im levitating. im obsessed with the rock but heavenly vibe. i just think his voice is trying something that doesn’t work but it’s such a beautiful album im obsessed.

ursäkta men den här är fan jättebra. får kanske omvärdera want two också? 14th street är ju en magisk låt.

4/5

A nice and mellow album. And the first song reminded me to listen to Ravels Bolero again.

I know the name Rufus Wainwright, but I don’t know the music. I dig the tuba though. This is a good start. This is a fantastic album. I need to dig through his catalog. I’m really enjoying this.

Brilliant song writing. Not a destination album for me, but not something I’m ever gonna be mad about being played I compare it to Beck’s “Sea Change” but cleaner and not as heavy.

He's good

This album hit absolutely right with me today. Great voice slow music with clear lyrics and great feeling throughout.

I’m not sure what to make of this one as it’s somewhat inconsistent. There’s moments in this where I found it a bit droney and uninteresting, but other times it just seems to explode into life and is really quite something. I was quite glad to receive this as I’d heard of him before, but had literally no idea what he actually sounded like. Now I can say that I think there’s a lot to admire. He seems like a truly accomplished artist – I just may admire this more than I like it. I really love the moments in this where it swells with a real sense of feeling. I like it when bands or artists go BIG, I just do. In a genuine, heart on sleeve kind of way, not an anaemic, pop, punch it up an octave for extra feels kind of way. And this isn’t afraid to go there, with sudden explosions of brass, belted out vocals, and a whole range of interesting instrumentation. At other times the music is really lush. The backing vocals are superb and deserve a special shout-out, as I think they add so much at times, and in interesting ways as well. There’s definite Radiohead vibes at times too, and that’s no bad thing. I’m going generous with this, as I suspect this may grow on me with repeat listens. It’s definitely bold and really unique – and that has to be admired.

Was really excited to revisit this one until I remembered that the songs I really like from this period of Rufus’ career are all on Want Two. Still good though.

“Oh, what a world my parents gave me, always traveling but not in love. ” I say again: what a beautiful voice. I don’t know if this is more “accessible” in some way or if I’m just in a better mood, but I liked this way, way more than ‘Want Two’. (I liked this enough that I feel I should give ‘Want Two’ another shot.) His writing is sharp and often funny, the melodies are lovely, and the production is lush and deft. Maybe opulent to the point of being divisive.

Var ret godt underholdt. Nok ikke noget jeg kommer til at opsøge selv

Good album overall. This is definitely something for musicians to hear. The way he weaves in themes from well known classical works was really quite something in this album.

14th Street is up there in my favourite songs. This album is beautifully gay and so full of big band energy. I have not listened to it in a long time and really enjoyed the listen

I... I think I like Rufus Wainwright? Singer songwriter but more produced, almost a Sufjan vibe with a little less melody but no less poetry. A great album, added some tracks.

really enjoyed. radiohead vibes

i’ve got a few records by this guys dad but i’ve never listened to them and i’ve never heard of rufus so i went into this kinda blind. i thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing this typa pop is top tier. the lyrics kinda confused me at points cause he was really just saying shit but i didn’t really mind

Pleasant on the ear.

I've always meant to dive deeper into Rufus Wainwright's work, so I was really looking forward to giving Want One a proper listen. He's always been on my radar, mostly as "the guy who did the best version of Hallelujah," but I hadn’t explored much beyond that. With all the glowing reviews out there, expectations were high—and the album absolutely delivered. Want One exceeded my expectations. I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. Of course, there are the well-known tracks like Oh What a World and Go or Go Ahead, but what really stood out to me were the lesser-known gems. Movies of Myself and Vicious World were personal highlights—unique, emotional, and beautifully arranged. This album has definitely made me excited to explore more of Rufus’s catalog. It’s one I’ll be returning to for sure. Favourite track: Movies of Myself Least favourite: I couldnt pick one. I really enjoyed every song on the album Album artwork: A very cool, striking cover—fits the theatrical vibe of the album perfectly.

This is like Michael Bublé meets David Bowie. Although kinda monotone across the album. The lyrics and music composition make the album more interesting than Come Away with Me by Nora Jones, which tonally is the most similar album from this list that I've listened to so far.

I need to check this dude and this album out more. I had time to listen to this once and it was very late at night but I was fascinated by it. A little bit of a throwback to the '70s singer-songwriter approach and his voice sounds a little irritating to me at some times. Bud, it seemed like he had some really interesting ideas worth exploring further.

Is this one of those “way more popular than you realized” albums? It was great!

Oh What A World is not giving me great hope for this album...this sounds like a Baz Luhrmann soundtrack. I don't hate this...but there's nothing I really love about it either. He's kind of like a male Fiona Apple. After listening to Wilco's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and this album, you realize what an impact Radiohead had on music from the late 90s and early 2000s. Go or Go Ahead could be a Radiohead song. There are some decent songs on this album, 14th Street is one of them. Natasha is sweet but has the lyrics of a sixteen year old. Closing out with the awful 11:11 and one of the better songs on the album Dinner at Eight.

Have not listened to this in a long time. Incredibly creative and different. Theatrical and over the top.

Big, beautiful, bold and heart warming. I wish the world was more Rufus. His musical chops shine through and his voice and lyrics convey such highs and lows. I love how this album scared the american men who are insecure.

I enjoyed this quite a bit.

Excellent singer/songwriter

Way good

Vocal pop records are not my thing usually but RW's voice keeps my attention. The tracks and production are also enjoyable.

If I was told that this album came out at the start of the 2010s, I would’ve believed it. Feels very much ahead of its time given the release date. Solid pop sound.

Nothing compares to Poses.... but this one is pretty alright. Love the quality of his voice and the quirkiness of his everything.

Different!

Yeah this was pretty cool. I really like the album cover. It wasn't what I expected really.

What a beautiful album and carried a fascinating journey through the album telling a story through lyrics and sound. Never heard of this Album or Artist before but want to listen to more now.

Rufus, my friend! Feels like a nice long chat with an old friend.

It was very nice in general, so

There may be some that criticise this album. They would probably say that it all runs together a bit, in tempo and mood. I somewhat agree, but I also think that if I gave this enough listens to familiarise myself with it and be able to differentiate between tracks more that this wouldn't be much of an issue because it's a damn good collection of songs. They may also say it's overly dramatic in places, but I don't personally see that as a bad thing. There's something about his vocals and the way he sings, it's a treat for the ears. He drolls over the music, but it works. Almost Thom Yorke-esque. There's an eccentricity to some of the tracks and it's all a bit theatrical. As I said before, I couldn't really differentiate between songs but I know that I liked what I heard and surely that's all that matters. Would happily listen to this again any time.

lush.

This is an enjoyable album, very 2000s. He has a nice voice and its very easy listening. It isn't mind-blowing but its definitely good. Some of the songs remind me of Andrew Bird. My favorite song was "Want". 7/10

Never really gave Rufus a chance after I heard his version of Hallelujah in Shrek. Sorry, but no need for it ever to be recorded again after Jeff Buckley did it. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Beautifully written and performed. I'll listen again for sure.

Nice.

Interesting sound, solid album

4/5

A good album, I liked Oh What a World and 14th Street.

Much like the last Rufus Wainwright album I got on here, this album isn't particularly for me, but you really have to give him credit for his spectacular voice. It's just sublime. On the other hand, I've never seen another wainwright with so little skill at repairing wagon wheels. Truly an embarrassment to the skill of his forefathers 4/5

Somewhere between Thom Yorke and Michael Buble you get this guy. That doesn't sound like a good thing but surprisingly it worked, there were some pretty well written songs in here

Had a bit of a listen, sounds right up my street, I like other songs by rufus so will listen again

Another artist that I was more aware of their name than the music. Very original album. I’ll pay more attention to Rufus.

4/5. These are well-written songs and has direct influence for bands like Mika and Vampire Weekend. His voice is just so calming and inviting, it almost doesn't matter what he's saying but of the lyrics I did catch, there are some sweet and naive words among thoughtful passages and themes. Just so much to explore, I am excited to revisit the album. Can't say it's a masterpiece because some did not stick with but I did enjoy the listening experience. Best Song: Oh What A World, 14th Street, Dinner At Eight

I have "Want Two" but hadn't heard "Want One". I like it!

4 - A bit dramatic and over the top in parts, but I actually really enjoyed this. I got a bit of thom york vibe and thought it was some good songwriting

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.

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*

liked songs: I Don't Know What It Is, Go Or Go Ahead, Vibrate This was a really interesting album. I agree with the Wikipedia description of this being Baroque pop/"popera". Rufus has a great voice and great compositional skills, and the end result is a great production. 3.75

## 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...

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

The never knowingly understated Rufus Wainwright here with the first half of his two-parter, and it's jolly good too. Each of these tunes could easily find their way into a musical. Recommended!

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.

It was fine I guess. Sounded like shitty Radiohead at times

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!

4/5

El cantante suena como Thom York

rufus is nice

Now THIS is Baroque Pop. Not usually my favorite genre, but I think Wainwright has the musical abilities to actually make it sound great. This album was a very good showcase of his singing and song writing capabilities, and was solid from start to finish.

I enjoyed this. There would have been a period of my life where I would have thought this was the greatest thing ever created. JLS have formed since then, so it’s all changed. A little bit samey but that’s not much of an issue when you like it, I suppose. 3.9

I have flirted with various Rufus tracks in the past but have never listened to an album all the way through. After track 1, Oh What A World I thought it was going to be a bit of a slog as I didn’t really enjoy it. After that though the album just got better and on the whole really enjoyed it. Stand out tracks for me were I Don’t Know What it is, Natasha and 11:11. Good album will definitely listen again.

Really quite enjoyed this tbh. Gave me Sufjan vibes. Track 1 was the stand out

I liked this album a lot. Very similar to what I usually go for

"Want One" is the third studio album by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. Pop, baroque pop and rock. Yes, they all work. This album is the first of what was intended to be a double album. The critical reaction was positive and the album won the award for Outstanding Music Artist at the 15th GLAAD Music Awards and was nominated for the 2004 Shortlist Music Prize. Commercially, the album reached #60 on the US charts. The first song and second single "Oh What a World" opens with a choir of harmonies. A tuba and Wainwright's vocals come in. The song builds as the harmonies come back as well as a full orchestra. He's observing the world around him. The first single "I Don't Know What It Is" is another song that builds from piano, strings and a clickety beat to a full orchestra. It reminded me of paisley pop and was a song Wainwright wrote after attending a Strokes concert and about searching but not knowing what you're searching for. "Go or Go Ahead" begins slow with strings and soft vocals and explodes into a rockin' song. This sounded a lot like Radiohead. There's a lot of mythological references as Wainwright faces drug addiction and the person he's become. It's my favorite song on the album. "Vibrate" is a simple song. Strings, piano and a flute as Wainwright is falling for his drug dealer and will leave the phone on vibrate for him. The album ends with a more melancholy ballad in "Dinner at Eight." Piano and string accompaniment to a song where he describes inter-familial fighting. A very sad and personal way to close it out. This album has well constructed songs. There's a variety of approaches/genres including pop, baroque pop, rock, ballads and even over-the-top musical-esque songs. The songs can be simple or more intricate. The lead vocals are loud and clear. The production is very good especially the choral and vocal arrangements. I liked this album a lot more than the companion "Want Two" which I felt went too "all over the place." This album does too but I found it to work better. It's worth listening to especially the singles and others mentioned.

Shockingly fresh and vibrant.

Rufus W is one of the treasures discovered during the 1001. Their first album (which was the follow up to this one) really struck a chord with me. My objective side said this was far from perfect and kinda odd but my subjective opinion is that it is a piece of perfection. Have a listen, it's really good.

Wow, I really loved this - what a great voice and interesting compositional style. Lots of fantastic new songs to explore and I will check out more of Rufus' stuff.

A guy I liked made me a mix cd with a bunch of songs from this album in my early twenties. I loved it. Such a lullaby

Yeah really love this one - first two tracks are bout perfect.

Rufus Wainwright. An artist I've seen passing by quite some time but never took the time for. Well, seems like I was wrong. Absolutely loved this and this is going on my regular listens for sure. I checked his latest album as well but that was not nearly as captivating as this.

Funnily enough I heard this for the first time last week. Want Two came up on this list and I didn’t love it but enjoyed it enough to want to check out more of Wainwright’s work, so naturally went straight to part one. Everything came together a bit better on this one in my opinion, and some of the songs were absolutely huge. Go or Go Ahead is the standout here, and it sounds like the perfect blend of The Bends/Ok Computer era Radiohead and Origin of Symmetry era Muse - with the spacey guitars, gorgeous verses that sprawl and build to massive choruses, and the swells and stabs of choral backing vocals - and I’ve practically had that track on repeat ever since

Rufus Wainwright makes gorgeous music. I’m not afraid to say it!

Opulent, maximalist and massively overdone (in one view) but also all-in and absolutely gorgeous. If one likes an artist with a vision and the guts to explore it all the way to the end and lay it out all there in pursuit of executing it, this is youre record. Because of the layers, one must be patient to appreciate the actual subtleties. Want Two is every bit as good, but different. There are a half-dozen top-rate songs – Movies of Myself," "Go or Go Ahead," “Vibrate," "14th Street," “Natasha," “Harvester of Hearts," “Want” 11:11” and “Dinner at 8." Just extraordinary. The vocals might strain a bit after a time, but the range of emotions well expressed lyrically is singularly impressive. Damn near a 5, really.

лучше чем все что было до этого в предложениях, приятных голос, можно расслабиться

I like it. definitely on the weirder end of pop of the time, but what it tries mostly works. I don't know if I was supposed to listen to Two too, but I did. I think I like it a bit more, but both of them lean too heavily on that period of media (90's to mid 00's) where a normal, stable life is somehow the most dehumanizing thing in the world.

Quite pompous and orchestral but also charming and very beautiful at times. Too long. Stand-out: I Don't Know What It Is, Beautiful Child

Really enjoyed this, some of the best male singing I've heard in a good while. Kind of like Thom Yorke singing cabaret. Great melodies too! I've listened to his debut a couple of times, but nothing really stuck. This is much more consistent, so I'll definitely check out Want Two.

Can't get over how his voice sounds like a more stable Thom Yorke

Due to the nature of the generator, I had first listened to Want Two nearly three years ago. Although these are clearly two albums that are meant to be companion pieces, I have been forced to assess them separately due to circumstance. There is no doubt in my mind that Wainwright is a songwriting savant. Songs like 14th Street, Go or Go Ahead, and I Don't Know What It Is will feel larger than life thanks in part to a large accompaniment from over 20 credited musicians. Even in it's lonesome and soft moments, Wainwright commands a song like he's always been destined to play it. Want One is worth every second of your time, though Want Two may be a different story...

Can't remember what I thought of Want Two because I didn't write anything. But I think this was good. His voice sometimes gets a bit annoying. But I don't mind.

Ganske chill, nice å gjøre skole til

I’m a fan. There’s something lazy about his singing style, but I’ve always loved his voice. I’ve hammered this cd all weekend & it sounds better each listen. His songwriting on this is terrific. The opening two tracks (both single releases) are outstanding. Whereas the great 60’s rockers might have channelled Chuck Berry or Muddy Waters, or even Elvis, I love the fact that he often references broadway or classical music here. The use of Ravel’s Bolero on Oh What A World is inspired. Rufus is a great student of popular music, as you’d expect from his pedigree. There’s a horn break in Harvester Of Hearts that is pure Bacharach. I really like the longest song on the album - Go Or Go Ahead; and Natasha is beautiful. And to end with what Bowie called the best father/son song he knew (sorry Cat Stevens) - the great Dinner At Eight - what a lyric. Love the record.

It's a very musical album, full of songs that sound like they were written by professionals (think tin pan alley) rather than being self written by a pop artist, with a full orchestral score to match. You might say this is pop meets Broadway. It makes for a pleasant listening experience, I quite enjoyed hearing this on the train coming home from work with my tired eyes closed. Another reviewer mentioned a similarity to Nilsson, and musically speaking, I would agree.

Fine. Pleasant. Funny.

It’s a tad long, but this really stood out to me as a great example of the cool albums you can find in a list like this.

(From entry on Want Two, a month ago) “I understand this is the one that Dimery kept in later editions (Want One is cut), but if the other is anything like this one I’m looking forward to it.” 😤 I expect greatness (Listening to “Beautiful Child”) this sounds like a finale, where do you even go from here Okay, now that I’ve heard it in full, I might like this even more than Want Two. More of the delicate emotions, crafty song structures and thrilling instrumentation- even throwing in Ravel’s Bolero on the opening track. Maybe a couple tracks too long, but otherwise a delight. HL: “Oh What a World”, “I Don’t Know What It Is”, “Go or Go Ahead”, “Vibrate”, “Beautiful Child”, “Dinner at Eight” May 18, 2024

a really cool orchestral and jazzy style singer songwriter album. I really enjoy his voice and am surprised that it seems his covers seem to be more popular than his original material. Very emotional and varied in instrumentation and the vocals tend to soar above. Really many of the songs make me feel like flying.

Lush and overwrought, but finely drawn for all that. Rufus would have been a great cabaret performer.

Perhaps a bit saccharine but a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging album with well crafted and creative songs. A surprise for me.

When an album makes you research more and more of the artist, that tells you something about the performer. It took me a few tracks, but I realized Wainwright sounded a lot like Thom Yorke. It doesn't really hit you until you hear "Go and Go Ahead," which was probably my favorite tracks off of this album. Definitely can see Radiohead doing this one, making a bit more in their style. But Wainwright's album does go off into different genres, which I appreciated, even when some of them didn't hit as much for me. ("Vibrate," for example.). Still, this was really enjoyable once I got into it after a few tracks, and I am definitely going to listen to more of his stuff, which says a lot. Top tracks: "Go and Go Ahead," "Dinner at Eight," "Oh What A World"

I am officially a Rufus Wainwright fan. It only took the first two songs on this album (its 2 singles apparently) to get there. Well, that and having enjoyed his follow up Want Two. Oh What a World displays his beautiful vocals and lyrics, and his Tom Waits penchant for unusual but appealing baroque or avant garde sounds. His vocals and the musical stylings on I Don't Know What it Is remind me of two of my lesser known favorite rock singers & bands - Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics and Bernard Fanning of Powderfinger. Wainwright has such a knack for creating these songs where you don't know whether you should feel happy or sad. The music itself is big and uplifting, but the lyrics are either emotionally vague or despondent. Some examples aside from the first two songs are Vicious World, Movies of Myself, and 14th Street. At other times he goes a little more despairing in tone, but it's soaring and beautiful - examples are Pretty Things, Vibrate, Want, and Dinner at Eight. I'm not going to claim it's a perfect album, but it was quite good. And this guy is awesome.

Clever songwriting and excellent studio craft, although after a while it starts to drag on. That said I enjoyed listening and would definitely listen again. Favorite tracks: Oh What a World (whimsical track that gets stuck in my head), I Don't Know What It Is, Movies of Myself, Go or Go Ahead (definitely my favorite song on the album - love the hit at about 2:30), 14th Street.

Such a weird but beautiful album. It almost feels like a movie score full of sad and melancholy songs.

I've never heard any of Rufus' material, and this wasn't love at first listen, but really grew on me after a couple. Very interesting and diverse album. His voice unfortunately reminds me a bit of Travis (not a huge fan), and the songs often lack memorable melodies or hooks, but they're quirky and intriguing. 'Go of go ahead' is the obvious single, and I was surprised I didn't know it at all, but it's a great pop song. Give that one a listen, at least!

This guy knows Shrek

chill, good vibes, good beats, laid back voice

I think this album deserves the prize (1 extra star, that's what I have to give them) for the most misleading cover from the 1001 list. It's a flowery album, good to listen to, but nothing so much special.

Didnt know what to expect but really enjoyed this album. Definitely would listen again.

Surprised to like it, but that was at 2am so I may be misguided and delusional…

Teddy and Linda Thompson lending guest vocals and the medieval cover make it look like this is going to be folk. It isn't. I'm not quite sure what it is. But it's not folk. From a vocals perspective, heavy reliance on long held notes with seemingly poorly controlled vibrato is very reminiscent of Thom Yorke. Movies of Myself could be a B-side to Street Spirit. Even some of the chord changes are the same. It has similar desperation in the vocals, but the drums and instrumentation paint a driving, positive picture. Intriguing.

Very pleasant. Like Ben folds or Billy Joel but with a bigger sound

Absolutely lovely. Only knew hallelujah before this but man’s got some bangers

hadn't heard this before. Well written songs that are personal and stark at times. Full and lush production. Would like to hear this on vinyl.