Want One

This was very different but actually quite enjoyable.

Wel oke maar iets ''te'' Go or Go ahead is wel een nice nummertje

Hated the opening track, but started liking the album more and more after that

Starts great and then just seems to get repetitive

I have never heard this artist before. This is the first time I do. I listened to all of the tracks. Did he compose all of these songs? I think if he would have had someone prepare the arrangements, he would have had better success.

It was pretty enjoyable, but by the end I was tired of it. The music was effective at pulling me into a melancholy, lazy, and wistful state of mind, but it didn't keep me there after the album was over.

Nice lush sensitive pop. Doesn’t quite achieve greatness for me, but I can appreciate the ambition

This is very similar in quality to want two which I got first, I can respect he has his own theatre play, broadway style of music and aims for an album experience with big explosive chord changes which sound like a Disney soundtrack but for me it’s just pretty good at best. I think this has a slight edge over the second one though as it sounds more original as he doesn’t sound like a Thom Yorke clone as much. I also wish they just put these two albums together as the double album rather than taking up two spaces on here but oh well, he definitely deserves to have at least one on here though. Favourites: I don’t know what it is and movies of myself. Overall, 6/10.

Didn't finish, but maybe that was more me than the album. I think it waas listenable, it just wasn't what I was in the mood for. Perhaps revisit.

Not bad, but quite bland. 6/10

"Dinner At Eight" is a nice track, but otherwise the album is a little too close to Radiohead for me.

While enjoying a nice 48 hour migraine, hearing a vocalist that's copping a more precious Thom Yorke can be a bit of a struggle. And I absolutely love Radiohead. But I'm told that's what drugs are for, so bottoms up. First song is indeed too precious and I was a bit put off while nauseous but it gets rolling with "I Don't Know What It Is" "Want Two" was the "darker sibling" to this album - in Adam Wainwright's own words - and I'll agree. This is a tough one in some ways - the talent and songwriting is truly top shelf; there's some weird mix of ragtime, 90s-moody alt Britpop, and glossy showtunes. Much like "Want Two" it's truly not easy to ... just get into. Feels a bit too .... <parade-y/showy> for me to give a 4 as I could see it going either way with 5 more listens - either I love it or I'd want to buy a physical copy to break in half. Depends on the drugs. 7/10 3 stars

This is a true neutral. It wasn’t bad but it did drone on and on and became a bit of a chore towards the tail end. He sounds fine it just didn’t do anything for me

made me close my eyes so many times so I could just feel the music

i liked this. sounds like radiohead in places!

YESTERDAY I HAD WANT TWO!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN!!!! Thankfully enjoyed this one more than Want Two, since it has catchier baroque pop songs, even though the ballads are dreary and directionless.

2.7 2x decent enough but not memorable

Talented but songwriting is inconsistent. Some songs like Go or Go Ahead are quite good. Sounds like a decent Radiohead song. Others like Natasha are terrible and sound like a trashy Disney song

A little too Broadway for my taste

Given how much this guy sounds like Thom Yorke I was surprised to find out he wasn't english. Unsurprised to find out his parents named are hyperlinks on wikipedia lol its that kinda music. But its good, well crafted songs, some excellent production choices, yeah just a good chamber pop album. Favourites - Vicious World, Movies Of Myself, Pretty Things, Go Or Go Ahead, Beautiful Child

If Radiohead decided to do an acoustic alternative album to follow up OK Computer, I’m certain this is what it would have sounded like. Oh What a World (6/10) I Don’t Know What it Is (7/10) Vicious World (7/10) Movies of Myself (7/10) Pretty Things (7/10) Go or Go Ahead (9/10) Vibrate (7/10) 14th Street (8/10) Natasha (6/10) Harvester of Hearts (7/10) Beautiful Child (6/10) Want (5/10) 11:11 (6/10) Dinner at Eight (6/10) 6.7/10

There's one song on this that I adored. It's called "Go Or Go Ahead". Wainwright would make a great singer for Radiohead if Thom leaves. The rest of the songs on "Want One" are average. It appears my next album is "Surf's Up" by the Beach Boys. 3 stars for "Want One".

Sounds like the shins or the eels But I like it

3.5 stars. Lots of layers in the chamber pop album. Occasionally very listenable voice, but a lot of flat and nasally affect brings it down a bit. Lots of good harmonies and backing vocals help though. Album at it's best when he brings in orchestral elements. Standout is opening track "Oh What a World" which heavily "samples" Ravel's Bolero and elevates it beyond a standard pop song.

Wainwright's music, while very theatrical, always leaves me on the verge on wonder, without ever being truly dazzled by it. I have to assume if I was seeing this in a live setting, with stage direction, lights, and choreography, I'd feel a lot different about it.

Halvandet lyt, og der var momenter af albummet som ikke var kedeligt, jeg kommer dog aldrig til at huske tilbage på andet end cover billedet som er ret fint.

I love the orchestration and the grandness of the pieces; the mixture of pop with a variety of backing audio. Unfortunately, I'm quite sensitive to singing and I don't like his. The combination of the muffled diction - like he has something in his mouth that he's trying to talk around - combined with the aspect of his voice that becomes whiny and annoying when he sings sustained notes (which is often in this album) makes me want to turn it off, despite the cool and interesting support music. Weird and interesting album cover. 🎵Pwretty thiiiiaaiiingssss🎵

First impression is that it has a very 'theatrical' production, which isn't my favourite. However, after a few listens I came to appreciate Wainwright's voice, which reminded me of an early Thom Yorke (when he used to sing lower). There were parts of the album which also reminded me of k. d. lang, which I also appreciated. The lyrics are not my favourite - a bit too sentimental for my taste; at times morose without actually being deep. Will probably not be returning to this.

I think had a similar experience with the other Rufus Wainwright album I’ve rolled on this list - I liked the first track, but it started to seem too overwrought and dramatic. While I didn’t exactly dislike it, I can’t really say I liked it, either (and if anything, I think I preferred “Want Two”). Oh What a World, Vibrate 3-3.5

Very Queen-like. Talented writer.

His third album. Oh What A World is a gorgeous opening track. I like the album cover on this album too. The album is a bit like Thom Yorke sings West End tunes. Vocally, after about four or five tracks Rufus starts to grate on you. Nothing here is great but nothinng here is bad either. It's also a well produced album.

A very good album. Enjoyed it.

Not bad but kind of blah to me.

This album felt theatrical in many moments. The instrumentals arrangements, the harmonies, the production, the interesting lyrics, all made for something really intriguing and fun. The most impactful song for me was “Go Or Go Ahead” which felt completely different from the rest of the album, yet fit perfectly. It was transcendent, and I felt his vocals took a different direction than the other songs where it felt he was mainly level toned, almost monotonous at times. However, learning that Rufus Wainwright is Canadian, and that this album was categorized as baroque pop (by combining rock with some classical elements), made me appreciate this album a little differently, not just because it’s a part of my heritage but also because I never knew there was a genre like this. It was something I never heard before. Overall, I found this album to be a little vocally monotonous, even if the instrumentals were theatrical at times, minus the absolute gem “Go Or Go Ahead”. I guess in a way I was craving something more from it, but rereading through other reviews I’m curious to hear Want Two and see if it’s more of what enjoy from Rufus. Nonetheless he was something different from my regular gravitational pulls to other genres. Standout Tracks: “Oh What A World”, “I Don’t Know What It Is”, “Vicious World”, “Go Or Go Ahead”, “Beautiful Child”, and “Want”

Unexpectedly bright and whimsical album. A couple duds. A couple bangers.

So Want One and Two should really be the same album. I did like this a long time ago. Less now.

🗡️

Another guy I've always heard about and never really listened to it, can't believe this came out all the way back in 2003, which is the same year White Winos by Loudon Wainwright III came out which was a song I was quite obsessed with. This feels like Billy Joel meets Radiohead both of whom instill existential anxiety in me. 3.5/5

Had a nice melody

Really emotional pop (like kind of too emotional) though the good songs are good

Music for the kids that took drama in High School...and I was in drama.

Rufust Wainwright - Want One Gave Want Two a 3 and this gets a 3 too, but a slightly different, better 3. Surprised both of these made the list and surprised to pull them both in my first 50.

The streak of perfectly okay albums is alive and well

pretty sound, songs that i moreso want to enjoy than actually do little did the world know it would just take a few years for him to hone his skills for the meet the robinsons soundtrack so he could peak

Oh What A World // Go Or Go Ahead // 14th Street // 3.5/5

Het is theatraal, rijk, meanderend, er is kortom werk gestopt in de arrangementen en productie, maar al met al raakt deze Elton-Johnesque excercitie me niet zo. De stem is een verkouden Billy Joel, het geheel is nogal sloom. In plaats dat de muziek me meesleept, word ik er vooral kriegel van. Daar is muziek toch niet voor bedoeld, dacht ik zo.

Ik behoed de klusmaatjes maar voor de noise-rock en heavy-metal albums. Krijg ik straks zelf wel uren achter elkaar gitaar-geweld. Maar tja, de zeurstem van Rufus kreeg eerder van mij 2 sterren. Dus kan ik de klusmaatjes dit wel aandoen? Ze houden zich stil over de muziek. Dus het kan blijkbaar, Zelf hoor ik toch weer een zeurstem. Het komt ook door het oprekken van de laatste lettergrepen van woorden. Als een klein kind...."Mag ik een snoepjeeeee....weeehhhh....." Hoe moet die stijl iemand nu overtuigen? Muzikaal zit het wel goed in elkaar gelukkig. Met 2,5 ster komt Rufus goed weg lijkt me.

Feel like I'm in a musical

This was very interesting given that I did not know what to expect especially from a guy whose father wrote “Dead Skunk”. Despite that, I thought it was a pretty good album.

Solid. Not great, not bad. Solid 3

We listened to this many times but kept forgetting to rate it. It's pretty decent.

At least it's something different. Not really my bag though

Comenzando

It’s okay. Felt kind of generic at times, but had some good parts. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again

Was really good, just didn't really wow me either. Kinda like an OK Computer era Radiohead if they mixed in Billy Joel influence?

a very theatrical and musical sounding album. it lies somewhere in between the 3 and 4 territory, can’t quite make up my mind about it. i don’t really see myself putting this on again. “i don’t know what it is” - i quite like this!! “14th street” was fun. “beautiful child” is my favourite song on the album. it’s amazing! the last song “dinner at eight” was really beautiful 😭 i do really like his voice, but i understand why some people don’t.

I interesting

Twee shit. Sounds like everything else that came out around that time that was oh so cute. A full hour of something not interesting enough to hate, not good enough to be rated.

Rufus was new to me, and this album gets off to a good start--love the tuba esp in the first track. But by the end, the slightly nasal quality to his voice started to get to me. All in all, I enjoyed it but I would've voted a few tracks off the island to keep it a little tighter.

Not sure what my expectations were but this album out did those

Fine but never hit good for me.

Oh What A World - What a strong start to the album! Such a cool sample choice too I Don't Know What It Is - very epic feel to this Vicious World - not bad. I like "didn't realise you were so top of the shelf" Movies Of Myself - not bad Pretty Things - very sweetly sad Go Or Go Ahead - quite a Muse sound on this one Vibrate - love the classical music backing 14th Street - sort of Julian Casablancas sound on this Natasha - very pretty Harvester Of Hearts - not bad, quite wistful (hilarious little laugh at the end) Beautiful Child - not bad Want, 1:11, and Dinner At Eight - all made for a dull end to the album, unfortunately

His manner of singing irritates me, he sounds full of himself, and sadly it is the main thing that stands out. Shame because the songs are decently put together 2.8

Verwunderliches Album eines kanadischen Songwriters mit einer interessanten Hommage Carmina Burana in „Oh What a World“ sowie eines brauchbaren Song „14th Street“. Der Rest mag trocken, britisch und künstlerisch wertvoll sein, kurzweilig ist er nicht.

I’m very sure another version of myself in an alternate timeline is super obsessed with Rufus Wainwright. I guess this me really likes the occasional song, but the full album didn’t really get me.

There were elements of this I thought were alright, the odd orchestral bit, but overall this just all felt like a bit much. Like in the same way show tunes do. By the end I was quite exhausted by it. But overall it wasn't terrible either

It was fine. His voice is good. The arrangements were sometimes complex. Just didn't grab me enough to give a lot of interest.

It insists upon itself

It was ok, not a stand out by any means, but I would be willing to give it a second chance.

It’s ok

Very lush instrumentation....and very early 2000s. This album does minimalism well, but maximalism better. Songwriting got a bit repetitive. Listened to: doing my taxes. Favorite tracks: Vibrate, 14th Street, Dinner at Eight

This was kinda strange. More crooner than expected.

Good songwriter.

ehhh

He has an interesting voice but he’s never gripped me as much as I think he’s going to. Could not distinguish one song from the other but pleasant as background music. It annoys me when people talk about his version of Hallelujah. Leonard did it best.

Well... another artist I spun with a negative bias against. I would have described Wainwright as ponderous and pretentious and unlistenable before spinning this. And while I still find him a bit ponderous and pretentious, I'm finding the humanity and beauty in his work as well. That said, he's a lot to take in. Very self-focused (I'm going to wager the word "I" and/or "me" is in every song). And those wavering long notes... every song. So, I've come to appreciate the artist, he brings a lot to his craft, but I'm not sure I'll ever be a fan. An admirer? I guess.

boy the sigh i sighed when i saw today's album was loud enough that my wife called to me from the other room to make sure I was all right. This guy's voice just grates on my last nerve. Plus, he's so plaintive, and the last album was so self indulgent, it made me wanna barf. But I didn't hate this one. Decent songwriting, cool production and arrangements, etc. etc. to sum up: I'm not a fan, but I see why people are.

Interesting and will revisit.

3/5

Pretty good.

Bueno

2.5

Wainwright in all his transgressive, fabulous glory. It's just not my thing.

Not terrible, but it’s boring.

After a quick glance on the cover photo, I expected to hate the album and was ready to 2-star it right away. Although it wasn’t as horrible as I’d thought, I never became really invested in many of the songs either. I don’t mind the Thom Yorke-ish vocals. His phrasing is tiresome at length, though. I like the harmonies on the opening track. The panning on Vicious World is terribly annoying! But hey, how good is Go Or Go Ahead? Instant hit, and the only really good song on the album

Liked the music, did not like his voice

This album sounds like a lush, orchestrated stage musical with a touch of Radiohead’s “OK Computer.” There are moments when Rufus Wainwright’s vocals sound a little like Thom Yorke in that dramatic mode. I wasn’t sure about some of the lyrics at first. Some of them feel overwritten on first listen. But I liked the lyrics on “Vibrate.” “Pinocchio's now a boy who wants to turn back into a toy” is a great line. The arrangements are gorgeous. I mostly felt like I was taking it all in this time around but I was impressed.

Rufus Wainwright is the king of baroque pop. His songs are intricate piano-driven stories in that Randy Newman esque style, but more modern, more eclectic, and with a hefty amount of ups' and downs', louds' and softs', and everything in between. I've like him since I heard him cover "Hallelujah" about twenty years ago, and he's been in my periphery since. I really love the lyrics in "Vibrate", straightforward and easy to relate to, with some intriguing deeper lines in there as well.

It’s been such a long time that I wholeheartedly forgot about this guy. Or the fact that he not one, but two albums on this list. The significance of either of these which determines their spot is still beyond me. I just happened to hear Want Two first. And I wasn’t a particularly big fan of it. It’s been a while, but it seems I found it too inconsistent with its own ideas. So I was looking for a more concrete sound on the first album if and when it popped up for me. Can’t say I was exactly thrilled by the length of this, considering it was even longer than its sequel, but I tried to stay optimistic. And I can pleasantly say this is definitely an improvement. It’s still not life changing by any means. But I wanted to give this the benefit of the doubt and like it, and I think it’s a big step up. It’s still the same baroque art pop idea that he was going for with Want Two. But it feels like there a lot more genuinely well written pieces of music on this. Maybe I’m misremembering, but I don’t recall there being anything as good as Go or Go Ahead and I Don’t Know What It Is on the follow-up record. I also think I’ve become more accustomed to his voice, and what makes it work. Unfortunately I think Rufus is one of many singers who have been cursed by their cover of Hallelujah being their most popular track. But I firmly think Another Believer is a much better hit of his. Again, nothing on this was mind blowing. But I’m glad to see there was something of value to actually pull from this. Generally sequels are always worse than the first. And that seems true in this case too. Rating: 6/10

Beetje theatraal, niet mijn ding. Zit verder wel goed in elkaar.

We've heard of rock opera, now this is a pop opera. The lyrics have so much to dig into here, tons of interesting lines. Engages emotionally and entertains throughout by staying fresh with each song

This is a creative pop opera type of record. I think there were moments where the instrumentals and vocals are paired together well and are very lush. But they are moments where it gets boring.

Solid 3 stars.

Had al veel gehoord over deze guy, lekker rustig Soms wel beetje rare nummers, vind Vibrate beetje gaar.

It's alright

Straight men!

Interesting but I didn’t love it. Don’t think I finished it. Good for finding some inspiration

Very run of the mill for me. Mostly inoffensive, very few standouts, felt a bit of a drag. Fave Tracks: Beautiful Child 2.5/5

This was good but not great. Kind of reminded me of Thom Yorke's singing but without the rest of what makes Radiohead great. I liked this enough to give it another listen, or listen to Wainwright's other albums, down the road.

Emocjonalny pop z barokowym rozmachem, bardzo ciekawy album. Fav tracki: Oh What A World 14th Street Mocne 3

why he kinda sound like thom yorke 🤔 i thought this was nice but it didn’t grab me—he’s clearly a very vivid and competent lyricist which i really appreciate, but the orchestral elements came across as overwrought in my opinion.

An ornate and immersive listening experience. When Rufus Wainwright sings its almost impossible to listen passively. His voice is a rare and beautiful instrument in this world of cookie-cutter diva types each sounding more alike than the next. His syyle is an acquired taste but the talent and inspiratin is undeniable. 3.5 stars

Lush but somehow simple and a bit repetitive.

Album 637 of 1001 Rufus Wainwright - Want One (2003) Rating : 3 / 5 Good album. Falls pretty much right down the middle for me. Nice listen but not likely to seek it out again.

J’aime les influences plus classiques, voire baroques parfois, mais c’est plus pop que je ne m’y attendais, et j’ai toujours trouvé difficile de connecter à la voix de Rufus Wainwright. Ça ne me parle pas, il faut croire

I like the Lawrence of Arabia quote in 'Oh What a World', and the rest of the album is pretty lush. I enjoyed this one

5/10

It’s fine. I know he’s beloved in certain circles, but I thought it was just ok.

This was alright. I didn't love or hate it. My only question is: Why is it an album I need to listen to before I die? It didn't seem that special. What classic album didn't make it on the list because this one did?

This music is so different to what i listen to, that it almost felt like new to me. The melodies captivated me on a Monday morning. Charming, dreamy and it felt like a story all along. By the half of the album, i felt the vibrato was a bit tiresome, it is his signature, but it quite not stuck with me. Great album overall, i enjoyed it. I might come back when i eun out of ideas on what to play with friends around!

Radiohead inspired??? Maybe that’s a bit generous or maybe Tom Yorke is his hero. Nonetheless, it’s artsy with ballads as well as drawn out songs about seemingly minuscule things such as your phone vibrating but shows how deep your phone not vibrating is on us?? Ironically this was written in 2003… I’ll probably visit Want Two to see how he evolved. Interesting listen

Want One is a big grand album with a lot going on. It’s beautiful and many layered. Excellently produced. Feels almost operatic and like most operas it’s a bit long, thank god he split up the album into Want One and Want Two 6.3/10

his voice gets tiresome by the end. too long but not bad i guess 3.5

Well, at least it's not British. I actually really liked the other Rufus Wainwright album, 'Want Two'. It just felt like really artsy art-pop that also didn't sound artsy at all...but easily digestible and charming. I still listen to the song 'The One You Love' from that album frequently. Nothing here hits that same high, aside from maybe the opener, 'Oh What A World', which had a nice crescendo and build-up. Most of this album really just gave me '90s Radiohead vibes, which wasn't always bad...'Go Or Go Ahead' with all its Radioheadisms was one of my favorites here. It's the vocals mainly. There were a few other songs I liked here, like 'Beautiful Child', but it felt like for every good song in the track listing, there was a forgettable one. I guess the most impressive thing about this album is just how timeless it can sound - like it really doesn't suffer from many of the early 2000s tropes plaguing the art-pop scene. 'Vibrate' was particularly impressive in that sense, sounds very modern.

Movies of Myself was really good, the rest were interesting if not memorable. Overall a decent listen though.

2.5

Good gospel/ pop rock album that I hadn't heard of before. Standouts: Oh What A World, Pretty Things and 14th Street.

3-4

I was very concerned with this album cover and the first song. But it did get better after that. Will I listen to again: 5%

I was pretty darn bored with this album until it hit "Go or Go Ahead". I had a blip of interest again with "14th Street", and "Beautiful Child" as well. "Want" was a little less my thing but suited his voice very well and I think his voice was beautiful on that one. Otherwise I was bored or neutral for the most part. Probably a 2.5, but I'll round up.

So much that should have been cut out of this one. A few good songs. Weird pronunciations, such as “may” for “me” did not endear him to my heart.

I liked a few of the songs quite a bit, but there were many that should not have made the cut. Edited down to half the length could have made for a fairly solid album. Because the few tracks I liked, I liked enough, this is barely eking out a 3.

There's a few songs where he actually sings well. But most of the time he sounds REALLY sleepy or maybe just doesn't open his mouth enough. I didn't hate it, but I did find myself wondering why it was taking so long to end. 2.5*, but I can't say it irritate me enough to merit 2*. I guess I have to round up to a weak 3.

Perfectly pleasant (except for his voice) mix of folky and jazzy. If I could, I'd give it a 3.5.

What's with the Torvill and Dean shit on the album opener? Weird. I quite liked the orchestration that followed. It gives the album a feeling of grandeur and importance. It sounds like it was recorded in the 70's. No bad thing. Dragged a little towards the end.

Fine for background music, but this is nothing special. 2.5 stars

Fine

3,5

I thought I was going to like this more. Feel like it was almost good but every song had something that was like slightly off. Maybe I'll like it more if I listen more. Low 3.

Why do I keep getting these albums that I’m clearly not in the headspace for? God, my first reaction was that this was B-Side tracks for some shitty Shrek sequel; little did I know this dude actually does Hallelujah in the original. Idk I think I need to be in a better sappy mood to truly enjoy this album, the performances themselves aren’t bad.

Sounds a bit like Radiohead

I’ve picked up a few Rufus Wainwright CD’s cheap whilst seeking them out at charity shops. Not because I’m a big fan but more because I occasionally catch his songs on the radio and enjoy listening to them. Haven’t got this CD and don’t think I’ve heard any of the songs before. Some nicely produced tunes with a lot of good orchestration which always appeals to me. Problem is after a few tracks I do tire of Rufus’s voice so I did a bit of skipping. The CD’s I have of his sit amongst my library on Roon so when I play track shuffle I just get the odd Rufus track every now and then which is just about as much as I can take but always a welcome interlude. 2.5/5 6/10/24

Melodic, lyrically smart

Stylistically interesting but a little bland. I was disappointed - Want Two has been and gone on this list and I enjoyed that more.

mid 3/5

I like emo but this radiohead rip off is a bit much.

Honestly, Want One actually was fairly solid and a fair bit better than i was expecting. I feel that a majority of the songs on this album would probably feel right at home in a romance movie or in some cases, even a musical (i would have expected to fit a medieval movie especially considering the album art but that apparently refused to happen). The theatrical instruments did sound pretty alright here and fit the themes of the songs pretty well. Rufus' voice was also pretty good as well. I do feel that the songs do sound a bit samey but other than that, this album does it's job and then some. Best Song: Movies Of Myself Worst Song: I Don't Know What It Is

Operatic/theatrical pop

This one has been really hard to rate and I've had to listen to it about four times to figure out how much I like it. At its best, it's really good; he builds these grandiose tunes with loads of instruments and theatrical levels of drama and songwriting. But then the pace drops off and I just can't quite get on board with the slow burners. His voice falls somewhere between Thom Yorke and Robbie Williams, which is odd for a North American. But it also means it veers into 'whiny' when it's going too slowly. 11:11, 14th Street and I Don't Know What It Is are brilliant, but the rest just doesn't do enough for me to think I'll be back. I'm glad I have given it a go, though.

To get the gist of Want One, one would have to check out Want Two that succeeds it. The records together have enough at play to make it a worthwhile listen. Rufus Wainwright's operatic, often-bombastic, Broadway inflected vocal stylings push these records into another level that encourages listener invitation. That being said, this could be a required taste and Rufus' singing style could grate and become a chore in the long run. But Want One is a fine enough album to make one want to delve into more, if they wish. Favorites: Oh What a World, I Don't Know What It Is, Movies of Myself, Go or Go Ahead, 14th Street, Natasha, Harvester of Hearts, Want, Dinner at Eight.

No es de mi gusto

I like this type of music, but this album doesn't strike me as a standout in anyway, sadly.

I liked Want Two a bit more. Maybe because it was my first, or maybe because it had a couple more really striking songs on it, and a bit more musical variety. The good moments on Want One aren't exactly few and far between (Oh What A World and 14th Street are the best, seeing as you asked), it's just that it drags a bit when you listen to the whole hour in one go.

Oh What a World is a strong opener, but the album didn't carry through for me and it was definitely a tad too long. Overall, I'm glad I listened toboth Want One and Want Two, but not sure the next time I'll come back.

I liked it more than I thought but something about it felt unsubstantial

Sort of reminded me of Radiohead at times, but more sleepy and not as good to me.

Interesting musicianship but it didn’t really do much for me all in all. I only listened to about half the album truth be told

Very over dramatic in places. A lot of good songs too though. 3/5

Want One is the third studio album by Rufus Wainwright, originally released in 2003. First off, I actually like Rufus Wainwright's voice. I think he would've fit in really well with the 70s singer-songwriter scene with the likes of Jackson Browne. Alas, he fell into the 2000s indie scene which I think drew this album back. It's filled with grandiose production moments that sometimes fit and sometimes don't. I think the record could've gained a lot from more stripped-down production and maybe some Americana/folk elements sprinkled in. It's still an ok record with good songwriting. Just a little over the top. The album cover is pretty cool tho.

Best Song: Beautiful Child. I really liked how big everything in this song was: the vocals, the arrangement. Worst Song: Pretty Things. His nasal delivery really became grating by this track. The audio mixing also felt off, as I could constantly hear him swallowing and preparing to deliver a line. Overall: Such an odd vocalist. Sometimes he sounds like he's channeling Radiohead or Muse with these big, alt-rock tracks, but other times he's a sad Billy Corgan whining his way through songs, nasal cavity first.

Interesting sounds.

Goed gemaakt, goed gezongen, maar de nummers doen me niet zoveel. Behoorlijk over-the-top.

Pretty songs but not the most interesting for me. Cool one for a nice sunny day I guess

This style of music gets tiring, but at least this album is more positive than most

It was ok

6/10. Really liked the first song but got a bit dull from there.

I don't think I am of a high enough social class to truly appreciate what Rufus is doing here.

I really appreciate the pretentiousness of Rufus Wainwright for some reason. He’s in a world of his own. That being said, this didn’t have the same impact on me as Want Two had; it’s still good, but I never felt as involved.

Interesting.... starts off slow but kind picks up. Got a little bit of Radiohead going on. A little Ben Folds. Pretty listentoable.

The vibe is promising, but the only song that stands out for me is Go or Go Ahead, which seems to have a Thom Yorke vocal edge. It smooth and very easy to approach, but gets a little boring.

Pleasant.

Sonically gorgeous. He is absolutely brilliant musically. But as a collection of songs, it's pretty self-indulgent. It also tends to feel a bit unedited lyrically and melodically, as though he's so eager to get to the studio to arrange and produce that he rushes the song-writing.

John Grant did it better

Very enjoyable to have in the background — I don’t mean that as a dig. I thoroughly enjoyed it playing while I worked. I’ve always appreciated his laid-back delivery — like Thom Yorke if he did ballads — and the arrangements were good elevated pop.

Interesting and lush in the beginning - whiny towards the end. Good songs, not a great record.

Eclectic and good

Recording is good. The album starts quite strong but if fades into it's blown up production and grandiloquent angle. too long too.

Hm. It is alright. Didn't know Rufus Wainwright and thought throughout the entire album that it sounded exactly like anything by Ron Sexsmith.

Part of me didn't want to like this. I had a little word with that part and in the end allowed myself to enjoy this for what it was.

It’s ok

Adult contemporary Thom Yorke.

Whatevers

twas a good listen. sounded like thom yorke on 1.25 speed, although the music didn’t necessarily sound like radiohead.

It's very pretty album. Just not something I would normally return to.

I got Elbow vibes listening to this, it’s not bad

I wouldn't usually listen to this, was a bit samey towards the end but it certainly wasn't bad! 2.5/5 (the extra half a star is for the album cover, i love a medieval moment)

Snooze

This was a cool album to listen to. Unremarkable except for a few tracks but it wasn’t a chore to listen to.

Better than I expected it to be. But what it made me realize is that sturgill Simpson is not and should be on this list.

I'm at a loss here. It's not bad music. Not unpleasant. Really listenable. But nothing is sticking. Nothing here that makes me want to add anything to a playlist for later. I will forget that I've listened to this album the moment it stops playing. That's a problem, right?

I like the sounds. Never heard it before.

jahas, ruufuksel prequel albumi, edeltäjä siihen albumiin jota jouduttiin kuuntelemaan 200 päivää sitten.. tämä kauniimpi!!! kultakurkku wooouoouuouu hoooooooou pitkiä vokaaleja pitää yllä!!!! soothing.. tämä henkilö ei koskaan miettisi liikaa itsestään ei koskaan!!! sellaista musiikkia että tulee mieleen että ei koskaan miettisi liikaa itsestään henkilö!!! uskomaton alku.. valtava soundi.. hämärä temaattinen, eikä tarvitse nielaista sylkeä... ei vaahtoa suu kuin vesikauhuinen koira konsanaan ei vaahtoa... käytöstavat selvästi opetettu, ei ruoka suussa lauleta... go or go ahead

Gaydiohead

I have previously reviewed 'Want Two', the sequel to this album, and quite liked it. And I can admire Rufus Wainwrights (over-? melo-?) dramatic voice, the wonderful orchestrations, but today I am just not in the mood for his louche charms. 2.5 stars.

This is average I think

Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex We got Want Two come up on the 1001 list a while back. I recall being pleasantly surprised by it (after I'd wrongly assumed it'd be awful). I wonder if I should have listened to this one first? As it sounds like more of the same. Nothing bad, I liked most of this album, but I see why it's now an ex-1001.

Is this a second one? Ah come on Probably better than the other

Was a bit miffed when I seen a Rufus Wainright album on the list this morning, but after listening to it I was pleasantly surprised again. This wasn’t what I was expecting, reminded me a bit of a laidback Radiohead album. I enjoyed it, maybe not enough to come Back to but one I’m glad I listened to today.

I enjoyed parts of it.

Not exactly the most exciting music ever, but also not bad. It's the kind of thing you could just keep on in the background because it's quite chill. However, I would not go out of my way to listen to it.

This was an ok album. It sounded a bit like Thom Yorke without the benefits of the members of Radiohead. Nice listen, but I probably won't put it on again. 3/5.

I probably won't be returning to this, never heard of him before but nice to know now

A good listen. But I won't come back to it.

A first time listen. This is certainly good music, but I don't like it as much as I could. It's all not far from what I usually can and do enjoy, but it's not *there*. It's, like, above. But only in quantity: there's an aesthetic of excess in this dense theatrical baroque poprock, that I just do not connect with. "Just one more layer, bro, one more choir and strings, that'll fix it" and then it becomes quite possible that the core behind all of this is merely pleasant while being actually quite boring.

Really interesting. Some nice things going on in here.

A better, gayer, more theatrical Radiohead. Still not my vibe, but a million times more tolerable.

Very solid writing and arrangements. Good stuff. Just not my favorite overall. 3.5/5

Not a record for me, but he’s clearly quite talented and knows how to arrange a god darn song

Rufus Wainright again?? I don’t understand. It was alright but surely we could have some variety

This one definitely has its moments, but it drags a lot too. Some killer but too much filler. Oh what a world was an amazing opening track.

Meh. I really liked the first song, but then some of that creativity and sampling disappeared and I heard a lot of sameness. There is a lot of talent there but not for me.

I've never been a fan of Rufus, I recognize he's clearly a talented songwriter and the songs are unique and different, but I never endeared myself with his sleepy whiny vocal style and many of his songs to me come across as overly dramatic cabaret/musical theatre production numbers. I should like him, at least for his genes and nationality, as I'm a fan of both of the McGarrigle sisters (his mom and aunt), his dad, Loudon and sister, Martha and he's Canadian. So much of it is so "over-the-top", which is fine and that's part of what sets him apart from most pop stars and the musical style does suit his voice, instrumentation and personal fashion.

No es mi estilo pero reconozco el mérito

Enjoyed the album. Liked the way he had a full band behind him. But it didn’t make me want to listen to it twice.

This guys always been a bit of a closed book to me but this is quite endearingly theatrical. It's sounds almost 70s at times- certainly quite retro in a nice way. Shades of Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel and even Randy Newman dare I say? Pleasant songs, well put together and presented.

I remember disliking Want Two when I got it a while ago, but this seemed a bit better. He still sounds like a combination of Thom Yorke and Beck to me, but it wasn’t as whiny as Want Two.

Okay, not really my thing, but nice.

3.9 - I suppose most chamber pop is bound to be a little hammy and over-the-top, and this record is no exception. But, Wainwright sings in a clear, mopey tenor, a somewhat brighter version of Thom Yorke. And songs like "Vibrate" are quite lush.

Noch nie was vorher von gehört. Nette Elemente von Rock, Pop und Oper.

Apple Music calls this rock. I wouldn’t call this album rock but it’s pleasant. Upbeat in places. Melancholy in others. Nothing really stood out and gripped me but I didn’t dislike any portion. A good lighthearted listen.

Better than I expected. Was some solid background music at work

I enjoyed this album but by the end I had, had enough. Although I think I'll revisit it because it might grow on me. Highlights: Oh What A World 14th Street Beautiful Child

I did enjoy this, mostly. More than the previous album of his we've had I think. It does get a bit much in parts though and I do feel like it's a bit pretentious. Think a whole album is a bit much but the odd track I could manage. It still reminds me of Radiohead I think my favourite was "go or go ahead" 3.5

57/100

this was okay. it basically just serves to answer the question "what if radiohead was really boring?" rufus has a nice voice (that reminds me of thom yorke, but i may be alone in this) and the songs are pleasant enough, but pretty inoffensive and samey. this definitely feels like the kind of indie singer-songwriter sound that ended up being pervasive in the 00s but it's not really my thing. favorites: oh what a world, i don't know what it is, go or go ahead

The lush arrangements certainly heighten the emotional drawer. Could it be more powerful pared down just vocal an light instrumentation. The presentation is on the cusp of holding one's attention and being soppy. A strong set of songs.

Nice album and a great voice. Album at times reminded me of both Neil Young and Radiohead.

His voice is pleasant enough, but if you told me this was just an unauthorized compilation of Radiohead outtakes I’d believe you.

Pretty pop. Lush production. Pretty forgettable overall. 5/10 aggressively mediocre

Today's album is like indie pop or operatic pop, similar to Michael Buble, Nick Drake, or Jeff Buckley. Not terrible, but you really have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it. Not a type of music that I would really gravitate to personally. But I get that the dude is talented, so I can understand him being included on this list. Interesting side note for all Canadian's who were around in the 80's: Rufus' mother, Kate McGarrigle, was a member of the duo Kate & Anna McGarrigle with her sister. They famously sang the song Log Driver's Waltz, which was written by Wade Hemsworth, and featured on Canadian TV sets across the country through the 80's and 90's. His mother is actually featured on this album in the song 14th Street where she provides a banjo solo. Favourite songs: Go or Go Ahead, 14th Street, Harvester of Hearts, Oh What a World, Movies of Myself Least favourite songs: Pretty Things, Vicious World, Vibrate 3/5

First song is great, will listen again. By song 4, his voice is really starting to grind on me. Just finished. If he had a better voice this could be a great album. Still solid but the droning got old quick.

really enjoyed the opener "Oh what a world" when it slowed down became really dirgey, nice lyrics but a bit up it's own arse.

While 'Two' got its wanted number of stars, 'One' has actually better songs and receives one more. The vocals are problematic on both.

Soms best mooi, maar soms word je ook echt wel moe van zijn stem. Dus houden we hem lekker gemiddeld.

Had it all kept the energy of the opener, weird ass not quite fugue, round, march (I don't actually remember music terms) would have been a 5 easy. After catchy chamber pop that earns the name, not like the shadow puppets earlier, with some pseudo thom yorke caterwauling from our foppish boy.

Couldn't make it very far into this one. I have been trying really hard to get through all these album-of-the-day's, as a means to expanding my tastes and building some new synaptic pathways. This melodic self-absorbtion had me reaching for the off button. It kind of ruined music for me for a few hours, and I had to listen to nothing for a while. The first few tracks reminded me of something like a 70's soap opera theme if written by a lovesick 14 year old girl. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Speak your truth buddy, those who need to hear it will love it I'm sure. The instrumentation and arrangements were really good. In fact I'm sure it's all really good, it just wasn't written for me. I had a dream last night where I was a tourist in a foreign land, the preferred mode of travel was via suitcases, which floated and propelled you through the waterways. That was way more fun.

lot of radiohead vibes, bit slow for my liking but musically it was decent

I remember when this came out. I bought it. It’s a bit pretentious.

Good

Pleurnichades qui passent pour du grand art après la fraude Miles Davis, que l'on va d'ailleurs de nouveau devoir se coltiner...

He writes some pretty songs but his singing voice sometimes makes me want to punch him in the face

there’s definitely some amazing moments in here (rufus for sure knows how to write a big finish to a song) but moments of it feel… incomplete. it leaves me wishing it was simultaneously pared down and weirder. i wonder if this suffers from being part 1 of a two-album set. still solid though. very high 3, almost almost a 4.

An opulent and mesmerizing album.

Nice enough, lots of energy comes out the speakers.

It's different, and different is good. Makes me want to dress up in a clown/sailor hybrid costume and walk around doing jazz hands at people. So if you happen to be in my vicinity at the time, don't me alarmed, I'm just lettin' loose, listenin' to some Rufus. 3 jazz hands out of 5 🤗🤗🤗

Kind of like a knock off Jeff Buckley. Which honestly is a compliment; Jeff is great. 14th Street is great.

I kinda dig it 😭 not as bad as the reviews say it is!!

Pretty polished effort here, nothing to dislike, but nothing made me jump with joy either. Would listen again

Very talented singer/songwriter. I enjoyed his vocals. Having said that, it’s not my style of music. I’m glad I listened to it once.

Some good songs in this album, but otherwise it's all kind of the same.

Felt like mediocre christmas album

Rufus Wainwright is clearly a talented songwriter, and tends to be somewhat of a chameleon troubadour, aping different styles as he sees fit. I particularly like the Radiohead, OK Computer era “Go or Go Ahead”. It is a solid listen, if overlong.

У этого чела 1000 подписчиков на яндекс музыке (что между прочим крайне мало!) Что это значит? Не знаю. В принципе альбом приятный, очень музыкальный, лирический. Такое ощущение, что он пишет песни "для кино". Что-то что можно вставить в монтаж где шрек лежит в кровати ночью и смотрит на потолок, думая о фионе, которую наряжают в фату и сватают за принца. В целом, звёзд с неба не хватает, но слушается очень адекватно. Три звезды.

Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright. Got a good voice, sounds kind of like Thom Yorke. Not bad, but a lot of the same. Won't listen again. That being said, not bad.

Pretty good! Movies of Myself is a great song. Some it kinda took me to snooze town.

Pretty solid album.

It’s a really pleasant, smart pop record which Rufus sings maturely and well. Better than Want Two that was listed a week ago.

The songwriting is clearly good, I just couldn't really get into it too much. "Go Or Go Ahead" was quite nice. It sounded like a Radiohead song.

Tilgerðarlegt og uppskrúfað. Hafði þó gaman af þessu. 3,5.

Iha jees

He's got a pretty great voice and all, but these songs are just meh. I expected more from the hype and left dissatisfied.

fín, soft listening

I like his hallelujah song and thats about it

Thoughtful, dynamic (in that it goes from super soft a little above speaking volume) and pretty pleasant.

Ca ne m'a pas déplu, mais il y avait quelque chose de très produit dans cet album. L'artiste est très présent, mais j'ai l'impression qu'on a voulu trop en faire parfois. Ca reste un bon album en général. 3.25

don't want one

Pretty but feels very similar to hundreds of other artists.

Frist listen to this one, I've heard Want Two already and like that one. Kind of an interesting voice and sound. 3.5

Song composition was above average, but nothing too groundbreaking or memorable. Vocals were a bit too dominant. None of the tracks were standouts. This album was just kind of... there.

Had another one of this guy's albums over a year ago, and only now do I realize that he's the Shrek Hallelujah guy. I like this, but I can't shake that weird feeling that I'm being catered to by some mega-corporation. There's a very distinct "music magazine darling" feel to these songs that I can't even begin to properly describe. In the wise words of Peter Griffin, it insists upon itself. Pretty good effort, gay Thom Yorke from Shrek. Good effort. Put some more pizzazz into it next time - sing it like you mean it.

Tykkäsin ja en tykännyt. Aavistuksen uneliasta menoa vaikkakin sopi päivän tunnelmaan ja ehkä siksi nostaa pisteitä. Jotain kakkosen ja kolmosen välistä.

Egentlig ein toer, men skal få et plusspoeng for kult cover

Just ok, not as good as the sequel.

Groot fan van Rufus, maar dit was met tijd en wijlen iets te bombastisch. Maar zijn stem is echt geweldig!

Nice and relaxing vibes. Quality singing although it got boring by about halfway through the album. Some more diversity would've been nice.

Yea it was ok

getting MAJOR radiohead vibes from the lead singer. I enjoyed a couple songs. It was def a nice depressing album which i love. Saved a couple but it’s a pretty easy 3

First couple songs were cool, then it kinda faded to the background.

Very pleasant instrumentals. I went from really liking some of the songs like Beautiful Child, to the others being a bit too slow for me.

I remember this album! I enjoyed it.

Nothing special. He has nice voice.

Idk, I feel like I should like this more than I do. I like the dramatic, orchestral instrumentals and production, but it's kinda just too one note, pretty as it is. Every song sounds the same, and I'm sick of it halfway through.

Elegant and engaging. Beautiful arrangements with a strong sense of pop songcraft. Charming and earnest vocals. The album could have been a couple of songs shorter, but overall it was a really lovely listen. Fave Songs: Oh What a World, Want, I Don't Know What It Is, Vibrate, Natasha, Dinner at Eight

Okay..

the orchestration’s pretty cool

I once sat directly behind Rufus Wainwright in a movie theater. It was at the Sundance Film Festival screening of I'm Your Man, a film of a Leonard Cohen tribute concert. Rufus was sitting next to Emmylou Harris. Perhaps because I have this special bond with him, I've always appreciated Rufus Wainwright's talent. He has a great voice and writes interesting songs. But I do find that he veers too much into the Broadway/cabaret range with his style of singing. Overall he's good, but I like him best in small doses. 3 stars.

Interesting. A little too subdued for long stretches. May take a few listens to fully absorb and may grow on me more. Really liked "Go or Go Ahead"... Sound alike Radiohead a bit.

I like want two better, but this is good.

Liked this better than the most recent Rufus I listened to. Still not entirely for me but this one felt a little more structured with better lyrics. I liked 14th Street. High 3.

Very pretty songs. The album listens like musical theater, which, is fine, but not something I really seek out to listen to. This was a nice listen but I doubt I’d come back to it.

I don’t understand how he has two albums on this list, but at least I liked it more than the other one we heard. These had a grandiose quality to them that could be a little too self-serious but did seem sincere and grew on me as I listened and because it matched my mood.

An original work, with Wainwright's unique touch. Worthy of a listen, but then move on.

Alright, I guess they do know that other Canadians exist aside from Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Leonard Cohen. Not much of this appeals to me, it’s just too over the top melodramatic and pretentious, but I can appreciate that he is a real artist; someone who writes his own music and is a skillful singer-songwriter. I do feel sorry he has such a bastard man for a dad. Seriously, read the Wikipedia on Loudon Wainwright III, what a trash bag excuse for a human being. Poor Rufus. He had no choice but the become a musician to make sense of himself and his world.

Theatrical

A lot like Want Two. Not as eclectic, though, and thereby not as good. The end I guess.

I probably wouldn’t seek this guy out to listen, but the albums of his on this list are really, really good.

Started out really promising but I started losing interest a few songs in. Could've been a 4, but maybe I will give it another chance in the future and see if it becomes one.

Couple good ones on here. I know him from his Hallelujah cover on the Shrek soundtrack and I'm seeing he also has Another Believer on Meet the Robinsons. Two classics. Interesting album cover too. Overall nothing to write home about but glad we are getting some "variety" (not UK)

It doesn't slap, but it sure sways.

мне кажется уже было и уж больно слишком мюзикальный, для нового года хорошо подходит

Is it just me or is this Walmart brand Radiohead?

Is this the start of the sad music genre? There's some since compositions in there and I have heard at least one song before. I know a few people's daughters who listen to artists who sound like their about to commit suicide it's so sad. This isn't quite there.

Nice sound

C'était bon mais un peu long et unidimensionel. Je n'ai pas trouvé que grand pièce se démarquait du lot. Les arangements musicaux sont souvent vraiment très beau et Rufus a une très belle voix, mais ça restait un tantinet facce. 7/10

I enjoy the overblown-ness. What's the word? Theatricalness? Pomp. But I find his voice a bit flat. Flat with a vibrato. But flat. Or just irritating. If not for the voice would listen again.

The kind of indie where you can tell this guy would be really hard to talk to because he fancies himself such an artist (ar-teest)

This is the second album I've listen to be Rufus Wainwright and it's a bit better, though still not a fan. I guess if you love bad movie soundtracks than this is your album.

I left this on and didn’t hate it. Which overcame 2 expectations. I would go so far as to say… I even enjoyed a few songs.

I like it better then two. Fine but not something i'm going to revisit.

A nice well song and decently written album. This one seemed much better than the other Wainwright album. The singer songwriter style was well delivered and felt less spiritual or experimental. Overall it was good and would be worth revisiting. 6.6/10