Want One

I interesting

Go Or Go Ahead was the first one that stood out to me. Very theatrical, but very repetitive. Overall, I can see how this can be up some people’s alley, but not my cup of tea.

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.

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.

3.5/10 I normally like this kind of music, but here I really didn't. Very hard to get through.

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.

I'm not exactly sure what I thought Rufus Wainwright sounded like, but *this* is not what I expected. I'm a bit bummed that it looks like we'll get the other half of this aborted double-album, as I feel like I've gotten a pretty good taste of his style with this album, but I'm not exactly surprised either. I'm not sure it's exactly fair to call him a modern-day (or at least more contemporary) version of the more orchestral tendencies of Elton John and Billy Joel and even David Bowie and Stevie Wonder, but those are the artists that came to mind as I swam through the somewhat painfully whirling sounds of Mr. Wainwright. Not really my taste, but it seems pretty well-produced, and I liked it that he clearly wrote and composed all the songs, sappy as they often seem. I feel badly only giving this album two stars, but I just *really* didn't enjoy slogging through this.

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.

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.

Worse than Coldplay.

Niet mijn ding

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

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

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.

☀︎c’est vraiment pas si pire que ça mais ça me déprime intensément ☀︎14th Street est pas pire ☀︎c’est pas mémorable, mais c’était une pas pire musique de fond

I had heard of Rufus Wainwright but had assumed he was black and from the 70s based on the name alone so safe to say I was a little disappointed. Some clever lines and I liked 14th street but it mostly was pretty forgettable. Maybe if I spent some more time with it I’d like it more

1.5 Did not want one

I enjoyed this quite a bit.

I didn't really like it and I don't have a good reason. Rufus reminds me of other artists I enjoy (FJM, Sufjan, etc.) but I was just waiting for the album to end. His singing was tiresome.

Excellent singer/songwriter

In high school, occasionally the drama kids would randomly stand up in the middle of the cafeteria and loudly sing songs from CATS or some other obnoxious show tunes. They would've loved this album; I do not. It actually started off kind of okay: the first four or five tracks start out with a decent tempo. The songs are fine even if overly sincere and try-hard; I thought "I'm surprised; this might actually get a 3!" Then, the pacing takes a nose dive off a cliff and the rest of the album is a slow, torturous grind. Even though the first few songs are tolerable, the sudden and permanent change in tempo for the rest of the album is awful. I was never gonna listen to this again anyway. 1 star.

Way good

Don’t get it

I don't actually remember this at all...which I think speaks for itself

2.0 That was dreadfully, dreadfully dull. I can only hear Thom Yorke in his voice, so it sounded like the shitted Radiohead album ever or a really bad solo output from Thom. Couldn't hear anything else. Went on the guys page to see his most listened to song, by far, is a pretty dull cover of Hallelujah. What am I missing here.

This is pretty over-the-top. It's not bad, but I doubt I'll return to it.

This seems like something I would’ve gotten lost in if I’d heard it when it first came out. But as a grizzled old man…. it’s good. Lob 15 minutes off this runtime and you’ve got a HIT!!!

Huh. I really liked the beginning of this record a lot. But Rufus’s voice started to wear on me and it’s surprisingly hard to decipher the lyrics (which I assume are pretty good given the Wainwright name). Might take a few more listens to understand what the fuss is about. Nicely made, very high quality production and musicianship is on point. Might grow on me.

Started pretty good... then not so much. 2/5

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

Tillför inte ett förbannat dugg till musikhistorien.

A couple of songs sounded like two internet browsers open at once, playing different songs together. Seemed dissonant for the sake of sounding different.

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

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.

1st album of 500+ I am skipping. Why 2 Wainwright albums?? The suffocating pretension is too much.

If wet Wonder Bread were music this is what if would sound like

I don't get it.

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.

Great voice but just soooo boring.

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.

Well.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Beautiful

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

Different!

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

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

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

A celebration of pretentious whining and self absorption. Hipsters would love this album. Hipsters are very punchable.

Pretty sure Rufus was bullied in the 80’s. Adult contemporary boredom is the only way I can describe this album.

This just fills me with an overwhelming feeling of indifference. Supposedly others find it lush, sweeping but just doesn’t move the needle for me. not bothered to say anymore- 2 Star.

Again high hopes for this one but was so incredibly bored by the end nearly gave it a one

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.

It insists upon itself

Instrumentals are interesting at times. The style reminded me of father John misty, but the album felt bland overall

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

Arranca con dos temas buenos, prometedores y después se vuelve un disco completamente aburrido y olvidable; aunque sí, se nota la calidad musical, bien de música clásica.

I just had 'Want Two' a few weeks ago and after listening to this album, I don't like his music that much better. It's not offensive music in any way (though his voice is a bit too whiny for me...), but after a few songs I lost interest and I didn't really like it overall. Oh well, one album from this artist would have been more than enough.

eh

2.0 - Weak

It was very nice in general, so

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

Annoying.

It’s ok

Meh

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.

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.

It's hard to imagine a worse singing voice being paid to be recorded. Dude sounds like he was shocked awake in an unexpected location and asked to sing. Some of the instrumentation isn't bad but the voice is just terrible.

self-indulgent, meandering drivel

#506. One of the albums of all time. 2/5: not one of the good ones, mind you.

No

lush.

Good songwriter.

Greatness cut short by a mopey final third

A voice of silk, and the music is well composed.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's just something about his voice that compeltely irks me, and the music doesn't do anything to make up for it. Meh.

ehhh

Well, I though this pretty unexceptional stuff, but maybe that's because this sort of singer-songwriter music isn't really to my taste. Kinda like the sleeve.

Teatralsk Singer/songwriter, masser af klaver, lidt langt

This was... odd... Based on other recent entries, I now have a new perspective on what awful truly is, and I can't say that this is that particular shade of bad... But it definitely isn't even close to good, either... In fact, it really is awful... Just in a very inventively odd way... I dunno... I struggle to imagine the target audience this was meant for... It sorta feels like clips of it would appear in a Hallmark movie or something... In the interest of mending my average score from the damage done by jazzapalooza, I'd love to give this a neutral 3 and move on, but it definitely doesn't deserve that... So, I guess the lesson here is that evil just comes in different flavors... Oh, and under no circumstances should Rufus ever be allowed to sing again... His whiny vocals are as deadly as any jazz horn...

Want one? No thanks. I want none of this.

That was kinda nothing. Very much a Starbucks compilation CD circa 2006 vibe. Album cover: (A) It kinda rocks. Its so cheesy and over the top, but it works. It looks like something Dennis Reynolds would come up with.

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

I like a little of his stuff--emphasis on little. Dude, what's up with the medieval armor? Violins? Dial it down a bit, please. I just can't take the whole over-the-top overwhelming vibe.

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.

I found that to be boring and lacking inspiration of any kind.

Rufus has a flare for the theatrical and this album shows it. Great voice, but this is not good. He's like that prince in the Holy Grail. "But Father, I'd rather....sing!"

Could only make it through 2 1/2 songs. This guy loves his long note voice. I don’t.

Talk about an album cover! Hot garbage of an album though. I think the only person that liked it was Jeff

Interesting and will revisit.

3/5

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.

Pretty good.

Bueno

Interesting sound, solid album

⭐⭐ 4/10 I don't think it's awful. Just ain't my kind of music.

2.5

The grated on me

4/5

Back to the monotone whingers. Joy.

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

Not terrible, but it’s boring.

Not a fan of his tone

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

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

For the love of the wee man. Pish.

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

2.5 Started out great with the first track (Oh What A World) and never went anywhere from there, unfortunately.

Liked the music, did not like his voice

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Saai, momenteel niet mijn ding. Heb het niet eens gered tot het einde.

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.

Too whiny for my taste. There are some highlights though.

Solid 3 stars.

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.

Руфус из Ким 5+ > Руфус Уэйнрайт

I'm not really a fan of Rufus to be honest. Baroque/OTT Pop is never really my bag, he never really sounds like he's enunciating his words properly and has influence a bunch of girls and ukuleles thinking they can sing with no effort and the elements of stage musicals always grates. I know all critics creamed themselves over this album and its sister album but its not really for me. Best Tracks: I Don't Know What It Is; Movies of Myself;14th Street

REALLY??? 🤦‍♂️ Dude I tried. I just can’t. 3 songs in and I’m ready to quit the 1001 project altogether. Wainwright is a good enough singer. But the fucking affectation, the little slurry tongue the soft consonant sounds. I don’t have time for this shit. Get over yourself please. Why do we have two of these albums? Here’s something else: you think I’m complaining? You should hear this record. I think I’ll go listen to actual Radiohead now.

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

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

It's alright

Straight men!

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

melodramatic vocals, some nice arrangements and intricate melodies, but a dreary voice - pretty forgettable, overall.

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

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

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

I've owned this album for years without ever having listened to it. And now it can go back to collecting dust. Not one for me.

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.

Love his voice but tapping out early. Super over-produced and doesn’t seem like he has much to say? Maybe just not feeling it

Some grandiose arrangements. I like Rufus's voice but the songs weren't especially captivating

Why does this list consistently generate total shit?

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Widzę zarówno skąd się bierze opinia Cichego, jak i Mikosa. Zacznę jednak od tego, że za cholerę nie rozumiem okładki tego albumu. Jest całkowicie od czapy moim zdaniem. Ale to nieistotne. Najmocniejszym akcentem tego albumu jest jego utwór otwierający - "Oh What A World", o czym pisałem już u nas na grupie. Z oczywistych przyczyn osobistych bardzo rozbawił mnie ten fragment: "Why am I always on a plane or a fast train? Oh, what a world my parents gave me Always traveling, but not in love." Plus ponownie pochwalę strukturę utworu. Co prawda nie wiem, dlaczego autorzy postanowili wykorzystać "Bolero" Ravela do tego utworu, nie widzę żadnych wyraźnych powiązań pomiędzy tekstem, a utworem Ravela (który w sumie nie ma żadnego konkretnego przesłania), ale sam zabieg wypadł bardzo dobrze. Dla mniej spostrzegawczych (takich jak ja), w ostatnim momencie pojawia się skopiowany jeden do jednego temat z "Bolera", który już jasno uświadamia słuchaczowi, z jaką strukturą ma do czynienia. Spodobało mi się to i rozbawiło. Potem niestety jest już równia pochyła i nie przypominam sobie żadnego utworu, który w jakiś sposób by mnie zainteresował. Zarzuty do Rufusa mam takie same, jak miałem do Adele - jego śpiew to czysta technika i zero emocji. Tylko Adele ma mocniejszy i ciekawszy głos. Rufus strasznie nudzi z tym swoim nosowym mamrotaniem. Momentami ma ciekawe teksty, jak "14th Street", ale mam wrażenie, że śpiewa to tak płytko i płasko, że aż szkoda tych słów na niego. Czasami, głównie przez aranżacje, faktycznie brzmi trochę jak bootlegowe utwory z Disneya, także rozumiem też wrażenia Mikosa. Ale pewnie nie pomyślałbym o tym, gdybym nie przeczytał jego opinii. Każdą piosenkę śpiewa na jedno kopyto - długie samogłoski i narastające vibrato. Po tym pierwszym utworze już głównie się nudziłem. Jego sposób śpiewania kojarzy mi się trochę "Smells Like Nirvana" Weird Ala Yankovica. Tam jest taki fragment "It's hard to bargle nawdle zouss With all these marbles in my mouth". I tu też miałem wrażenie, jakby chłop czegoś z pyska nie wyjął przy śpiewaniu. Słabe 2,5.

It's like your favourite Disney song but worse!

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.

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*

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

Baroque pop featuring sappy Songs with elongated vocals and suffocating softness.

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.

Not my kind of music. Whiney-songwriter

Whiny

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"

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.

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

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

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...

Love the cover art. The Bolero action in the first track really got me excited about the album, that it would be a fun musical treasure chest. Sadly there wasn't quite as much of that kind of wittiness as I was hoping for. I'm good with over dramatic but I feel we veered into maudlin territory; also a bit Thom Yorke-y for my taste. A shame, I really wanted to like this album. "Medusa kiss me and crucify this unholy notion of the mythic power of love"? Yeesh.

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

It's not my thing, but not terrible to listen to as background noise.

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

5/10

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

Boring and whiney

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!

I guess this is fine, but I can't stand this type of music. Overproduced ballads that belong in some corny movie or play.

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.

If you crossed The Bends with Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Happier than Radiohead, but less interesting 3/5

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

Want One? No thanks.

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

Yeah, it’s a pretty little thing, this album, but is it all that memorable? I listened to this while painting and the lyrics in Vibrate gave me a chortle, but not much else gave me a vibe. David Bowie name-checked Dinner at Eight, so that bumps this by a star for me. Just.

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.

Not for me....

Getting strong radiohead vibes from this one, solid listen

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

Not really my music. I don’t need to listen to this again.

Pretty good stuff.

2.5

powerful. transportive. emotional. beautiful.

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

4.0

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%

A couple of decent tracks on here but quite dull for the most part.

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

All sounded the same. Great voice, boring songs.

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.

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

Meh. That’s what this album is. Meh. Not really bad, but not really good. Would be a great Billy Joel cover band.

A name and a sound that are both anachronisms from the 1970s. Since I can’t play an instrument or write songs, I try not to criticize people’s talents because as a rule they are almost all better than me. But in the context of making this style of music in the early aughts, there’s really nothing special here. Actually, in the context of making this music in the ‘70s there still isn’t anything really special going on.

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.

Wufus Wainwight

Started pretty strong and went pretty boring after a few tracks.

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

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

utterly, painfully, unremarkable music paired with a voice that can be described as generically good but will never be hailed as unique or particularly interesting. I'll give rufus the benefit of the doubt that this was a labor of love and the result of his true artistic expression, which actually does make it somewhat impressive that it sounds like it was created exclusively in response to the feedback of focus groups

Don't like the music, don't like the voice.

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.

Rating: 5/10 Meh.

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

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

I've heard nothing but good things about him and his music, but this really didn't do anything for me.

There are decent songs here, though the theatrical arrangements aren’t really my thing. I almost came to like this album, but sadly I can’t really get past Rufus Wainwright’s voice. He sounds like Thom Yorke if you sliced out 75% of his range and ability to emote. Best song: I Don’t Know What It Is

Do not want One or Two.

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

Fine

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!

Saved Prior: None Off Rip: None Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: This is like if Want Two was worse in every way, and Want Two wasn't even that good to begin with. I cannot believe he scammed two albums into this generator. #releasethewainwrightfiles

Nope, no thanks. 1.36

3,5

I would have preferred a Michael Bublè album.

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.

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

This was a strange album… I enjoyed parts but it almost seemed as if Wainwright was pressing the “unique” factor. Also, he has a great singing voice but to me, he came across as almost entirely cold and disinterested, even when the music suggested otherwise. 2.5/5 but rounding down as I would not listen again

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!

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.

Musically it’s not my thing. Lyrically some of the songs are beautiful. Overall it feels too plain in some areas and way too much in others. 14th Street and Beautiful Child were the highlights for me. I give those a 4.

Just a bit too slow for me. Decently produced, just kept finding myself skipping

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.

Yikes. I skipped almost every song on this album hoping that the next one would not suck, but was continually let down. There are so many albums that are probably not on this list that should be and this garbage made it?? Shame.

Sounds a bit like Radiohead

No, I don't Want One

What a distractingly annoying voice! It's actually so annoying that I couldn't even take the pleasure of listening to what was otherwise an ok album and had to bail. 4/10.

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

Ok 2/5

Melodic, lyrically smart

Sounds like a discount version of Leo Sayer. There’s nothing wrong with this per se but it’s so lacking in edge that he’s a complete circle polished smooth. This offends my punk sensibilities so much he makes me want to throw up

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

Can't imagine ever going through this again. The simpler songs with just piano were better than the overly structured ones.

Found myself zoning out on this multiple times, tried to refocus but then a piece of debris drifting in the wind would catch my attention and that was actually more interesting

Wake me up (when the record is over) (sorry - Green Day ;-) ) Ravel's Bolero in the starting track describes my feelings best. Sorry - I cannot see any artistic skills - I DONT want one! I really wonder how much was payd to get this album in such a collection (1001...)

There is a nonzero chance that from now on when someone offers me something I'll be reminded of this album. "Want one?" eugh "No thank you :("

mid 3/5

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

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.

pfrt

Ik ken Rufus Wainwright enkel van z'n Hallelujah-versie door Shrek. I don't know what it is was nog oké, maar de rest... wat een zageboel. 2.4

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

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.

More like Do One

Operatic/theatrical pop

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

From the name, I was expecting a bit of country music, but instead got something that sounded like a cross between Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, from a man whose idea of a big romantic gesture is putting his phone on vibrate. This is so inoffensive you could play it at a dinner party for maiden aunts, nervous vicars and people with heart problems with no risk of upsetting anyone. The only edgy thing here is the cover where he is holding a longsword by the blade. Do not want.

Ugh. Fun fact: you can sing along "this is boring AF" on any song of the album if you ever want to turn it to a 2!

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.

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

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.

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.

Boring

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.

Boring and messy.

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.

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!

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

173/1001 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑

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

This was way too much. It was overproduced, and his way of singing, e.g., holding a note for a longer time, is at some point annoying. There is too much technique, and it lacks emotions.

No thanks, don't want one. 1/5

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

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

4/5

Wow this album dragged. Its barely an hour and feels so much longer. The elongated vocals and softness of the entire production made this a bit of a chore. However, in a coffee shop? You got an album baby.

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

Ensin olin että ah, ihanan melodramaattista, tää on hyvä aamulevy, mutta sitten heti tuli bolero… jonka lainaaminen kuulosti vain halvalta kikalta. Liian pitkä albumi, hänellä just ja just riittää melodioita tähän. Pakko myöntää, etten millään ois meinannut jaksaa loppuun. Mut idea, soundi sinänsä: vetosi ensin.

Ensimmäisen ja parhaan kappaleen Bolero-viittaus on vakava oire: jokainen biisi tällä levyllä on suunniteltu kohoamaan jonkinlaiseen kliimaksiin, mikä kertoo manipulatiivisuudesta - tarpeesta luoda "aha!"-hetki jopa biisinteon kustannuksella. Lahjakkuuden laiminlyöntiä - tai illusioo sen laiminlyönnistä.

El cantante suena como Thom York