Want Two

50 odd minutes of waiting for a song to get going. Reminded me too much of the Radiohead albums I dont like. I suspects it was a turning point album or wildley experimental for this artist but it was boring for me.

The compositions here can be gorgeous, but sometimes fall into the background or songs sometimes feel like they never get going. "The One You Love" is the sole single and it features upbeat rock instrumentation and sticks out like a sore thumb. It's fine, but it gives the vibe that they didn't want anything too weird and unconventional for the lead single. The baroque stylings found on the rest of record are held up by double tracked acoustic guitars, wam strings and Wainwright's piano playing. The album's closer "Old Whore's Diet" picks up the pace with a more energetic dancehall number to finally mix up the formula and to give the record a memorable climax. Wainwright's vocals reminded me of Thom Yorke. His vocalisations can add texture to the music, but I found that he sometimes distracted from the lush instrumentation. This was a relaxing listen to start off my morning.

His voice is pretty, but his songs are all down tempo.

Rufus Wainwright has been in my peripherals for a long time but this is the first time I have sat and listened to a whole album. I get why he is given somewhat of an icon status (at least in Canada). He's clearly a very talented singer and his songwriting is so unique and different he certainly stands out front the crowd. I was definitely entertained by this album, there are so many different sounds it almost felt more like a film score at times. I think he would be cool to see live in a soft seat theatre sometime, but I don't think I will dig any deeper into his catalogue at the moment.

I always knew the name Rufus Wainwright and I knew that he was a singer-songwriter, but for some reason I chalked that up to mean he was a lesser Leonard Cohen or something. That's definitely not the case with this album. This is a lot closer to artist like Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, and even Radiohead. A singer-songwriter for sure, but these tracks have such complex and lush arrangements and superb singing. Another case where I shouldn't have judged an artist based on my preconceived notions. I'll have to check out more of his work now.

Unnecessarily dramatic. Not for me!

probably a bad sign when almost every single song made my eyes roll back into my skull. nauseating levels of overhyping yourself. i do not care for it. 2/10 FAVOURITE SONG: GAY MESSIAH LEAST FAVOURITE SONGS: AGNUS DEI, OLD WHORE'S DIET

As melodias são bonitas, mas as interpretações são por demais "arrastadas". Disco inferior ao volume 1.

Wanted to like this after the first track, then got disappointed. symphonic settings are just too ostentatious for the material.

I was disappointed

I had never realized how much Rufus Wainwright's singing reminds me of Thom York. I had also never realized that he is the son of Loudon Wainwright III, so I've been learning quite a bit today. It took me a while to place the sound of this, but I kind of settled on " it's a little like if Radiohead had a neoclassical slant, and if I could believe the emotional core of Coldplay". This is a very pretty album, and Rufus Wainwright's singing is gorgeous. And honestly, I don't just want to keep bringing up Radiohead, but I genuinely think the best songs here kind of hit the magic that some of Radiohead's late '90s stuff had. But Want Two definitely has an identity of it's own too. Like I said, there's the neoclassical stuff; it's very rarely a bit much, but generally is executed with taste and purpose. There's also something kind of singer songwriter-y here, but I have a harder time explaining that. These slants all flavor and expand on what could have just been a solid alternative rock album. But instead this explodes with unique ideas, and delicate beauty and unique performances. I will say the quality drops off a little near the end, and that this could've maybe been a bit shorter, but I *am* very impressed.

**An ok album. Easy listening

Never heard of Rufus Wainwright until this submission. It is a pretty album and the songwriting is decent, but I found it a tad boring and overly dramatic—all build-up with no real narrative or emotional payoff. If this baroque, theatrical pop style is to your liking, it will be great, and I am glad I heard it, but it's not something I see myself relistening to.

Not bad at all!

Interesting. Lovely background music. I like but don’t love. Might get better with more listening, but isn’t likely to get the chance 3/5.

Another "this is great I'll score it a four" "oh what is even is this! It scores a two" album of mixed reactions. In the end I suspect it's art and further listening would increase it's score

No 1/5

Cool album, reminded me of Cameron Winter/Geese. 6.7/10

Lo siento Rufus. Me he aburrido.

Very unique listen for sure. Wasn't expecting this blend of sounds and storytelling from the cover but I was pleasantly surprised. Rufus Wainwright's ability to sing with this melodic moan type of sound makes for some very interesting sounding tracks in the best way.

2004 alternative pop, baroque Little sister

really really boring

I don’t know how to word this. Holy fuck. Incredible. Opening track sounds like I’m communicating with some insane deity

Zero. I want zero. Some music makes me irrationally angry. This isn't one of those albums. I am fully rational in my anger towards this trash.

Woof. Against my better judgement I relistened to Want One before giving this album the proverbial spin. Things did not improve with Vol 2. What a drag the whole ordeal was. Rufus should have whittled these two albums down to one solid album, then recognized it still sucks, tossed the whole thing, and reconsidered what he wanted to do with his life. This album is like a sad shitty Radiohead, but without the electronic features that keep it somewhat interesting.

Radiohead for people who think Radiohead is too heavy.

Surprised i hadnt heard of this before, i really enjoy it. Vocals are somewhere between Thom York and Conor Mason from Nothing But Thieves, which i like a lot. The album has that kinda "boroque" odd sound that a lot of indie in the 00s liked to pick up which is fun but does feel slightly dated to me. The composition on the album is really great, especially on memphis skyline. It flows relatively well but has a fair amount of lulls as well. Favorites are Memphis Skyline, Old Whores Diet (fun closer!), and Peach Trees.

Super ambitious and unique album! Integrates some diverse instruments smoothly, vocals are great, and a consistent mood pervades. Good stuff Highlights: "Agnus Dei", "Peach Trees", "Gay Messiah"

Ziemlich interessant, mir aber einen Deut zu lang. Aber mit dem werde ich mich nach und nach mal beschäftigen.

Ein paar richtig gute Stücke waren dabei. Aber die 0815-Lieder zwischendrin hätte er sich meiner Meinung nach echt sparen können.

Dieses Orchestrale ist mir zu doll.

I’ve always had mixed feelings about Rufus’ warbly falsetto singing and baroque music stylings. He’s talented. But he could use more rock-ish qualities (like Elton John, or something) to save himself from the maudlin excess. (This is a pretty good batch of songs outta him, though.). 3.5 stars

Loving the lush instrumentation / composition, middle eastern North African influences and hoedown references, BUT Rufus’ voice is giving me wobbly Radiohead and try hard cabaret, and I SO want him to carry and soar a note without whingeing nasally about it. Having said that, lyrics are funny and sharp, and the Old Whores Duet is wonderful.

I have never been big on Rufus Wainwright however this is a good album. Love his lyrics “Art Teacher” and the duet with Anthony on “Old Whore’s Diet” is great. I find his voice too much cabaret otherwise. I have noticed some parallels with David Byrne’s solo work which I like.

2.3

70

2,8 Highlights: The One You Love, Little Sister

I picture either Thom Yorke or the lead singer of The Strokes draped over a chez longue holding a rose in his hand with an open shirt, lazily singing and not moving from that same pose for the duration of the album. Music was OK, vocals - can tell he's a good vocalist but misses the mark for me and there's no enjoyment in listening to him or the album.

This was pretty different but really unique and I liked a few of them. Will explore the artist more in the future. Fun find!

I liked the instrumentation but honestly Wainwright's voice was just tiring. It's like he's trying to be Thom Yorke but stretching out the words waaaaaaayyyy too often. Favorite Track: The One You Love

What a pleasant surprise that a Rufus Wainwright album made this list! My spark song for Rufus was “The One I Love,” which I must’ve first heard on World Café back when David Dye hosted. I picked up WANT TWO soon after. Rufus is one of my favorite artists and this album remains my favorite. I know it’s not for everyone, but I absolutely love his distinctive “velvet tongue.” And the storytelling in his songs really puts me in those places and situations. 4-1/2 stars

Interesting. I put this album on for background music when I was working and I kept stopping working like listening to the songs and overall it was a really great album..

On the Industry Plant/Nepo-Baby scale from Jakob Dylan to Stella Lefty, I give this album two Jeff Buckleys. I guess I just don't like "Baroque Pop" or whatever this genre is called.

I gave his other album a 1, but this one is slightly better. The question is, who needs to hear either of these albums before they die?

i didnt want one, i certainly didnt want two of Rufus' albums. Too whiney for me

This is pretty good

Listened to this twice. The first listen I found it very underwhelming. The second listen I got a bit more out of it, but still...it jut deteriorates as you go through the album. This is by no way anywhere close to want one. Part from Memphis skyline the album falls flat after little sister. The one you love is the standout track. All that said, it was still listenable and had enough notable songs to give it a 3. 3 stars

Good

At its best in the live piano performances. 3.5 for The Art Teacher.

Kann man anhören, aber einmal reicht

Wow! I heard so much hatred towards this album - well, not hatred - but definitely strong negative criticism, and I really don't see what they don't like. 'The One You Love' and 'The Art Teacher' (Especially the latter!) are some of the greatest tracks that I've heard in a while, and even weaker tracks like 'Agnus Dei' and 'Crumb By Crumb' were absolutely great! It's also lovely to see ANOHNI on feature, they're on so many albums, and it's a lovely surprise when you see them featured - as expected, the track was an album highlight!

After the last Rufus wainwright (why the fuck are there multiple of his on here?) and seeing this isn't on YouTube music, I was tempted to just not listen, but I had to go and check YouTube didn't I. He should be called Rufus Harrogate. Thom Yorke's somehow more pretentious cousin. If he was made of chocolate he'd eat himself. Why use multiple words when you can make threeeeeeeee laaaaaaaaaasssssstttt aaaaaaaaaaages.

3.5★/5 [10.07.2026] 10.08.2026

its alright, somewhat interesting but a lot of it sounds the same to me. its more unique then a lot of music but not worthy of a 4. it is almost putting me to sleep but its not bad so it shall stay at a 3.

I liked this more than I expected. Rufus’s voice is just so good! Am I crazy to think that Thom Yorke’s voice has a similar timbre? I like Radiohead’s music better, but I can see myself playing this in certain situations. Really good record and I am glad I listened

Rufus, I didn't want the first one, why would I want two? Are these two in addition to the first? I'm still trying to hose the stink off me. Ugh. Well, yeah I guess, fire away. This is a big day for my legions of fans, as my very old and horrible review of Want One has a dizzying 5 "likes" on this platform. Yes, the 2024 classic which is done in a track by track review style, where I don't denote the separations with anything but a paragraph break filled with amateurish takedowns and tortured grammar. It was clear to most, that the young buck writing that dissertation had a room temperature IQ (Celsius (!)) and a lot to say. I plan on showing how little I've grown in the convening two years by doing pretty much the same thing. This time, with no track reviews! I called Rufus' first effort "low budget Coldplay." I almost standby that barb, but I would like to amend it for this sequel. Squeakuel, if you will. I think this record is Coldplay for childless couples who move to a large city for "the vibes." The man is 48 and is paid $900,000 a year to smile and wear a suit while laying off admin workers. The woman is 24, "mature for her age," and is attempting to start a craft/yoga/design business to stave off the buzzing agony in her oft-ignored brain. Together they gingerly walk over homeless half-corpses, weary of life, one another, and themselves, and continue to propagate the financial ruin of an entire species. Through their pernicious boredom, and hatred for all things (especially themselves) they will spend a large sum of money on alcohol/furniture and pay entirely too much to live amongst "the happening," thus, inflating pricing beyond all but the soulless, empty flesh husks that they themselves pilot around their gentrified kingdom of tears. Drown the peasants in a deluge of neo-poverty and when this new endeavour's dopamine ebbs, find a new world to pillage. Long may the cycle continue. Sorry, Ruf (pronounced "roof"), you were great on drag race. 1 HIGHLIGHTS: Yeah, they just put in a Boca Bar down here. No, I don't know what that means. No, I can't feel emotions.

A lot of moaning and whining to a Victorian-era style orchestral sound. The sound is very rich and complex, no doubt, but it doesn't do it for me. Oh, and a big middle finger to anyone who compares this to Radiohead in any way,

Ugh. I like Rufus wainwright.

Yes, it is a pretentious album. But that does not mean it's without merit! It's a different pop sound that requires risk which I can respect. The lyrics are solid too. Highlights: Peach Trees

First song builds suspense and makes you wonder where this album could be going. Good build up for what is otherwise something I really don't get any enjoyment out of. It all sounds so mopey and sad. I really don't like the way Rufus Wainwright is communicating anything to me. The almost Classical-esque presentation in which the album cover and some songs are brought to me doesn't do it for me either. This shit really isn't for me and I have another album of exactly this to go.

How did this no-talent nepo-baby get even one, much less two, albums in this list?

this is want two, which is the second part of rufus wainwright's want album. i reviewed want one in 2025, so it's nice to come back to listen to more. compared to the first one, the artist describes want two as want one's "darker sibling", the first album being more light and personal, while this one heavier, a little less accessible and focused on the world around him. there's also a stronger religious and classical influence in this second part. just like the first part, this second part is on a similar or equal quality here. crooning, soothing and melancholic singing... a very handsome singing voice mind you... true neutral baroque pop composing, plenty of waltzing beats and slower, vocal focused songs too, there's a good amount of songs that go for different energies. this guy makes music that sounds like he's dressed up like a gypsy, pushing along a calliope and making up sonnets as he goes around the village. it's very very solid but you need to listen to the other half to get the complete experience.

Maybe one song was half way decent

Not feeling it

[Already rated. Original review:] Want One is so good! So why doesn't this one work for me at all?

It’s like an album of hymns for secular people. Every song is so long and drawn out. They weren’t unlistenable, just kind of boring and samey. I’m not upset I listened to this, but I can’t envision a scenario where I choose to listen to it again.

#462 Nothing offensive about this but wasn’t quite my thing. The instrumentation is interesting at times but I found myself a little disengaged for much of this. Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Listen before you die? ❌ Fave track(s): The One You Love Rating: 4/10 ⭐️⭐️

Having Anohni on the last track just highlights how much I hate Rufus. Some nice orchestration but I really didn't enjoy this one.

Sad and sweet

Picking up where Want One left off, Rufus is still more talented, better educated, nearly as theatrical as Liberace and drier than Bea Arthur. Then there’s that cover where he’s Lancelot’s hotter cousin. Jiminy Christmas

Found it a bit slow and as almost every reviewer has said, a bit whiny. If I was in the mood for this type of sound I’d probably pull out something from Radiohead instead.

I guess this is from his Radiohead phase?

Lovely album. Big fan of the moments where his voice is more Yorke-/Winteresque

Muy aburrido el disco de Rufus. Pensé que después de la primera canción, no me gustó nada, empezaba a mejorar pero me equivoqué. Muy monótono. Por momentos me hizo acordar a un disco de Radiohead, OK Computer.

I didn't Want One, let alone Two.

Wat

Pain, beauty, and longing.

I did not enjoy this nearly as much as the first one. I felt like it went to the same techniques too many times and became a bit repetitive.

Не чув такого)

This album smells like a dead skunk in the middle of the road. 2 stars or D-.

I like song of his songs, I guess I don't like an album of them, tho. 3/5

I liked want one more, but this album has a few good tracks

Just as scrappy as the first one

Mom, can we get Radiohead? No, we have Radiohead at home:

How is this smarmy prick on here twice? Unbearably up itself.

It took me the entire first song to realize that he was actually speaking English, and that these songs had words and weren't dramatically terrible and closetedly gay opera performances. Get out of my ears, Rufus, that's not the right hole.

It starts off promising with some gorgeous operatic piano and held my interest for about half the record. It bogged down in the second half with slower crooners. Ultimately, while Rufus is undeniably talented, he lacks the pop sensibility of his clear idol Elton John. And I’m just not that fussed on his overwrought cabaret/piano bar style.

First Listen; 2.5; I don't know what it is about this artist, but I just can't get in to it. It just feels too dramatic for me, sort of floats around, without ever really punching through or pinning something down. Although I did like the last track, reminds me of David Byrne. Favorite Track: Old Whore's Diet

Boring

This was really strange...but really good! It sounded like a religious dream about the renaissance? Rufus Wainwright's voice is like an intelligible Thom York.

Not my cup of tea. Maybe at a different time in life, but not a big fan of it on my first listen.

Boring

If you like dramatic show tunes that don’t have a hook, then this is for you. Complex, orchestral arrangements. His voice has a rich quality and he knows how to use it — but his melodramatic delivery, straight from the Broadway stage grates after the second song. This is creative and influential, but i just don’t like it. A 3.

I'd never heard of this guy , his music, or this album. After listening, I can see why. Completely forgettable. I think I already have.

This started off reasonably well and I had high expectations. But as it developed, it just turned into Thom Yorke derivative slop. Oh the warbling. Oh the inner torment. It’s been done before and better 2/5.

Some of this I loved, and some I hated.. will be relistening to try and figure it out better. Nice voice though

bit Thom Yorkie

Pretentious but very enjoyable and rich.

I got "Want One" a LONG time ago as part of this and I honestly don't remember shit about it. Rufus Wainwright oddly sounds a lot like Thom Yorke, which I personally don't care for. "The One You Love" was the only real notable track for me here.

If Prince Herbert from Monty Python and the Holy Grail had made an album it would've sounded like this. "But I don't want a kingdom...I just want to sing!" Anyway, it's OK in some places. Really bad in others. I wanted to like it. Lots of reviews reference Radiohead. While this voice is reminiscent of Thom Yorke, this can't hold a candle to Radiohead.