Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
2004
Album Summary
Want Two is the fourth album by American-Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The album was released on November 16, 2004. Four of the tracks on this album were released in the summer of 2004 as the EP Waiting for a Want on the iTunes music store. Want Two is, according to Wainwright, the darker sibling of 2003's Want One – its subject matter concerned with "the world we live in" (RW Geffen Bio) after Want One's focus on the intensely personal. The artist's song selections here show his range to be broad, veering from romantic ballad ("Peach Trees") to tragic ballad ("This Love Affair"), sophisticated pop ("The One You Love") to third person/first person narrative lament ("The Art Teacher"), personal tongue in cheek manifesto ("Gay Messiah"), to a classical pop hybrid written about Jeff Buckley ("Memphis Skyline") and songs beyond category. "Agnus Dei" is used in the trailer for the 2007 film Trade. Mother Kate McGarrigle and aunt Anna (McGarrigle) both perform and sing on "Hometown Waltz". Anohni of 2005 Mercury Prize winners Antony and the Johnsons sings lead vocal alongside Wainwright on "Old Whore's Diet". The initial UK version of the record contains bonus live tracks, "Coeur de Parisienne – Reprise d'Arletty" and "Quand vous mourrez de nos amours" (written by French Canadian songwriter Gilles Vigneault).
WikipediaI don't know what's with this album but I absolutley loved it. Also, in some parts the vocals reminded me of Thom Yorke from Radiohead, am I the only one?
I can't tell if I liked it or was annoyed by his miserable voice but I think it was good
If you can get past the truly awful opening track, ‘Want Two’ markedly improves. It’s a ballsy record, very theatrical and stylistically broad in sound, with folk, pop/chanson, baroque, indie and show music styles among its repertoire. It’s probably overproduced, but it’s all these elements, (and the gay subtext also present) that make it interesting. ‘Want Two’ is the proverbial Forrest Gump box of chocolates: you never quite know what you’re going to get, but there’s a little something for everyone. Surprised how much I ended up liking this one.
He 'Want Two' and I'm going to give him a 2. Most of this album is just whinging. The second song is great though.
One of the prettiest albums I’ve heard in my time. This is what it looks like when an artist has an artistic vision, and takes the utmost care to craft what was in their mind into something they can share with the world.
There is something timeless about everything Rufus does and this album is no exception. His theatricality matches perfectly with the quality of his voice. The first song is the perfect way to enter this album and sets the stage for an emotional experience.
3/16 One of those albums where almost every song is a different genre, really well crafted, great album. Standout Tracks: Agnus Dei, The One You Love, The Art Teacher, Memphis Skyline, Old Whore’s Diet
If I had to come up with a list of 5 singers, knowing that when I woke up the next morning I would be able to magically sing like one of them, I feel pretty certain Rufus would make the cut. Just to be able to belt out shit like that in my car would make me so satisfied in life. Anywho, I’m more of a Want One guy, but this is definitely the more dramatic of the two and I enjoyed the most of it. No I won’t be the one, baptized in cum.” How did he make that sound pretty?! How???
I've probably described albums as "theatrical" but this album feels like a better example than most. The storytelling with lush orchestral arrangements really does make this feel ready for the stage. I enjoyed it, but don't know if I'll listen again. Favorite tracks: "The Art Teacher", "Crumb by Crumb"
My perception of Rufus Wainwright is tainted by my association of his music with an ex girlfriend. Regardless of that, it is still not my cup of tea. Couldn't listen to the whole thing in one go.
Beautifully cinematic pop record with an orchestral flair that suits the songwriting. I am honestly surprised I have never even heard the name, because wow this sound suits me.
Very cool playlist! Some songs really sound like they're from a play - love it!
Cool album. Voice sort of reminds me of Thom Yorke. Piano. The art teacher
He sure can write crazy good songs. "Agnus Dei" has some lovely instrumentation which I've really missed on this list, and it sets the vibe from the start. Ok finally something that makes me feel anything. Probably deserves a 4 for the second half, but I love the cover too. This is beautiful. "Going To A Town" is one of my all time favorite songs. It's not on this album though, and the album it is on kinda sucks. I don't know why I had to say that. 5
I don't usually give fives to more recent albums, but this album was enthrallingly good. Musically it has a bit of an old world sensibility with artful, gorgeous arrangements. Rufus Wainwright's vocals are splendid, a bit torchy, but in the best way. With a voice suited for both pop and theatre, there's a pathos in his voice and his lyrics that feels really personal and honest. What a pleasure to listen to. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Peach Trees, The Art Teacher, The One You Love, Memphis Skyline, This Love Affair, Hometown Waltz, Old Whore's Diet, Gay Messiah, Little Sister, Agnus Dei, Crumb by Crumb, Waiting for a Dream
Lögin eru vissulega misgóð, og stundum sakna ég þess að heyra ekki menntaðri rödd, sérstaklega í upphafslaginu Agnus Dei, en það er sem er gott er alveg frábært. Flottur og innilegur söngur, óvænt twist, æðislegar útsetningar, fjör og angurværð á víxl. Mæli heilshugar með.
I have never listened to a whole Rufus Wainwright album before, just the odd track. I’ve always liked his voice. But, for me, this is a masterpiece. The range of music on this cd is astounding. As is the quality of his lyrics. As a one-time altar boy myself, I was knocked out by the opening track, Agnus Dei, and every track that followed was a winner. I loved The Art Teacher, which made me recall Meg Christian’s Ode To A Gym Teacher; Gay Messiah, which brought to mind his father’s Talking the New Bob Dylan; and Memphis (not Nashville)Skyline, his heartfelt tribute to Jeff Buckley, is outstanding - Then came hallelujah sounding like Ophelia - referencing a Cohen song they both covered. He surrounded himself with such talent - a lot of family, the great Van Dyke Parks’ string arrangements, Levon Helm drumming on The One You Love. The album is so full of surprises. I loved it.
Amazing voice, honest and unique stories in his lyrics, captures you like a moment in time.
that was pleasant! no experience prior. (also i wanna look like the album cover person pls)
Good album, there's a classic vibe to it, I'm not sure how to describe it. I digg it - I can see me listening to this record while cleaning the house or cooking.
I get the artistry but you have to be in the mood to listen and appreciate.
Really unique, mournful, poetic, cool. I liked this more than expected.
Levy jota kuuntelin varmaan lähemmäs kymmeneen kertaan, enkä oikein vieläkään tiedä mitä tästä ajattelen. Rufus Wainwright toki artistina on tuttu, mutta tämä on jäänyt kuuntelematta. Ehkä jonkinlainen linjattomuus häiritsee levyssä, vaikka yleisfiilis on todella positiivinen. Parhaimmillaan vitosen arvoista mahtavuutta, heikoimmillaan kolmosen arvoisia tylähköjä rallatuksia. Nelonen lienee oikeutettu arvosana.
Very good, although I feel like somebody tried to engineer the living defi option of "too clever by half"
This was really chill and I needed it this morning. I just want to say thank you to the creators of this website. This shit is dope.
This was nice. His voice grates after a full album but this was well put together.
i keep hoping he'll cover dead skunk. that would be hilarious. i've always loved the art teacher - it's so raw, which is such a contrast to the rest of this album.
Impressive vocals, clean production, and interesting instrumentals made for a surprisingly enjoyable album. It was long and had some slow burns but overall quite good. 8
Art pop at its most magnificent. You have to listen carefully to let yourself go with the intricate melodies and arrangements but it's worth it. The One You Love is simply one of best 00's singles
Interesting and inventive—incorporates a lot of classical music/operatic themes throughout which was cool to hear. Storytelling songs sometimes didn’t work but some did. Especially liked the one you love and waiting for a dream
Miellyttävää musaa. Loppua kohden kävi ehkä vähän yksitoikkoiseksi, mutta eipä tuo haittaa. Kiva kun löytyy näitä iloisesti yllättäviä uusia tuttavuuksia.
Cool! I enjoyed it... not that sure at first, but I will probably listen the whole album again!
The vocals are so amazing. Great atmosphere and vibe too. Definitely need to relisten.
Rufus has always been one of those "artsy" pop artists for me. I have liked some of his stuff though (Moulin Rouge). Glad to finally give him a proper listen. Thoroughly enjoyed this interesting album. Very pleasant throughout.
Not bothered by the French chansons but the other tracks are beautiful
Kinda like if Thom Yorke made a solo album during The Bends era, though I’m not sure he would’ve ever made anything this lush and orchestrated.
Not what I was expecting at all, but I was surprised to find I really liked this. Ended up listening to it twice in a row.
Not my usual album and not one I’d go back to on a regular basis but this guy is a modern day talent. Knew only the name but expected something totally different. Getting vibes of Matt Bellamy and Thom Yorke.
Fav songs: - The One You Love - This Love Affair - Waiting For A Dream
Really enjoyed on second listen. Interesting sound with classical strings and orchestra over modern lyrics. Creative verses with introspective reflections delivered by strong vocals (also grew on me on second listen). Broad variety of styles throughout. Agnus Dei, the art teacher, this love affair, crumb by crumb, old whores diet
There's a lot going on here, much of which is a little strange. The regency music of Little Sister is perhaps the most unusual amongst a lot of different styles. Musical theatre vocals, asian instrumentation, orchestral and choral elements run throughout and hold the album together. Overall, an interesting album, which is tender, epic and funny in places. The more I listened, the more I liked it. 4/5.
Always wanted to delve into Rufus Wainwright (who I always call "Adam" in my head. Baseball.) and my immediate reaction here is that the first song should be the album closer :D - it's a challenging intro, leading off with "Agnus Dei" - this being my idea of Thom Yorke given the assignment of leading a cathedral congregation in a Latin dirge for 5 minutes. It's not *not* impressive - just ... well, listen to it. Once the album gets started properly with "The One You Love" the Thom Yorke comparison really holds for me; the voice and manner of laconic singing. But there's a lot going on here - a few odd chord turns that really make me sit up and take notice. "Little Sister" and "The Art Teacher" are the early standouts for me on this album - one a complex layered orchestration and the next mostly just vocals and piano (with a subtle/tasteful horn part) - the latter feels like it could have fit comfortably on Elton John's self-titled 1970 album. That said, this album is probably not gonna be for everyone and is a little tough in spots but the music for me is really intriguing - complex, lush, very very melodic. It's not easily digestible. I like that. Dammit I feel like I give everything a 3 - because of the density of this one, I think it's hard to get a real feel for the album with 1 or 2 spins. But the talent, diversity, and thought that clearly went into this recording for me make me push this to 4 - I feel like I'm anticipating eventually liking this album more than I already do right now :) 8/10 4 stars
Wow!! Första gången jag lyssnar på Rufus Wainwright men kommer inte vara sista. Extremt imponerad av tonspråket, variationen, texterna, arrangemangen, allt! Jag personligen hade kunnat leva med en eller två låtar med lite högre tempo, och hans släpiga sätt att sjunga är inte helt min favvo, men då letar jag ursäkter att inte dela ut en femma. Superplatta!
Glorious, elegant, flaming singer songwriting from Rufus Wainwright. Some really absorbing tracks with a stylistic strings and drum machine flavour. Normally strings are added to hide the shortcomings of the singer or the singing but not so here - the vocals and music together to make a chamber pop classic.
Loved it. Odd start moves on to something extraordinary. Has never listened to his music before - certainly glad to have been introduced to it.
What an opening track! Some pretty great storytelling too. Will listen to more stuff.
This is a mostly low tempo album with an excessive number of ballads. It's not overly repetetive, but I have heard better melodies from Rufus Wrainwright. Still a nice listen, but without standouts. 3.5/5
Before this listen, I knew him as the guy who sang "Hallelujah" on the Shrek soundtrack. I gotta say, I'm impressed. I feel like he's probably a bit polarizing, but I enjoyed what I heard. Sometimes it dragged, but for the most part it tugged at my heart strings. The opening track is probably my favorite.
Необычный альбом. Не зря в этот список попал. Но не мой по настроению. Очень грустный и тоскливый, хотя местами необыкновенно романтичный и красивый.
Ja Rufusa jako volim. Nadam se da ce Poses album bit tu jer mislim da je bolji. Al dobar je i ovaj. Svidaju mi se jako the one you love, peach trees i old whore's diet. A gay messiah tekst je top notch.
I liked this record. I always enjoyed pop music influenced and directly inspired by classical and baroque music. Haven't heard something as original as this in a long while.
For a moment when this popped up, I though this was going to be Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. I confess to a second of disappointment when I realised it wasn't.. I approached this album with caution. I have heard the occasional Rufus Wainwright track, and I like his voice, but I have not listened to a whole album of his all the way through. given the size of his catalogue, it is helpful to have somewhere to start. I have some trepidation based on a number of interviews I have read with him over the years, where he often appears (highly) pretentious and quiet unlikable. But what a revelation this record is. Listening to it, I was constantly reminded of Jeff Buckley, who was clearly an influential contemporary (rival?) of Rufus, directly stated in Memphis Skyline. But the similar influences (Judy Garland, chanteuse, folk, rock), sensitive lyrics and vocal phrasing (including use of falsetto), beautiful orchestration. In the same way that Buckley took a wide range of source material and constructed his own world, Wainwright does similarly. But this is no mere Buckley-copy. He uses his (non-rock) popular music influences to create a distinct and beautiful musical world. This is an album that I am sure I will come back to.
As luck would have it, I had just heard an excellent cover by Rufus Wainwright of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” the night before this album came up. RW is another artist I’ve heard great things about, and very occasional songs from, but never really listened to. This time, I was hooked from the opening of the most unexpected track (“Agnus Dei”), followed by a remarkable range of songs. Masterful arranging and production. Nice lyrical connections between some of the songs, without trying to be a unified concept album. I’m not sure that every song will sustain my interest over repeat listens, but there’s plenty to come back to and enjoy.
So, I did my best with this one. YouTube didn't have the full album, and the one thing I could find was several of the songs together with a bunch of other Rufus Wainwright songs that are not on the album. I simply don't care enough to seek out another version, so here we are. This is not particularly my genre, as the music is driven entirely by Wainwright's voice, with little focus on anything else. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just not to my taste. On the other hand, his voice is fucking spectacular. It's sort of like if Thom Yorke from Radiohead didn't want to make fucking weirdo music. It's incredibly beautiful and the songs are constructed well around his voice. Again, it's not my thing, but it's well worth a listen 4/5
I loved this album! It was artistic and whimsical. I really enjoyed pretty much the whole album.
Wasn't sure what to expect, especially after Agnus Dei, but I really loved it. Even more after a second listen.
Slaps, not gonna lie. I really liked all the variety on this, even if some songs (like that first one) fell kind of flat. Thank you, gay Thom Yorke.
Impassioned, passionate, heartfelt. Really pleased to hear this. Always considered Wainwright to over-wring his songs to death, but to hear them in a collection gives them so much power.
The first few songs were really intriguing, but then it got a bit boring in the middle part. The end was more interesting again though, so I think I will give 4 stars.
Having no prconceptions of this album, its epic opener, Agnus Dei left me stunned and feeling like the album could go one of two ways, either an absolute better or a confused abstract mess. Though it was neither, it veered far closer to the former with poignant lyrics and fresh instrumentation. At its conclusion, I felt I had experienced something, though I wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or not. Moving.
Never listened to Rufus Wainwright before, great singer and songs were engaging the whole way through. Sometimes sounded like a 'singer-songwriter' version of Thom Yorke. Not sure if it's a style I'd go back to again and again but would like to hear other albums.
Knew very little about Rufus Wainwright so I was looking forward to this. Incredible voice, excellent lyrics, and on a whole really well put together. At times it did drift in and out of substance and I think it’s probably a bit too long, but overall thought it was very good. Will return. Particularly liked the tracks that flirted with Radiohead
He has a gorgeous voice, is witty as hell and is beautiful - everything is set up for me to fall madly in love with Rufus Wainwright. However I only ever really like him. This album, much like those before is full of songs I enjoy, but there's only ever one I truly bond with each time - this time it's Gay Messiah, though the closer, with Antony is really good (historically, Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk and I'm So Tired of America are classics). It's a solid four stars, but I wish I could find the key to five stars with Rufus. Definitely feels like a me problem not a him problem.
En tiedä oliko musa vai muuten vaan hyvä päivä, mutta oli ihan ok pläjäys :)
First thoughts went to Radiohead but then all I could hear was Ball Park Music. Nothing bad but not great
Good voice, but not the type of music I'd want to listen to. I have heard "The Art Teacher" before. His voice with another style of music would be interesting.
I have listened to a fair bit of Rufus Wainwright and this was consistent with what I think when I think of him. His voice is beautiful, the songs are thoughtfully constructed and embellished with strings. In the end though, the music is just so brooding that it brings the whole experience down for me.
I saw him in concert when he toured with Ben Folds and I kept thinking 'get this fucker off the stage'. Hes way better than I gave him credit for.
6/10. This has some cool ideas, musically and lyrically, especially in the first part of the album. However, I think overall it comes off as maudlin and fairly corny, and the more baroque-styled tracks get a bit grating.
Was just hanging on listening to the music - interesting/ genre mixing. Started to pay attention to some lyrics. Not impressed
Unfortunate that I got the second album before the first (Want One). What purposeful music though! Compositions are wide and sweeping, lifting Wainwright's voice and giving it so much dignity. I'm reminded of Sufjan Stevens in a lot of ways, that being "fancy pop" for lack of a better term (there's even banjo at one point!). I think it is very good, but perhaps a little to grand for it's own good? It ends up trying to be this magnificent magnum opus and comes across as maybe too much. It becomes a bit tiring with all of it's orchestrations and it makes me wish there was just a straight pop song or stripped-down acoustic song for grounding. Otherwise it's a nice listen. I don't want to rag on it too much but I had to figure out why it didn't click as much as I had thought.
Kaunista musisointia ja laulamista, mutta jotenkin jopa liian eteeristä tähän sähäkkään torstain alkuiltaan. Tasaisen hyvää suorittamista, mutta ne helmet jäi omalta osalta puuttumaan.
Rufus Wainwright is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician. Not really an album I would put on normally, though. Would have to be in the right mood.
Saved Prior: None Saved Off Rip: The One You Love, Old Whore's Diet Cutting Edge: Little Sister Overall Notes: A pleasant album. Not really sure why it's required listening but glad I listened to it. This is perfect music to put on in the background while you do work.
Heard about Rufus, but never listened to him. Good sound. Alt-music. I'm intrigued.
Sonorous and pleasing to the ears mostly with poetry to make you think.
An unexpected delight. Wonderful lyrics and some quite brilliant songs on here. I will definitely revisit
Genuinely cannot tell if it's my bad internet of just the song that's making it sound like that Internet is having a hard time so far good tho Final Thoughts: 3/5
Finally a daily album from an artist who I have meant to give more attention. The only Rufus album I have listened to before is Want One, so I suppose Want Two is a good place to continue. I really enjoyed this album although the plethora of musical styles from opera to pop may be too much over the course of one album. He can play then all though, and what a voice! Very good stuff.
This is pretty good; eclectic and varied, but also a bit over-indulgent. I like strong melodies and the complete lack of them made this hard to get into. Music that is basically designed to be background music for an indie film. But the sound is nice, and if you stop to really listen, there’s a ton to find and hear in every second. Favourite track: “Gay Messiah”
Not bad at all, feels like if Thom Yorke went in a completely different direction or never met Radiohead. Good voice and interesting ideas.
A very enjoyable listen. Beautiful songwriting, dramatic phrasing and arrangements. Though the music is not my usual fare, the talent is undeniable. His voice is expresdivecand powerful and the melodiescate memorable. 3.5 🌟
Agnus Dei - Very Latin religious wailing vibe, like something you'd hear in a movie soundtrack about ancient Rome. Opener is a bit unique but does give a hint to the style/vibe of the album. Voice is a lot like Josh Homme if he didn't get into hard rock, same wailing, long notes. Some songs he's channeling a lot of Thom Yorke. Album is very mellow/chill. Piano, lounge music drums, but has a stoner vibe. Legit sounds like this was written and performed by depressed Josh Homme. Some orchestral instruments, very melodic tunes. Would have been my cup of tea in the past, bit too slow for my tastes now but is very well done if in the mood for some slow/sad tunes.
Rufus has a style that is very particular and can be offsetting to most when you get past his bigger hits. I'm a fan of Rufus and listening to this album top to bottom felt tough for me. Still a great album that highlights his vocal range.
Did homeboy sound like Thom Yorke? Kind of like a stripped down more theatric Radiohead. I liked it.
1st track got some kind of Radiohead vibes. More classical though. Gets some Harry Nhielson vibes going too. Not my thing at all so would struggle to give it more than a 3, however I can totally see how it's on the 1001 album list. 3/5
Härligt experimentellt musikaliskt. Ibland lät det som Michael Bublé på LSD, vilket inte var helt fel.
I didn’t hate it as much as I thought I Would I mean I did an absolutely love it it was a little droopy at times but I thought that it was actually kind of good
I wish I could do half-stars, but oh well. This is hard to rate effectively because I like and don't like parts in equal measure.
The music is surprisingly layered and the strings and piano are very interesting. The music is fine, nothing that really engages beyond initial pleasantries.
Mixed feelings on this one. Musically very impressive and some very good lyrics, but overall kind of boring.
Bra album med nästan enbart bra låtar men känns inte speciellt banbrytande, där majoriteten låter som rätt många andra runt den här tiden. Lite som en 'indie/folk' version av tidiga Muse, Midlake, the Strokes, Anthony and the Johnssons, Woodkid m.flr. (kanske bara inte har öra för sånt här...?) Där Rufus sticker ut från de ovannämnda är i de lite mer 'storslagna' låtarna med fler kreativa instrumentuppsättningar och mer 'textboksklassisk' dramatik. Väldigt maffig komposition emellanåt men kan inte riktigt leverera när det kommer till den 'musikkvalitativa' dynamiken, allting går inte igenom lurarna till lyssnaren och ljudet får en lite 'komprimerad' känsla och orkesterinslagen känns lite nedprioriterade. Man känner sig lite "snuvad på konfekten" då sång och de mer konventionella instrumenten såsom sträng, bas och trummor är så väl återgiven. Jag gillar därför mer de *mer* minimalistiska låtarna där återgivningen är som bäst och allt känns polerat vilket gör låtarna och artisten rättvisa, tex. "Little Sister" och "Gay Messiah". De mer 'enkla' låtarna lyckas fortfarande behålla lite kreativa inslag. Har inte hört förut men kommer definitivt fortsätta lyssna på Rufus. Blir dock inget toppbetyg då hela albumment känns lite för konventionellt för att vara ett banbrytande eller kurssättande album i sin genre och tid, samt låtarna, visserligen väldigt bra, inte gör något avsevärt bättre och därmed inte sticker ut ibland sina jämlikar för att rättfärdiga någon slags framtida 'klassiker' status. Lite som en häftig småskalig craft lager, något som jag verkligen uppskattar och ser mig som målgrupp men kanske inte sätter riktningen för bärs framöver.
I didn't realize how much of his music I'd heard before listening to this album! Good stuff. Will certainly become a staple of my "normal" rotation.
As a pedant classical music fan am not quite fond of directly adding classical stuff in pop so not quite into the album. Rhythm is too slack also. Add a star for Old Whore's Diet...
Atmospheric. The tone wanders a bit and I can't say I *disliked* it but it definitely requires you to be in a specific kind of mood
Genre: Chamber Pop 3/5 A decent Pop offering from a songwriter I was not familiar with until listening. While the scope of this project is quite grand, and the production is lush, expensive, and clean, its persistent melodrama doesn’t quite mix with Rufus’ near-Thom Yorke style vocals. Agnus Dei was very intriguing, and served as a great intro, but it never quite got back to that mysterious, progressive side much again after that. This is a well-made album, with some solid ideas and good vocals, and Wainright is a very talented songwriter. Just not all one of my favs.
Ça c’est de la yeule molle ! Ça fini par tanner. Autrement j’ai bien aimé, surtout « old whore’s diet ».
Un bon album dansson genre. Edt ce quec’est son meilleur je ne sais pas mais je suis intrigue, d’autre sur cette liste .3.5
- i like when artists kill me with the first song - you hear lots of thom yorke and matt bellamy in his voice
Operatic pop, often cinematic. I was half expecting to dislike this album, but ended up thinking it was alright. 2.5
His voice is gorgeous, and some of these songs are really pretty. However, there's nothing here that really elevates it. I think it just scrapes a 3, it's a perfectly pleasant listen but doesn't hit any real heights.
Wainwright's 4th album and second of the "Want" series. Only two albums in that series. His music is described as Baroque Rock which combines elements of rock music with classical music. I learned something today and it is a very accurate description of the music. This album is kind all over the place; there are pop songs, ballads, a waltz, some songs use more string arrangements and a song with reggae backbeat. There is no doubt this guy has talent; a great voice and the music sounds great and complex (with the arrangements). I personally like his second album "Poses " better. Some album highlights are "The One You Love" - nice pop song with a choir, "The Art Teacher" - very dramatic and recorded live and "Old Whore's Diet" - this 8 minute song kind of summed up the album as it goes over the place with a reggae backbeat at times and vocals from Anohni (Antony and the Johnsons). For some reason, I could not get into this album. I recognize the talent, the album achievement of variety and I'm sure a lot of others like this album quite a bit.
This album was an interesting listen, not at all what I expected. It started well but his grating voice was unbearable by the end.
U nekim pjesmama me podsjeća na Radiohead, ali mislim na onaj kasniji period, više nekako na A Moon Shaped Pool album - glas još više potvrdi to. Što sam čuo, sviđa mi se album, baš je nekako, ne znam, evo vrijeme je gloomy, hladnije, onako pravo jesenski, kao da će kiša, nije sparno. Jače od trojke, slabije od četvorke. Middle earth.
Beautiful compositions, interesting production etc, but that voice for an hour is a bit much for me - too much, too rich
After the first song I thought 'oh this is gonna be a slog' but then it picked up a lot and I really liked it. Quite a lot of variety but all brought together by his voice, which sounds like Thom Yorke. Interesting fact, Rufus Wainwright is not the guy who banged on about lake district hills his whole life.
I have no idea how I felt about it. Felt like some of it should appeal to me and my tastes but I found it irritating. A bit weyes blood as times, who I love, but I'm not sure his voice is good enough for those long held notes... Some of them pretentious and annoying. Was pleased I successfully identified Antonys voice from Antony and the Jonson's of the Old Whores Diet... Wtf was that about
3.5 - I’m newly familiar with “chamber pop” as a genre and I think the designation perfectly describes this record. Thoughtfully crafted songs from an authentic perspective of a gay man. Standouts: “The Art Teacher”, “Waiting for a Dream.”
Thom Yorke and Beck had a baby... and it's Rufus Wainwright. I might have liked this album more with a different (IE non-monotone, whiny) singer, but overall it was too slow for my tastes regardless. Wainwright's singing really started to get on my nerves a few songs into this.
This album has the feeling like you're listening to a theatrical rendition of the stories being relayed. So many songs are heavily orchestrated, some are the intermezzo ballads before bringing you back to movement III. And even though every song is vastly different than the rest and Rufus Wainwright is an incredible vocalist, plus the songs are all quality, this album certainly isn't for everyone. The lamentations, with Rufus and a piano, are overly romantic, and many of the songs are just over-the-top orchestrated. And to be honest, a lot of the songs really aren't all that good, with notable exceptions. Rufus Wainwright is clearly immensely talented, but for me, this album does not showcase that talent well.
Really enjoyed "Old Whore's Diet". I remember this album (or maybe Want One) was somewhat controversial as child? Not sure why. Vocal elements remind me of Travis or Thom Yorke.
Feels a bit overwrought, but not bad. More interesting than the last several FJM albums.
Rufus Wainwright is a fantastic singer and writer, but this album falls a bit short. His vision is grandiose, campy, and incredibly theatrical. I'm a huge fan of baroque pop and music that incorporates classical instrumentation. However, despite some truly gorgeous moments, I found myself just wanting more from this album. It seems as though he took some great ideas, but didn't see them through as well as he could. Wainwright has a great ear for melody and makes great use of the half step in his vocal lines, and I just wanted more of those interesting, classical inspired musical motifs.
That first song is real bad. Then there are some kinda good ones. wasn't feeling it much but probably need a second listen?
Nice album. First half was a bit morose/ depressing though. Preferred second half.
Not bad. I started off really into it, but it seemed to slow way down as it got into it, and my interest dropped off a bit. Some nice tracks in here though.
Kind of like Radiohead met Ed Sheeran... not sure what to do with this. Don't hate it though.
I liked parts of the album but don't think I'd listen to it again, his warbly singing becomes tiresome. The opening track didn't start the album off well and should have been removed in favour of "The One You Love" which is far superior. Other highlights were "Little Sister" and "Waiting for a Dream"
I think the guy has a lot of artistic integrity and is consistent. Big fan of some of his music, Poses and Release the Stars are good albums. But this album never really took off for me. Unfortunately underwhelmed.
Nice voice but not my taste in music. Kept thinking I was listening to the soundtrack from moulin rouge.
Rufus Wainwright is one of those artists I really want to like more than I actually do. The disparate pieces never seem to come together for me. Frequently, the arrangements are a tad over the top, coupled with a strong vision and lengthy songs. His voice, though, is wonderful, as always - even if the material and orchestration betray him at times.
Judging by the cover I want to guess this is world music, or some acoustic type thing inspired by softer led zeppelin? the artwork is sorta that fantasy-type shit you see in junk shops, priced at like $80 per 10cm-high statue. either way, *points like Varg* let's find out! ...aaaaaand it's super soft pop rock. similar to Muse or Arcade Fire? I don't want to just say "pretentious".... but it's pretty fucking pretentious lol. So far pretty samey, ambitious but mopey. Hoping it picks up a bit. .....aaaaand ONE HOUR LATER: somehow, this album needed an entire hour to go absolutely nowhere. every song was identical, all just based on a handful of overused ideas. THAT's the truly depressing thing about it: it's like kicking your valium habit by taking so much valium it kills you. 2/5.
Kuin olis kattonut äärettömän tylsää ja hidastemposta romanttista taide-elokuvaa, jota runoilijatyypit fiilistelee housut märkänä. Itsellä ei kastunut. Pari huvittavaa biisin nimeä ja kuuntelin kokonaan...
Wenn er lange Noten singt, komme ich nicht umhin, an Thom York zu denken und dass er gleich in die Kopfstimme wechseln müsste. Überhaupt klingt die Platte, als ob Radiohead aus vertraglichen Verpflichtungen gezwungen waren, mit Hilfe von Disney-Songschreibern eine easy-listening-Platte zu machen (und größtenteils daran gescheitert sind). Nicht ganz 3 Sterne, einige Songs finde ich doch ganz gut.
I like Rufus Wainwright's voice, plus I sat directly behind him in a movie theater once, so we have that bond, but maybe I like him best in small doses. I don't like the constant maudlin singing. 2 stars.
Good. Second half is a bit of a sleeper. Little Sister and Couer de Parisienne were the best.