Rufus Wainwright - Want One (CD 2004)

Saw a documentary on Rufus Wainwright, focussing mainly on him writing a modern opera. Was struck by how intelligent Rufus was and how good the music was - tho not an opera buff myself. Listened to a few Rufus tracks on You Tube and took the gamble and bought this on eBay. I love the music - the lyrics are reliably intelligent and poetic, and in turn humorous, melancholic, enigmatic. The music is very varied in style - light, moody, rich, simple -often with great orchestration. Favourite tracks are 'Oh, What a World!', 'I Don't Know What it is', 'Pretty Things', and 'Es Mus Sein'. I listen and I smile! I'm unashamedly hooked on the guy.

My old flat mate loved Rufus Wainwright and introduced me to his work. It is a safe claim to say he is one of the more interesting/important singer-songwriters working today. I found 'Want One' to be a bit different from some of his other work as it took less time to grow on me. The album does what an album should do, it takes you on a journey. Compilations and best of albums never achieve this, 'Want One' has a logical start, middle and end. The music is both subtle and powerful, sounding good in either the background or belting out of a stereo. His influences are clearly varied; jazz, classical, big band, country, blues - all have elements present within the album. Won't be everyone's cup of tea, but will endure where others fade. Anyone with an eclectic taste should give it a listen, anyone with an extensive collection should 'Want One' (sorry, couldn't resist).

After seeing my friends DVD of Rufus' live show i was amazed at the mans ability to write contemporary lyrics mixed with an almost archaic melody.

His voice drools with lust and pain at the same time whilst still able to bleed each word into the next as though they were married from birth.

This CD highlights all Rufus' key features as a musical talent. His songwriting, his ability to articulate rhymes and lines without their brashness ever spilling into the listeners blessed ears is a talent possessed by few.

My most favoured thing about Rufus is that his live shows are entertaining, well planned and captavating and his albums are a testemont to this. As great as he sounds ont he CD he is even better live. His voice is flawless.

The songs on Want one have bizzare titles hinting to an almost medieval theme, especially on Want two, but they are all infact from the heart and beautifully written. My favourite tracks on this album are:

Oh What a World
Vibrate
Natasha
Harvester of Hearts
Velvet Curtain Rag.

Some may find Rufus' voice a bit droney - as my mum suggested - and true he may not be to everyones tastes but if you like a well written song, performed by an amazing musician AND singer then give Rufus a go.

In summary i paid just short of £5 and got an amazing brand new CD with 16 beautiful tracks and new ones i had not heard. A song for every mood and the most interesting album sleeve i have seen in a long time!

Enjoy.

Yep this albumn is a great buy, Perhaps overshadowing Want 2 a little or is it because I had this for a few months before the other...mid albumn gets a bit muddy and I often skip a few if ive got it on in the car but really its to race towards the end to try and maintain dry eyes whilst playing 'dinner at eight'. Each song is as independant and unique as any albumn Ive heard before.

I first heard this CD almost 3 years ago and it stuck in my head, especially track 1 'Oh What A World'. His voice is very distinctive and very soothing. This is great 'sunday afternoon with a book' music, and on further listening you can here echoes of his father and of course his inner turmoil with his sexuality. I now rate 'Go or Go Ahead' and 'Dinner At Eight' as fantastic stand alone tracks. I have since found my friends and family aquiring a copy of this cd.

The man has talent, ambition and charisma. I could listen to him sing for hours...so buying this cd was just feeding my addiction really! lol.

Fantastic album. Fantastic artist.