I desperately want to like Rufus Wainwright. I really really do. I've been intrigued by him in interviews and am a fan of his father's work (Loudon Wainwright III). From Rufus' influences and the way people talk about his music, I expected a camp and dramatic Scott Walker styled singer, blowing everyone away with grandiose torch songs and swooping strings. Instead, I heard some very nice songs.

Now, there is nothing wrong with writing a nice song... but that's it... they're just nice. I'd built Wainwright up into some dazzling queen with a point to prove... yet, instead, I got a limited range and very pretty little songs. If only I'd not bothered building him up in the first place. For me, it seems that Rufus Wainwright has yet to really unleash his talent. If he pushes his (clearly brilliant) voice and builds on the tension, I'll be first in the queue to adore him. Until then, I'll simply remain a little puzzled and a bit let down...

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Hi - what did you listen to? Did you listen to "Go or Go Ahead" I'm wondering.

Posted by: Cosmo | November 7, 2025 9:28 PM

Rufus is easy to miss on first or second pass. I owned the first 2 albums and thought they were "good". I missed Want 1 and 2 at the time [busy] but caught up with all again after seeing him on TV at Glasto. I was taken aback by how much he stood out from the rest. Saw him live recently and he is a stunning performer. The parallels with his dad are there - great melodies, emotional songs, huge presence, dry wit etc but with classical and operatic influences too. I've listened to nothing else since [all 5 albums plus the Want 2 dvd and All I want dvd to make sense of it all]. He is the most interesting composer and performer around. Try again with Release The Stars at least - please! The family were sceptical too at first but are all now convinced.

Posted by: jackiewilson | November 8, 2025 6:44 AM

I have to say I'm with Mof on this. I couldn't name the songs of Rufus' that I've heard, but the tunes often seem to come second to bombast and vocal indulgence... But I know a lot of people feel the complete opposite!

Posted by: StuartW | November 8, 2025 10:12 AM

hmmm... "little songs", "limited range"... did you listen to just 2 songs?

sure, i've been a fan since his debut. i get that a lot of people don't get his style, or voice for that matter. but most couch critics i know can at least appreciate his range & talent for composition. you're probably the only person i've ever heard describe his songs as little. one of the most frequent complaints is that they're too big.

Rufus, like a fine classical composer, is not easy listening. his music can take work to "get". some are up for the challenge & others aren't. to each his own~

Posted by: Aaron | November 8, 2025 3:34 PM

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