Rufus Wainwright - Want One

The third album from the precocious singer-songwriter makes an even greater grab for mainstream acceptance. Recorded at Woodstock, it features instrumental touches from former Bob Dylan guitarist and Texas legend Charlie Sexton as well as drums laid down by the Band's Levon Helm. Marious Devries (Bjork, Madonna, Massive Attack) helms the producer's chair on this one, bringing young wainwright a polished sound. Album Description

What is the "official" review talking about?

The official review states that Want One has made an even bigger grab for "mainstream acceptance" than its predecessor (Poses). How is that even a rational thought from anyone who knows music? I mean, seriously, Poses is EASILY Rufus' most "accessible to the masses" album, one made under the most pressure to shine, made to live up to the praise heaped on his debut, made to continue the growth of popularity, made while Rufus was at his most insecure and drugged-out, etc.

As a Rufus fanatic, I don't think even all those things can make the man too radio friendly or thoughtless, as Poses is still fantastic... but that said, WANT ONE is my favorite Wainwright album. It is utter brilliance.

No way is Want One a more calculated grab at the Radio than Poses. Not in a million years. In fact, the Want duo is by far Rufus' most ambitious (and in many ways, least accessible) work to date, featuring the broadest sonic palette and the most daring instrumentation. The arrangement and production of Want One is not the kind one aiming for radio or popularity would utilize, it is the kind that someone allowing themselves to fully express themselves would utilize.

Want One is Rufus clean and sober, doing what he loves best with no pretense or preconception. Having already missed out on the huge mainstream, he returns to make music for himself, from a confident and assured place. For those of us who track with his tastes and flavors, this is an awesome thing.

Want One is the purest, most unfiltered Rufus.

And, as with many other great artists, it's that crucial middle album (think: Revolver, OK Computer, Absolution, Pet Sounds, etc) which stands perfectly in the balance between the primal simplicity of early work and the highly-developed but somewhat less impacting latter work.

Not to be missed. September 12, 2008

Revelationary

At the age of 67 I thought there were no more musical discoveries or joys to be had. Then, whammo bammo, I heard Rufus singing "Zing Went the String of My Heart" and then "I Don't Know What It Is" and right there I bought all his C.D.s and DVDS. That simple. What a voice, what a composer, what a lyricist, what a personality, what a charmer, what an original. This is music to change your life. I'm going broke buying gift copies for friends. Everyone, without exception, is overwhelmed by what they hear. He is a beautiful child. February 26, 2008

Incredible!

This album has made a Rufus Wainwright fan out of me. Now I own all his albums and have purchased tickets for the show at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine's day for me and my boyfriend. We're taking a limo from Baltimore all the way up - talk about a romantic night! A limo ride to Radio City Music Hall, a Rufus Wainwright concert.... I don't think even TOOL would be as perfect - for Valentine's day, that is. Having the most amazing gay artist perform for myself and my boyfriend on Valentine's day, with such talent,...it will be a hard Valentine's day to top. January 12, 2008

Cant get enough of it.

A cd that has the word LOVE written all over it, I have played this in my car about probably more than 5 times non stop and I love it everytime I hear it, never sick of it. Definatly worth the bucks. He is a genious. September 8, 2007

Art Piece

This cd is worth owening. It is a work of art let me tell you. I strongly recommend it, you wont be dissapointed. September 8, 2007

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