Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 11
 A debut album has no right to be this good. March 8, 2006
M. A. Fraser
33 out of 34 found this review helpful
Although this is Rufus#x27;s first, it was the last of the 4 CD#x27;s I purchased. I confess I did so out of loyalty and completeness, not expecting it to compare with the wayward brilliance of the Wants.pWhat I heard exceeded my expectations by a mile, particularly once the sophisticated tunes have been given a chance to lodge in the brain.pThe sound-world here is more straightforward than subsequent releases, very much piano-based with various band and orchestral backing. Comparisons with Billy Joel and Elton John are inevitable, and it#x27;s difficult to see how any fan of piano-based rock and pop could not enjoy this.pThe first four tracks are simply perfect. Foolish Love, with its lush, segmented melodies, Danny Boy with its lagubrious rolling rhythm (in 6/8 time?), while April Fools is the Beatles song they never wrote.pThe fourth song, In My Arms, is almost a duet with his sister Martha. Maybe I#x27;m biased, but having Martha on backing vocals is like sprinkling magic dust on a song. Can#x27;t help thinking back to Emmylou Harris doing the same for Gram Parsons and Bob Dylan.pOther highlights are the graceful Barcelona, fully justifying its 7 minute length, and Sally Ann, a wistful show tune. There#x27;s not a song out of the 12 here that doesn#x27;t deserve its place on this impressive debut. Say what you want about his voice, Rufus#x27;s talent as a songwriter is undeniable.pBest time to enjoy: late afternoon/early evening.
Melanchloy and Theatrical September 18, 2006
M. J. (Copenhagen, Denmark)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
Listening to Rufus Wainwright's debut album is not only a pleasant esthetic experience, it's probably a very healthy thing to do to your brains and senses, like eating fresh salmon or avocado or viewing an Olafur Eliasson installation. His breathless vocals and guitar and piano arrangements fuse in cabaret-like compositions that ooze in through your ears and keep you from doing anyting else but listen.
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br /His lyrics are frequently sad yet never dire, counting some very personal songs like Danny Boy, a love ballad, and Beauty Mark, a tribute to Rufus's own mother, folk legend Kate McGarrigle. Rufus's quite uncloseted sexuality is one of many themes his lyrics touch upon, but not to the point of tediousness; today he's arguably the most significant gay icon alive, at least for the younger generations.
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br /The album's opening track, Foolish Love, epitomizes Wainwright's style by building up slowly and gradually, in different phases, until it reaches a theatrical and danceable pace. It's mellow, but definitely with a silver-lining, a confessional with wit and pop-sensibility, setting the tone for a fantastic debut album which a lot of people are discovering now, 8 years after its release.
Wonderful album. Don't belive anyone else! November 20, 2004
33 out of 37 found this review helpful
From 'Foolish Love' to 'Imaginary Love' there is with Rufus an honesty and integrity AND musical genius unmatched except by the very best (I'm thinking prime Neil Young here). 'In My Arms' and 'Baby' are two of the most beautiful tracks I possess. Buy the album. Don't expect to love it immediately, it is unique songwriting - you have to learn to 'wring the changes' and then WOW. You can trust Les. Les loves music. Les loves this album. (Don't ever trust a guy that says "Trust me" but), trust me. brLove,brLes.
Abandon all preconceptions ... November 19, 2004
19 out of 22 found this review helpful
A singer/songwriter for whom the word 'popera' was coined, Rufus Wainwright's debut album is probably unlike anything you've heard before or will hear again. pWith musical references to Saint-Seans (on 'Matinee Idol'), Gershwin (on 'Baby') and other greats, Wainwright's strong and haunting voice will grab you from the first track. pHis other albums may just be more accessible, but this is one of the most memorable and interesting collections of songs you're likely to hear in a long time.pBuy it, then buy all his others ... you probably will anyway!
Wonderful album, but buy "Want one" first... July 29, 2005
Alexander C. Hale
17 out of 20 found this review helpful
This is an absolutely fantastic album which offers a wide selection of well-crafted songs and I highly recommend it. However, before listening to other Rufus work (in particular the album "Want One") I was put off by the sounds of the samples. I would recommend buying "Want one" first, getting accustomed to Rufus' wonderful, unique voice, and then purchasing this album (and his others!).
Showing reviews 1-5 of 11
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