Rufus Wainwright - Release the Stars
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Free Music Notes for Release the Stars
Free Music Review: Phenomenal
Hit: 5 Stars
Absolutely stunning. I got choked up a few times, just because he's so damn GOOD. I don't understand why anyone would rate this album less than 5 stars, or say that it isn't up to Rufus standards. It's a brilliant album, and a joy to listen to.
There are a few songs which are more focused on sound and feeling than lyrical depth, but that's alright with me. The sound and feeling he achieves are more than worth the somewhat shallow lyrics. One review referred to this album as "operatic", and I agree. It has soaring notes, grand swells and fine orchestration reminiscent of Queen.
A wonderful album. I hope Rufus Wainwright continues to produce music, because his talent is undeniable. My heart is bursting with love for this man.
Free Music Review: Terffic but Not Quite Up To My "Rufus" Scale
Hit: 4 Stars
Anybody who's heard Wainwright's previous albums, particularly Want I or Poses, would have sky-high expectations for any new album. Such was the case with myself and Release The Stars. My verdict is this album is uniquely catchy and beautiful, but not quite up to my Rufus standards.
My personal favorite track is "Do I Disappoint You?" and I think others will agree. It uses a wide arrangement of instruments and voices through out the song, giving it the most opera like feel. The lyrics have a certain depth to them that is beautiful and relate able , but also unusual.
Another standout track is "Between My Legs" whose heavy use of guitar and humor regarding sexual impulses make this song extremely catchy. The last minute is also quite moving, but I'd prefer it without the spoken word (I believe Rufus is one of those people who should often stand alone)
Other favorites include "Going to A Town" which heavily centered on Rufus's voice and his dislike for America and creates a pleasing but not as memorable song as some of his other work. Leaving For Paris, one of the more sentimental tracks, is mostly Wainwright, who sings in a hushed voice, and his piano. The track is obviously slower but also very beautiful and emotional.
Sansscoui is a debatable track for me. Though I find it catchy and like it a lot, for some reason it fails to stick in my head. I have the same problem with "Release The Stars", a fine track with the obvious Judy Garland influence Rufus has talked about but without lasting appeal.
Overall, I love this album and I enjoy listening to it, but I can't say I'm completely impressed as I have been in the past. Wainwright's voice is lovely and spot on as always and his wide arrangements of different types of instruments, sounds, and genres make this CD worth it.
Free Music Review: Not an album review
Hit: 4 Stars
Rufus Wainwright is one of those performers that just blinded me by how brilliant he is in music. I actually came upon him after Poses and before his Want albums were released by recommendation from a musician who played in a blues-rock band. So, of course, being curious about Rufus, I set out on a quest. And became immediately enchanted!
Now, I could give you a synopsis of this album..but it seems everybody else on here already has (and much better than I would have done it). So I decided to save you the trouble and just explain why I feel Rufus is a beacon for the musical artists that are currently out today. Maybe it's because I'm now 33 years old. But I pretty much grew up during the time of the 90's music scene. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, etc. Not to mention, I'm more of a hard rock/metal fan, w/ some flourishes for other forms. But when I first heard Rufus...he was sooooo different from anything I've ever heard. He invokes classicism, jazz, blues, pop....such an extraordinary range of instruments that I was literally dumb-struck by how brilliant he is in musical forms.
Not to mention his voice seems to contrast to his music. Hinting, at times, the banality & cynicism life seems to offer. But, yet, there's still the sense of good things to come. This isn't music for everybody, I will admit. This music runs much deeper, not just in thought...but also in emotion. From theatrical pomp to Glam Rock to Jazz-infused cabaret...to even Classical-ornamentation. It's sooooo much bigger than anything I've ever been exposed to. It didn't surprise me at all that he's getting recognition overseas in Europe and other countries than here in the states. His music is not easily digestible here.
Some would say his music is pretentious, over-wrought...perhaps vain. And, you know what? I'd say you're probably right. But, living in times of where we're more concerned about Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, a never-ending war (which seems to have no viable conclusion or end IMO), Rufus' music seems to shed light on the state of the world. I was shocked to hear one of my friends (who is gay) say he doesn't like Rufus because he thought his music is "scary"?! He'd rather listen to the Pussycat Dolls. Is that all this world has to offer, I wonder?
Free Music Review: Better and Better
Hit: 5 Stars
What I like best about this album is that it is emblematic of Rufus' ever-maturing talent, both in subject matter and musical stylings.
A few standouts: "Do I Disappoint You" (love this track - bombastic opening as only Rufus can do. Compare with "Oh What a World" and "Agnus Dei" from the Want One and Want Two CD's), "Going to a Town" (written about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - and NOT Anti-American as some have said), "Slideshow" (love the melody, not sure how well the subject matter goes with it though), and "Tulsa" (wasn't sure about this one at first, but now I like it - and it's not really about sleeping with Brandon Flowers, as many seem to think).
All in all, this CD makes good listening. I can't wait to hear what Rufus will come out with next.
Free Music Review: Such a drama queen...
Hit: 2 Stars
I've wanted to like Rufus. I've tried to like Rufus. I bought this just for "Going to a Town"- an amazing song, and the lyrics are spot-on. But the rest of the disc is so melodramatic and off-the-charts narcissistic that I find it completely unlistenable. Rufus, can't you rein it in just a little bit?