Music Review - Rufus Wainwright “Release the Stars”
GRADE: B-
Rufus Wainwright has always been a progressive “out of the box” pop star. His music is a pleasant blend of folk, pop, opera and Broadway. Each of his albums have been back to back critical successes, “Release the Stars” continues this tradition of quality work. Some people may not warm up to Wainwright’s singing voice, I have to admit it is an aquired taste. This time around Rufus does another great job at showcasing his theatrical side and showing off his vocal range.
Wainwright is always at his best on his up tempo songs. “Rules & Regulations” is a funky little charming song with a great chorus. “Going to a Town” gives us a peak at Wainwright’s political leanings. As a gay Canadian, he doesn’t have many nice things to say about the U.S. as is obvious by the line, “I’m so tired of America”. Both music videos for these songs are over the top and dramatic, each one has that fun tongue in cheek quality we have come to expect from Wainwright.
I am obviously a big fan of Rufus Wainwright’s unique style of music. He has become a gay icon and he is a genius musician in my book. That said, this album is my second least favorite c.d. of his, behind “Want Two”. “Release the Stars” does show Rufus growing up a bit, but I miss the conflicted songwriter that wrote such songs like “My Phone Is On Vibrate”.
I appreciate the experimental nature of some of his ballads, but in the end some of these songs drag a bit. The one shining slow song on the c.d. “I’m Not Ready to Love” is gorgeous in the way it uses a country guitar twang with a sweeping orchestra to make an exquisite melody. It has a haunting quality that is pretty and heartbreaking at the same time.
Rufus Wainwright once again does a great job as a witty lyricist and songwriter, but this is not his best work to date. Besides a couple of obvious catchy tunes, this c.d. is just o.k. in my opinion. Maybe after multiple listening “Release the Stars” will grow on me. Check out the Rufus Wainwright “Release the Stars” music videos below.
THE “GOING TO A TOWN” MUSIC VIDEO:
THE “RULES & REGULATIONS” MUSIC VIDEO:
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