Album Review: Rufus Wainwright Out Of The Game

This is Rufus Wainwright's seventh solo album and, with the help of Mark Ronson at the helm as producer, is interestingly a definite move away from the flamboyant recordings that Wainwright is famous for. Out Of The Game is a grower from the opening title track until the last 56th minute, and the more you listen to it the more you will appreciate the heavy emotions that are dominant throughout.

The Ronson and Wainwright collaboration, not one that many would have predicted, has produced an album packed with ragtime rhythms, warm vocals and a clever use of synth. They have also created a personal album that utilises the exquisite tenor voice of Wainwright without compromising his unique style that defines him as an artist.

The album sways back and forth between themes such as familiar Leonard Cohen tributes in Rashida and musical theatre references in Sometimes You Need, a clever use of string and wind interludes making the latter a nice poetic dedication to Wainwright's wandering temperament. Last track Candles reminds the listener that the album is a dedication to Wainwright's recently deceased mother. It is a sombre song consisting of a moody vocal timbre and minimal instrumental accompaniment. Wainwright will always be himself though and, as the song bursts into a bagpipe solo towards the end to emphase the theme of death and mourning, the listener can't help but appreciate the genius combination of Wainwright's eccentricity and Ronson's production.

All up, Out Of The Game is a rare and unique recording that combines popular themes of love and death with magical arrangements and Wainwright's consistent ability to surprise.