Out of the Game (2012) The piano-pop virtuoso follows up 2010's spare All Days Are Nights , released in the wake of his mother's death, with a lush, soul-infused disc… Rufus Wainwright Pop Decca
'GAME' CHANGE Wainwright's piano expertise contributes to this affecting and soulful album
Image credit: Barry J. Holmes
'GAME' CHANGE Wainwright's piano expertise contributes to this affecting and soulful album
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Release Date: May 01, 2012; Lead Performance: Rufus Wainwright; Genre: Pop; Production: Decca

The piano-pop virtuoso follows up 2010's spare All Days Are Nights, released in the wake of his mother's death, with a lush, soul-infused disc produced by retro specialist Mark Ronson. If Out of the Game sounds old-fashioned, Wainwright's words feel like postcards from now. On the title track, he ponders modern celebrity over a Steely Dan-style shuffle, and he addresses his 1-year-old daughter with characteristic wit on the Long Island-set ''Montauk'': ''One day you will come to Montauk/And see your dad wearing a kimono.'' Lucky girl. A-

Best Tracks:
Swinging Barbara
Spry Perfect Man
Originally posted May 04, 2012 Published in issue #1205 May 04, 2012 Order article reprints