What makes Unfollow the Rules by Rufus Wainwright notable?

Unfollow the Rules received widespread critical acclaim, debuting at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and garnering praise for its sophisticated songwriting and orchestral arrangements. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, further solidifying Wainwright's standing in the music industry. Released in July 2020, Unfollow the Rules is Rufus Wainwright's first album after a six-year hiatus since his previous release, Out of the Game. This album marks a return to his roots, embracing the grand orchestral arrangements reminiscent of his early work while also showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Who is Unfollow the Rules for?

Unfollow the Rules works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and introspective reflective moods.

How many songs are on Unfollow the Rules?

Unfollow the Rules has 12 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Unfollow the Rules

Rufus Wainwright · 2020

51 min · 12 tracks · indie pop

A lush tapestry of orchestration meets introspective lyrics, blending Wainwright's theatricality with a contemporary pop sensibility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Unfollow the Rules — The title track serves as a manifesto of sorts, balancing whimsical charm with poignant reflections on life choices, encapsulating the album's thematic core.
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Damsel in Distress — This track showcases Wainwright's storytelling prowess, weaving humor and vulnerability into a narrative about societal expectations placed on women.
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Only the People That Love — A tender ballad that highlights Wainwright's emotive vocal delivery, this song offers a contemplative look at the complexities of love and relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

Wainwright's orchestral pop blends theatricality with introspective lyrics, creating a distinctive sound throughout the album.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature lush orchestral arrangements that set a grand tone, while the fourth track shifts to a more stripped-back instrumentation.
Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Damsel in Distress,' which moves from a slow ballad to a more upbeat section.
The album closes with two tracks that feature minimal instrumentation, allowing Wainwright's vocals and lyrics to take center stage.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
introspective reflective moods
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes: orchestral nostalgia· societal expectations· introspective manifesto
Career context: Released in July 2020, Unfollow the Rules is Rufus Wainwright's first album after a six-year hiatus since his previous release, Out of the Game. This album marks a return to his roots, embracing the grand orchestral arrangements reminiscent of his early work while also showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Folds· Sufjan Stevens· Regina Spektor