What makes Want by Rufus Wainwright notable?

Want was well-received by critics, earning praise for its ambitious production and lyrical depth, which contributed to Wainwright's growing status in the music industry. The album features standout tracks that have become fan favorites, further cementing Wainwright's influence on contemporary singer-songwriter music. Released in 2005, Want marked a pivotal moment for Rufus Wainwright as his third studio album, following the success of his self-titled debut and his sophomore effort, Poses. By this time, Wainwright had solidified his reputation as a unique voice in the indie pop scene, showcasing his ability to craft intricate narratives within his songs while also experimenting with orchestration.

Want works well if you're into lush orchestrations for emotional depth, dynamic journey with emotional peaks and introspective lyrics for reflective moments.

How many songs are on Want?

Want has 28 tracks, running approximately 120 minutes.

Want

Rufus Wainwright · 2005

120 min · 28 tracks · indie pop

A lush tapestry of orchestral pop and introspective lyrics, blending yearning melodies with Wainwright's distinctive vocal style.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Don't Know What It Is — This track exemplifies Wainwright's ability to blend pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics, presenting a narrative of uncertainty wrapped in an infectious melody.
→
Vicious World — With its poignant exploration of disillusionment and longing, this song captures the essence of vulnerability that pervades the album.
→
Go or Go Ahead — A sweeping ballad that showcases Wainwright's vocal range and emotional depth, illustrating themes of love and departure through its dramatic composition.
→
Beautiful Child — This track highlights Wainwright's lyrical craftsmanship, weaving a tender narrative about longing and beauty against a backdrop of lush instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Wainwright's orchestral pop blends introspective lyrics with lush arrangements, making it distinctive yet cohesive.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Wainwright's vocal delivery, creating a rich soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Go or Go Ahead,' which shifts from a slow build to an upbeat chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

lush orchestrations for emotional depth
dynamic journey with emotional peaks
introspective lyrics for reflective moments
ideal for late-night contemplation
engaging storytelling through vivid imagery

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer straightforward, upbeat vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Wainwright's reputation and expanded his audience.
Career context: Released in 2005, Want marked a pivotal moment for Rufus Wainwright as his third studio album, following the success of his self-titled debut and his sophomore effort, Poses. By this time, Wainwright had solidified his reputation as a unique voice in the indie pop scene, showcasing his ability to craft intricate narratives within his songs while also experimenting with orchestration.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Folds· Sufjan Stevens· Regina Spektor