Unfollow The Rules
BMG, 2020
9/10
The always impressive Rufus Wainwright returns with a 9th studio album, which has the accomplished songwriter more artistic and passionate than ever as married life, fatherhood, and his current residence in Laurel Canyon have much impact on his song craft.
“Trouble In Paradise” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with Wainwright’s inimitable pipes soaring in the key friendly and chamber influenced setting where Matt Chamberlain’s drumming is nothing short of stunning, and “Damsel in Distress” follows with a strummed guitar and orchestral presence as the atmosphere gets both playful and sophisticated while taking nods at Joni Mitchell.
In the middle, or Act II, (the album is divided into 3 acts) “Romantical Man” takes on a retro quality amid warm piano, while “Only The People That Love” trims the scene back to a calm, romantic, folk influenced setting. “This One’s For The Ladies (That Lunge!)” is as frisky as the title implies, where a bare beginning builds into a nearly gospel like scene of symphonic, majestic beauty.
Closer to the end, “Early Morning Madness” moves gently with a darker approach as Wainwright’s exceptional vocals show much range, and “Alone Time” exits the listen with just keys paired with layered voices and soothing harmonies.
Wainwright considers this his first ‘pop’ record in nearly a decade, and now entering his late 40’s his voice sounds better than ever and the entrance of his personal life and political observations into his creative work help make Unfollow The Rules a highlight in his catalog, which, if you’ve been following along so far, you’ll realize is about as big a compliment as possible.
Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; Martha Wainwright- Come Home To Mama