Rufus Wainwright releases a dud of an album

Canadian American artist Rufus Wainwright recently released All Days Are Nights

: Songs for Lulu, his eighth album. This album is dedicated to the memory of his mother, Kate McGarrigle, who passed away from sarcoma in January 2010. Wainwright is very active in fundraising for the Kate McGarrigle Foundation, whose goal is to raise awareness of her rare cancer. Considering the inspiration for this album and that he is in mourning, these songs are rather depressing.

I have always liked Rufus Wainwright for his piano talent rather than for his voice. Consequently, his voice seems especially irritating on this album, which may contribute to why I don’t like it nearly as much as his older albums. 

For the most part, Wainwright’s lyrics are touching. “Martha” is addressed to his sister, discussing the worsening condition of their mother. “Give Me What I Want And Give It To Me Now!” is really the only fast song on this album. While having a slightly obnoxious message, Wainwright also attempts to be humorous in this track, with lyrics like “I will eat your kids for breakfast!”

However, if I had to choose the best track on this album, I would say it is “Les Feux d’Artifice t’appellent;” this is mostly attributed to the alluring and mysterious French lyrics.

This album also includes three adaptations of Shakespeare’s sonnets 43, 20, and 10.

While Wainwright is usually passionate in his music, All Days Are Night seems more intimate than ever before. It is a good thing that he is expressing his emotions through his music; however, this album seems like he may have gone a little too far, and is instead alerting listeners to the extent of his loneliness. 

Despite the fact that this album is very important to Wainwright, it may be a little too personal and bare for fans. For example, “Who Are You New York?” debuted as the album’s single, however, it is a fairly weak track and will not attract new fans. There is not much substance or excitement in the album overall, making it rather dull. I realize it is about his mother’s sickness; however, that is not an excuse for a boring      album.

From past albums, it is obvious that Wainwright is a talented artist. Maybe he should have produced this album just for his family, rather than for the public. The dullness of All Days Are Nights is going to produce upsetting record sales that may hinder his future. 

Rufus Wainwright plays an unusual combination of opera and pop accompanied by the piano. He is fairly similar to artists such as Joseph Arthur, Ben Folds, and Andrew Bird.

Older tracks that are definitely worth listening to are “Instant Pleasure” and “He Ain’t Heavy” (cover of Neil Diamond). Also, for my fellow O.C. fans, check out “Hallelujah,” which you will recognize from several episodes, most notably when Seth sails away in the season one finale.

Though Rufus Wainwright is currently touring in Europe, he will be touring North America in June 2010, hitting cities such as Philadelphia and Montreal. To connect his album to his mother even more, $1 from every ticket will be a donation to the Kate McGarrigle Foundation. The donation aspect of his tour is probably attracting more fans than his actual music is, unfortunately.

If Rufus Wainwright wants to impress fans again, he is going to need to make his next album livelier. I really wouldn’t recommend listening to All Days Are Nights, especially if you don’t want your spirit to be crushed.