Out of the Game - Rufus Wainwright
Out of the Game Image
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

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  • Summary: The seventh solo album from the singer-songwriter was produced by Mark Ronson and features Nels Cline of Wilco; The Dap-Kings; Sean Lennon, Martha Wainwright; Andrew Wyatt from Miike Snow; and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs as guest musicians.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. NOW Magazine
    Apr 19, 2012
    100
    It's full of breathtakingly beautiful harmonies and spiralling narrative lyrics that balance complex emotional subject matter with pitch-perfect delivery and hummable melodies
  2. Exclaim
    May 15, 2012
    80
    Not every moment is seamless, but the results are fascinating and, more importantly, enthralling from beginning to end.
  3. Under The Radar
    Jul 9, 2012
    60
    Out Of The Game is a pretty mellow affair, and although it's hard not to miss Wainwright's "ponderous, pseudo-genius" extravagance, one can't help but be charmed by how lucid and relaxed he sounds. [Jun 2012, p.156]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. PopMatters
    Apr 30, 2012
    30
    His most ridiculous and worst album to date.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Sausage
    9
    A Wonderful record and honestly, my best since 'want 1'! He has cut down on all the flamboyancies of his previous efforts and has produced a beautifully melodic album!! Ive picked up hints of Abba, queen, elton John...but all with that Rufus wainwright twist!!...this is a grower....… Expand
  2. brel
    9
    The marriage of Rufus Wainwright and Jon Ronson is inspired. This is Rufus' most complete, and most accessible album. Jericho, Rashida and Montauk are instantly catchy and hummable, however after a few listens (as with all great albums), the other songs reveal themselves as individual marvels - "Song of You" and "Candles" bringing the album to a wonderfully touching close. The influence of Mark Ronson is strong - the cleanest production of a Rufus album yet, coupled with much clearer enunciation of the words (overcoming his occasional tendency to drawl), highlight not only the incredible range of Rufus' voice, but also the simple beauty of the lyrics. My only disappointment was that the Guy Chambers-produced bonus track WWIII is only available on iTunes - it would have been nice to have included it on the album (or at least on the deluxe version). It is a wonderful tune and sits perfectly in with the overall feel of the album. My re-burnt version of the CD, has this song nestled in cosily between "Montauk" and "Bitter Tears".
    It will be wonderful to see these songs performed live at his concerts over the coming months - I've got my ticket, go get yours!!    … Expand
  3. Silvertooth
    9
    Rufus Wainwright's Out of the Game is a great album that echos 70's pop music but with a very modern feel. Easily his most accessible album Rufus meshes fun melodies with beautiful lyrics. It is a ray of sunshine after his previous entry Songs for Lulu, but toned down from Release the Stars which is right where Rufus needs to be. He is emotionally exposed but still letting the music be fun and expansive. This is easily his best album since Poses and proves that Rufus is certainly not out of the game...terribly corny.… Expand

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