Out of the Game - Rufus Wainwright
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10

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  1. Sausage
    May 2, 2012
    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....
  2. brel
    May 12, 2012
    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
    Jun 16, 2012
    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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 9, 2012
    67
    Mark Ronson's production keeps the theatricality tight, surfacing in the skittered beats of "Perfect Man," but Out of the Game presents Wainwright shedding some of the foolishness of youth, even if somewhat reluctantly.
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  2. No Ripcord
    Jul 31, 2012
    50
    What really makes this album the disappointment that it is is not the songs that wallow in the background. It's relistening to his earlier work that puts it into perspective.
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  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]
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