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Release The Stars - Rufus Wainwright
Release The Stars Image
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The singer-songwriter self-produced (with the help of Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant) this follow-up to 'Want Two.' Richard Thompson guests.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. musicOMH.com
    100
    It is different in many ways, but never neglects the melodic, vocal and lyrical genius that has established, and will continue to establish, his status as one of the all time greats.
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Complex, melodramatic, ambitious, vain, beautiful and frequently magnificent - Release the Stars may not yield many chart hits, but it feels like an album that will endure.
  3. Playlouder
    60
    As a whole, the album feels less definite, less driven, than the 'Want…' albums, which is both a strength and a weakness.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 57
  3. Negative: 3 out of 57
  1. JasonV.
    10
    I think music lovers so respect and revel in Rufus' music, that many of them desperately want to see him reach the level of what the media tells us is great. I'm personally glad he's not Rob Thomas, or Fergie. 40 years from, when the pop mainstream as we currently know it is lumped into a genre of the time, Rufus Wainwright will be noted as a genius and standout, who's work will continue to intrigue and inspire musicians and music lovers for generations to come. I don't think we'll be able to say the same for Maroon 5, but man they sure do know how to get on the charts!!!....who cares? Rufus is one of the greatest composers of our generation...try and enjoy it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. RobbieC
    5
    Pretty much disappointing. There are definitely stand out tracks, Going To A Town is pretty awesome. But the album as a whole lacks cohesion and is much less compelling than Want Two, which was slightly less compelling than Want One. Overall, this is his worst album.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JimP
    2
    I'm a big fan of Rufus' work to this point, but I just can't get into this album. Way too heavily produced. As for songcraft, these would have been on the cutting room floor if they were laid down during the Want or Poses sessions.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 57 User Reviews

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