Release The Stars
by Rufus Wainwright
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 15, 2007
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 76
  3. Negative: 3 out of 76

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. elizag
    May 17, 2007
    2
    big fan of the first four cds; he laid an egg with this one. 2 stars for a few moments with potential--going to a town has a decent hook, but is too strident, sanssouci is melodic but trite, tulsa has some amusing cheekiness to it. been a fan since poses, hoping rufus can finally produce a breakout album and get the widespread acclaim he deserves. this is not that album, tho--too bad.
  2. PeteM
    May 14, 2007
    4
    Over-the-top arrangements suck the life out of the melodies. Maybe it will grow but I'm disappointed.
  3. NatalieH
    Jun 4, 2007
    10
    Rufus Wainwright is by far the most incredible musician that has EVER graced this earth. He's phenomenal!
  4. MargaretS
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    We have just seen him at the Old Vic-he is just fantastically talented. The depth of his music, the intracacies of the melodies and rythms just knock you back. His voice soars,his musicality sills the theatre- and this album.
  5. ericd
    Jun 6, 2007
    8
    This album is very strong at the start to middle. It does however have a drop off point!? Rufus makes original sounds and I think the industry sometimes doesn't know what exactly to write about him. Some of the critics are harsh and ignorant but ironically in there poor reviews of him they don't really make solid points why the music is bad. Then the positive reviews always have This album is very strong at the start to middle. It does however have a drop off point!? Rufus makes original sounds and I think the industry sometimes doesn't know what exactly to write about him. Some of the critics are harsh and ignorant but ironically in there poor reviews of him they don't really make solid points why the music is bad. Then the positive reviews always have this twist of evil...I dunno this album is very good, in fact it's great! Just have a listen yourself. If you get it, it's beautiful! Key Tracks: Going To A Town, Between My Legs, Do I Disappoint You, Nobody's Off The Hook.… Expand
  6. StaciaM
    Jun 7, 2007
    8
    Finally, something to stand up to his debut album.
  7. SYanoff
    Oct 4, 2007
    6
    It's no Poses (his previous album, which is just excellent). There's a couple of skip-able songs on here, some go on too long, and nothing that grabs you the way Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk or Tower of Learning do. Rufus shines on the politically-charged spots (Going to a Town) and risque (Between My Legs).
  8. GioSCerbo
    May 14, 2007
    9
    Rufus proves once again, his musical genius! Fabulous album! BUY IT! DOWNLOAD IT! NOW!
  9. PaulC
    May 15, 2007
    9
    As Want One/Two is my favourite all time album, I was anxious that this follow up would fail to live up to expectations. Its early days still (I have only heard it through three times) but early signs are that Release The Stars is every bit as good as I could have hoped for, with Rufus' trademark ecstatic songwriting and production in full flight. Nay-sayers who scoff at the As Want One/Two is my favourite all time album, I was anxious that this follow up would fail to live up to expectations. Its early days still (I have only heard it through three times) but early signs are that Release The Stars is every bit as good as I could have hoped for, with Rufus' trademark ecstatic songwriting and production in full flight. Nay-sayers who scoff at the overblown dramatics are completely missing the point of Rufus, possibly the closest thing modern pop has to a contemporary classical composer. There are highlights aplenty on the album, growers too, and in I Disappoint You and Slideshow, two best ever tracks to rank alongside I Don't Know What It Is, Go or Go Ahead and, oh, so many others. The man's a genius.… Expand
  10. madsl
    May 15, 2007
    4
    wainwright has one of the most annoying vocals in all of music. it is a cringeworthy experience having to sit through a whole hour of his operatic vocal tics devoid of any sense of the art of phrasing...
  11. HelenB
    May 16, 2007
    10
    An amazing artistic album. Something that would make any money-making artist (britney etc) feel bad on selling out just for people's money. Rufus never ever disappoints :]
  12. amber
    May 16, 2007
    7
    Less is more as they say but in this instance Rufus has opted for MORE, its just too much for me I'm afraid. His songs are individually beautiful and touching, but as an album, its just too much to take in. I
  13. joser.r
    May 22, 2007
    9
    It´s very absurd the ratings in your web....This records belongs to more than 80 category. You posh people of the press !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It our new Mozart but you don´t notice. So keep listening Panda Bear and go insane men!!!!
  14. wander
    May 3, 2007
    9
    best album from rufus - great job
  15. EdwardR
    May 30, 2007
    10
    As a long-time Rufus fan, this is by far his best CD to date. All 12 tracks are stunning, it has a cohesive whole, and the melodies and hooks are impossible to get out of your head. A fantastic release.
  16. PhilippeD.
    Jun 22, 2007
    7
    Been a Rufus fan for some time now. He is an amazing artist. Release The Stars is not his best work but still pretty good. Listen to # 2,8,9,10,11 and 12. I've been waiting a while for new stuff from Rufus and I must say that I am very happy with his lastest work. Good job Rufus.
  17. WillyS
    Jun 4, 2007
    5
    The record is a meandering mess. Outside of "Going to a Town" there are no specifically memorable moments. Each time I listen to it, I finish with no memory of hooks, progressions or melodies that hold any significant water. Layering new orchestra over ideas from Want One and Two does not equal new material. Rufus's massive talent is sidelined by his penchant for flash and flamboyance.
  18. AdamW
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    Exce[tional - a real grower of an album - sounded like a bit of an albatross on first play but now I just can't get enough of it. The grandiose "Slideshow" and the exuberant "Do I Disappoint You" are standout tracks, but the tender and vulnerable "Not Ready To Love" is also exceptional. Production-wise, a shower of an album. Musically, a definite grower. Give it a chance.
  19. Michelle
    May 14, 2007
    10
    Amazing!
  20. RalphS
    May 14, 2007
    6
    The album lacks good compositions and hooks and ends up beeing superficial. It's boring and nothing compared to Want 1 + 2. Actually think this is the worst album from Rufus. (But still better than the rest out there)
  21. Jonnym
    May 14, 2007
    7
    Ranges from the sublime to the innocuous..which brings me to TJWells comment...LCDSoundsystem is the best album of the year so far, just ahead of Modest Mouse.
  22. ChrisS.
    May 14, 2007
    9
    it's amazing how allmusic has really not understood rufus' music ever. i think this is a great great album
  23. ArmenS
    May 14, 2007
    6
    This album starts out OK the first three tracks are great, then comes the excessive "stuff". From over-the-top lyrics to over-the-top production. On the backside of the CD Rufus mentions that this album is dedicated to his mother: "who still whispers he is great in his ear"... well then, that pretty much sums this one up. Although this is classic Wainwright with some great songs, in the This album starts out OK the first three tracks are great, then comes the excessive "stuff". From over-the-top lyrics to over-the-top production. On the backside of the CD Rufus mentions that this album is dedicated to his mother: "who still whispers he is great in his ear"... well then, that pretty much sums this one up. Although this is classic Wainwright with some great songs, in the end it esentially the same thing he has been doing forever. Perhpas it's time that he "grow up" and make music which explores a bit more rather than the same old thing that mommy likes...… Expand
  24. Corey
    May 14, 2007
    9
    The only reason I give this a 9 is because it just doesn't match the Want albums which are amazing. Still this is a terrific set of songs from a musical prodigy. Some people just don't "get" Rufus. It is so rare to find an artist that produces such intelligent, thought provoking and goosebump inducing music with such consistancy. Wonderful album.
  25. pimpap
    May 15, 2007
    10
    A MASTERPIECE! An emotional rollercoaster that shatters you, makes you happy, sad, in love and in doubt.
  26. ElizabethA
    May 15, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing. Rufus has definitely done it again.
  27. Carrie
    May 15, 2007
    10
    He just keep getting better.
  28. DavidD
    May 15, 2007
    10
    What a ride! This will definately carry me through the summer (and fall and winter)
  29. [Anonymous]
    May 15, 2007
    10
    Gorgeous, huge, and absolutely wonderful. Best ever from Rufus.
  30. rufusi.
    May 17, 2007
    10
    beauteous, glorious, delicious. He doesn't do it for his mother's approval, when he gets that, it's because he's gifting her. He's brilliant!
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Boston Globe
    40
    It's an ornate, dizzying affair, where all his interests and talents collide in one brazen gesture. It's impressive in scope, but where does that leave the listener? Possibly with a headache.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    67
    Such frequent attempts to elevate the banal into the meaningful ultimately keep Release the Stars from achieving any significant momentum and only add weight to the notion that Wainwright's shaky aim-- rather than his lack of talent-- might be his biggest downfall.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    90
    This is so rich, so intelligent, so feeling, that most of us will throw our hands limply in the air and join voices with mum Kate McGarrigle who, according to the dedication on the back, "still whispers in my ear that I'm great".
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »