Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall
by Rufus Wainwright
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Dec 4, 2007
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Blender
    70
    This compendium of pop standards is as good an introduction to the great American songbook as any.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    That said, if it drives anyone to Judy at Carnegie Hall--one of the best live albums ever then bravo.
  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    The way opera lover Wainwright slides past notes and draws out the final syllables of lines are signatures indistinguishable from tics, and this varied music makes that all too clear.
  5. Slant Magazine
    80
    By turns baroque, jazzy, morose, and enraptured, they're a perfect opportunity for Wainwright to showcase his capacity as a singer in terms of tone and melodic emphasis. And showcase he does, deploying his dulcet foghorn of a voice with subtlety, grace, and elasticity
  6. AllMusic
    80
    So while the performance isn't perfect, particularly toward the end of the show (where, after two hours of performing swing tunes and jazz standards, Wainwright is understandably low on steam), it's still nice to hear the singer in his element, crooning about dinging trolleys and zinging heartstrings with flamboyancy that only he can muster.
  7. musicOMH.com
    80
    On hand, as ever, is sister and mother to crank-up the feel good factor, and a more life-affirming live album you'll not find.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. JohnS.
    Dec 11, 2007
    10
    went to see this concert at palladium and was blown away as am with cd. Rufus rules.
  2. jyotirmayadas
    Dec 10, 2007
    7
    Hearing these songs sung by Rufus Wainwright is such an exciting experience simply because of the undertaking of the project itself. His Hearing these songs sung by Rufus Wainwright is such an exciting experience simply because of the undertaking of the project itself. His tenor/alto is so beautiful and pure to hear during softer moments such as in "I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Darling)"... but a little too often, his persona gets in the way, and then one can appreciate how much Judy Garland herself, a great actress also, imbibed in her concert her battled life and her vulnerability, whereas Rufus struggles a little too hard to make witty statements which often do not come off very well. But that's mostly me nit-picking. This is a great addition to the American Songbook, and it is very well done. Perhaps if Rufus could have described his own feelings in between songs instead of mimicking Garland, it might have worked even better. Highlight is where Lorna Luft, Judy's half-sister joins in on one song. Where was Liza? She could have made this a four-star release very easily. But, yes, buy it if you are a Garland or Wainwright fan. it is a well-done diversion from his own singer/songwriting.… Full Review »
  3. IgnacioA.
    Dec 9, 2007
    9
    Great concert.
See all user reviews »