Unfollow the Rules
by Rufus Wainwright
  • Record Label: BMG
  • Release Date: Jul 10, 2020
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Clash Music
    Jul 10, 2020
    90
    ‘Unfollow The Rules’ feels like a gentle stroll through the various stages of Rufus’s career; far from creating the impression of Rufus covering his own back catalogue, the effect is like a timely reminder of everything that’s wonderful about Wainwright.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jul 9, 2020
    90
    Unfollow The Rules – the album title was inspired by a phrase used by Wainwright’s daughter – is worth the wait, and across the 12 songs here, we experience some of the finest moments of his career to date.
  3. Uncut
    Jul 7, 2020
    90
    A spectacular return to the tower of song and the game he plays best. Brimming with memorable melodies, swooning arrangements and smart lyrics dreamily sung. [Aug 2020, p.39]
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  5. Record Collector
    Oct 29, 2020
    80
    Wainwright has returned with a generous and positive record that suggests a more mature, philosophical perspective, thankfully without losing his impish sense of humour and taste for lavish arrangements.
  6. PopMatters
    Aug 13, 2020
    80
    Unfollow the Rules is what critics might call "classic Wainwright". Possibly feeling that his return to the 21st century had to be a good one, he enlisted the venerable Mitchell Froom to produce the record, which has resulted in a lush and detailed sounding album, which both protagonists should be proud of.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 16, 2020
    80
    A straight-ahead album of gorgeous, elaborate, amusing and affecting songs.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 13, 2020
    80
    Unfollow the Rules marks a welcome return to the opulent orchestration of Wainwright’s early albums.
  9. AllMusic
    Jul 10, 2020
    80
    Wainwright's growth as a composer/arranger and his experiences in the classical realm are apparent here. Though, to his credit as a tunesmith, his words and melodies remain center stage.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 9, 2020
    80
    This is one of Wainwright’s finest albums.
  11. Glide Magazine
    Jul 8, 2020
    80
    Working with producer Mitchell Froom, Wainwright has crafted 12 melodic artistic pop tunes that are some of the finest of his career.
  12. Exclaim
    Jul 8, 2020
    80
    The vocals on Unfollow the Rules are unmistakably Wainwright's — remarkably indistinguishable from his younger voice. With the strong drumbeat on the opening track, "Trouble in Paradise," it also becomes apparent that this album possesses some spark: if it represents coming home at dusk, then it is not without fireworks.
  13. Mojo
    Jul 7, 2020
    80
    It is a relief to see Wainwright honouring his formidable songwriting talents with songs as luscious as those on Poses or Want One. [Jun 2020, p.94]
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  14. Q Magazine
    Jul 7, 2020
    80
    For all the finely crafted, impeccably produced numbers there are enough stripped-back torch song moments to remind us of the simple power of Wainwright's talent. [Aug 2020, p.113]
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  15. Pitchfork
    Jul 10, 2020
    69
    The album’s sound is sleek and full of grand, sweeping climaxes that occasionally oversell the songwriting. But if Unfollow the Rules is sometimes in want of a unifying idea or theme, Wainwright’s dreamy voice provides a throughline.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. MnM
    Jul 15, 2020
    10
    Some of the best songwriting you're bound to hear all year. The album contains all of the twists and turns you expect from Rufus WainwrightSome of the best songwriting you're bound to hear all year. The album contains all of the twists and turns you expect from Rufus Wainwright and they come together beautifully. The Rolling Stone review is an unsurprising abomination - clearly, they don't like theatre, but isn't that part of performance?… Full Review »
  2. AlexaKilldiot
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    Such an amazing album. Devils and angels is my favorite from Unfollow the rules. The whole album is a piece of art. Is at the same level than Poses
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