Rufus Wainwright is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and composer known for his emotional and theatrical style. With his distinctive voice and piano-driven melodies, he has captivated audiences for over two decades. Wainwright’s music has been described as baroque pop, chamber pop, and even avant-garde, and he has become a celebrated figure in the world of indie pop and folk. Throughout his career, he has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, and his songs have been featured in movies, television shows, and theater productions. Among his extensive catalog of music, there are some songs that stand out above the rest. From his early work to his more recent releases, Wainwright’s songs have touched on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Some of his best-known tracks include “Dinner at Eight” from Want One, “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk,” “Poses,” and “Across the Universe,” a cover of the Beatles classic. Other favorites include “Foolish Love,” “Barcelona,” and “Vicious World.” In this list, we have compiled ten of the best Rufus Wainwright songs of all time, each one showcasing his signature style and evocative lyrics. From the haunting “Crumb by Crumb” to the rousing “Harvester of Hearts,” these songs offer a glimpse into the creative mind of one of the most talented musicians of our time.
1. Dinner At Eight
“Dinner at Eight” is a song by Rufus Wainwright, which was released in 2003. The song is a piano-driven ballad that features Wainwright’s signature soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song speaks to the complexities of familial relationships and the difficulties that can arise when attempting to reconnect with estranged family members. The lyrics describe a scene where the protagonist is preparing for a dinner party with his family, but he is filled with apprehension and anxiety about what will happen when they are all together. The song’s chorus repeats the phrase “Don’t be late, we’re all waiting at the table” in a haunting and somber tone, adding to the sense of tension and unease.
2. Cigarettes And Chocolate Milk
“Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk” is a song by Rufus Wainwright that was released in 2001. The song is a jazzy, upbeat number that features Wainwright’s signature wit and clever lyrics. The song describes the various vices and indulgences that the protagonist enjoys, such as cigarettes and chocolate milk, as a way of coping with the stresses of everyday life. The lyrics are both humorous and poignant, with Wainwright touching on themes of addiction, consumerism, and the search for happiness.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a crowd-pleaser, and it has become one of Wainwright’s most beloved songs.
3. One Man Guy
“One Man Guy” is a song by American musician and actor Rufus Wainwright. It was originally written and recorded by his father, folk singer Loudon Wainwright III, but Rufus recorded his own version for his 2001 album “Poses.” The song is a simple and beautiful ode to independence and self-sufficiency, with Rufus singing about how he’s learned to rely on himself and be happy on his own.
The instrumentation on the track is sparse, with just Rufus’ voice and a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. This minimalistic approach serves to highlight the song’s poignant lyrics and Rufus’ emotive vocal performance. The song builds to a beautiful climax towards the end, with Rufus’ voice soaring over a lush string arrangement.
4. Barcelona
“Barcelona” is a song by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, originally released in 1987. The song was written as a tribute to the city of Barcelona, which was hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics. Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, had long been a fan of the Spanish city and its culture, and he saw the Olympics as an opportunity to celebrate its beauty and vibrancy. “Barcelona” is a soaring, operatic duet between Mercury and Caballé, one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century.
5. Vicious World
“Vicious World” is a song by Rufus Wainwright, released on his 1998 self-titled debut album. The song is a mid-tempo ballad with haunting piano and string arrangements, and features Wainwright’s signature vocal style.
Lyrically, “Vicious World” explores the darker side of life and the difficulties of navigating through it. Wainwright sings about the viciousness of the world and how it can be a challenging and cruel place, especially for those who are vulnerable. However, despite the hardships, the song also carries a message of hope and resilience, urging the listener to keep moving forward.
6. Poses
“Poses” is the title track of Rufus Wainwright’s second studio album, released in 2001. The song features Wainwright’s distinctive piano playing and soaring vocals, and is known for its lush production and poetic lyrics.
The song is a reflection on fame, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems superficial and shallow. Wainwright sings about the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst the pressures of the entertainment industry, and the desire to connect with others on a deeper level.
7. Harvester Of Hearts
“Harvester of Hearts” is a melancholic and introspective song from Rufus Wainwright’s album “Want Two,” released in 2004. The song is a slow and somber ballad with a melancholic and introspective melody, enhanced by Wainwright’s unique and soulful voice. The lyrics are deeply personal and speak of the pain of a broken heart and the difficulty of letting go of a past love. The song’s instrumentation is sparse, featuring a simple piano accompaniment and occasional flourishes of strings that heighten the emotional intensity of the song.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s sorrow and yearning for a past love, as he sings “I still see your face/ In windows and cloudy mirrors/ And with every step I take/ I fear the heart that beats within us.”
8. Foolish Love
“Foolish Love” is a haunting ballad from Rufus Wainwright’s eponymous debut album, released in 1998. The song features a sparse and melancholic piano accompaniment and Wainwright’s unique and emotive vocals. The lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, exploring themes of unrequited love and heartbreak. The song’s instrumentation is simple but powerful, with a haunting melody that perfectly complements the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The song’s lyrics are both poignant and poetic, as Wainwright sings “Love, you’re just a simpleton/ And I, I’m just a silhouette/ In the dark where we were side by side/ Love, in a foolish way I crave you/ And you, you still hold my hand/ But do you understand?” The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, as Wainwright repeats the line “Oh, love, you’re just a lie” with increasing intensity and desperation.
9. Crumb By Crumb
“Crumb By Crumb” is a song by Rufus Wainwright, a Canadian-American singer-songwriter. The song was released in 2001 as part of Wainwright’s third studio album “Poses.” “Crumb By Crumb” is a melancholic ballad that showcases Wainwright’s signature sound of rich vocals and intricate piano playing. The song’s lyrics are introspective and emotional, exploring themes of heartbreak and the pain of moving on from a failed relationship. The song opens with a slow, haunting piano melody that sets the melancholic tone for the rest of the song. Wainwright’s smooth and emotive voice complements the melody, creating a powerful and emotional listening experience. The lyrics are filled with imagery and metaphors that describe the feelings of heartbreak and longing. The chorus of the song, “crumb by crumb in this big black forest,” is a metaphor for the process of healing and moving on from heartbreak, where one has to take it “step by step” and “day by day.”
10. Across The Universe
“Across The Universe” is a song by The Beatles, released in 1969 on their album “Let It Be.” The song was written by John Lennon and features a mix of eastern-inspired sounds and instrumentation, including a sitar and tabla drums. The lyrics are introspective and philosophical, with themes of transcendence and inner peace. The song opens with a haunting sitar melody that creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Lennon’s voice is soft and contemplative, fitting perfectly with the song’s introspective lyrics. The chorus of the song, “Nothing’s gonna change my world,” is a mantra that reflects the song’s theme of inner peace and transcendence. The song’s middle section features a chorus of voices singing “Jai Guru Deva Om,” which means “Glory to the divine teacher” in Sanskrit.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
