It has been three years since Rufus Wainwright’s last album, and a lot has changed since then. Not the least is the passing of his mother, something that has had a profound effect on his latest record.Wainwright’s last album, while not overly upbeat and happy, is still pretty easy to move to. His new album, “All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu,” is a much more somber endeavor. Despite the somber feel, this is a relaxing album, something that one can listen to while at work or trying to get to sleep.
The album relies heavily on the piano, with no strings or drums anywhere to be found. This is a great thing, as the haunting sound of the piano adds the relaxing feel to the otherwise blue lyrics. The best example of this is the opening track on the album, “Who Are You New York?”
One of the standout songs on the album is the fourth track, “Give Me What I Want and Give it to Me Now.” This is a much quicker song, something to tap your foot to. It has a show tune or opera feel to it, which is perhaps a nod to his opera, Prima Donna.
Along with the original songs on the album, there are also three renditions of Shakespeare’s sonnets 43, 20 and 10. The music that accompanies Shakespeare’s words is perfectly in sync with the rest of the album.
This is another great album from Rufus Wainwright. Despite relying solely on a piano for the entire album, the lack of other instruments doesn’t take away from the feel. This album is great to lose yourself in after a long day.
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