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It’s the perfect opener to an LP which unashamedly celebrates the spirit of the 70s and which Rufus calls “the most pop album” he’s ever made. A bold, heavenly jewel in the crown, ‘Out Of The Game’, is undeniably Rufus, his honey-toned voice cushioned by gospel singers as it glides through piano and electric guitar.

Produced by Mark Ronson, this is the seventh studio album from one of the very best contemporary songwriters. Rufus says it’s “the most pop album I’ve ever made” while Mark Ronson believes “it’s the best work of my career”. Both sentiments can be heard between the grooves of this marriage made in heaven.., Recorded in New York in the fall of 2011, the twelve songs are hook-laden, memorably arranged tracks reminiscent of Rufus’ early work, following 2010’s more quietly intimate outing, Songs For Lulu. 

From the uptempo opening chords of the title track and first single to the gospel tinged rock of ‘Jericho’, through the beauty of ‘Sometimes You Need’ and the emotional pull of ‘Candles’, this new disc ranks alongside Rufus Wainwright’s very best.

Musicians on the album include the Dapkings who Mark used for the groundbreaking Amy Winehouse ‘Back To Black’ CD and his own ‘Record Collection’; Wilco’s Nels Cline; Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs; Andrew Wyatt from Mike Snow; Sean Lennon and Martha Wainwright.

Influences, as ever, were all encompassing. Mark says ‘Out of the Game’ “has a real 70’s, Laurel Canyon spirit” while Rufus cites “all the greats- Elton, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, basically the brash and beautiful. It’s also very Rufus.” 

Affectionately referred to by Elton John as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and praised by The New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Grammy nominee Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. 

He is the son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and brother of Martha Wainwright, but Rufus has achieved his success by carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theater, dance and film.  Without a doubt, ‘Out of the Game’ covers all the bases. All in all, it’s beautifully delivered reminder that the wonders of Rufus Wainwright will never cease.