The Top 3 Rufus Wainwright Songs of All Time - And Why

Without a doubt, Rufus Wainwright is one of the most original songwriters out there today. Countless people have been moved by his compositions. I am personally a huge fan of Wainwright's unique style, and when the question of the best Rufus Wainwright songs came up in a conversation among a few music-loving friends, I had to answer it.

Here's what I came up with:


1. California

Rufus delivers a withering critique of California life, veiled in a poppy tune with Beach Boys harmony. It recalls how he worshiped Hollywood as a kid, but how now he's disillusioned by how seriously California takes itself. "Ain't it a shame," he says, that the rest of the world "can't enjoy your mad tradition" and the "soft-skinned boys" that can still bruise you. It's a satirical comment on a world he has to live in to do the work he does. The last line says it all: "Life is the longest death / in California." Funny that the first time I spent time with this song I was driving the 101 to LA.

2. Poses

On the title track to his sophomore album, Wainwright explores the superficial things in life that he seems to both love and hate. But like most of his tunes, his intelligence takes it beyond just a gripe fest. It becomes both an ode to and a dirge about the "trappings of youth" - the leather jackets and expensive shades. He both loves these things and laments that he loves them. It's a credit to his skill that he pulls off both - and that we believe it. In an interview on NPR's "Fresh Air," I heard Wainwright talk about how "Poses" refers to a young gay man's attempts to be mature, in-the-know, special. Underneath the list of trinkets in the song is a pining for something more - a desire to truly be special, coupled with the knowledge that all these toys aren't the way.

3. Across the Universe

This classic song by The Beatles was reimagined by Rufus Wainwright. In this track from the soundtrack to the movie "Sam I Am," Wainwright pulls the song back to its simplest elements, voice and acoustic guitar. He takes his time singing the lyrics, and his smooth operatic voice suggests the hope that Lennon probably intended. It's not an easy song to pull off as a cover without appearing silly, especially with the Hindu lyrics, "Jai Guru Deva." It could easily have become a light, fluffy tribute to the Fab Four - but with Wainwright's voice it becomes a portal transporting us into a brighter future.

Whether you agree with my list of the best Rufus Wainwright songs or not, there's no disputing he's one of the most original and talented songwriters at work today.

If you like Rufus Wainwright, then you might also check out Justin Jude -- an artist with sophisticated lyrics and songs like Wainwright.

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