Rufus Wainwright’s “Rufus Rufus Rufus Does Judy Judy Judy” – A Wild Ride Through Nostalgia and Showbiz Swagger
Alright, buckle up, because Rufus Wainwright didn’t just make an album here—he made a statement. Released in 2007 under Geffen Records, this record isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop or stage & screen project. Nope. It’s like stepping into some glittery time machine where old-school Music Hall meets Broadway bombast with a side of sass. And yeah, it’s as chaotic-awesome as it sounds.
First off, let’s talk tracks. You’ve got classics like “The Man That Got Away” and “Over The Rainbow,” but two songs really stuck in my brain like gum on a shoe: “Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart” and “San Francisco.” Why? Because they’re not just covers—they’re total reimaginings that slap you across the face (in a good way).
Take “Zing!” for instance. This track doesn’t mess around—it comes out swinging with Rufus’ signature theatrical flair. His voice is all over the place, but in the best possible way. It’s like he’s channeling Judy Garland while also screaming, “Hey, I’m Rufus, and I do what I want!” By the time those strings kick in, you’re either dancing like a lunatic or crying into your coffee. Either way, it works.
Then there’s “San Francisco.” Oh man, this one hits different. Rufus takes this tune and turns it into something haunting yet oddly comforting. Like, imagine walking through foggy streets at midnight, feeling both lost and found at the same time. Yeah, it’s that vibe. He stretches every note like taffy, making you feel each syllable deep in your soul. Props to Stephen Oremus and Frank Filipetti for mixing magic too—this thing sounds massive.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the whole album ain’t perfect. Some tracks drag a bit, and if you’re not into big, dramatic vocals, you might gag halfway through. But honestly? That’s kind of the point. Rufus isn’t playing it safe here. He’s throwing everything—including the kitchen sink—at these songs, daring you to keep up.
And hey, here’s the kicker: listening to this album feels like being invited to a party where everyone’s dressed better than you, but somehow, you still feel welcome. Weird, right? Maybe that’s why it sticks. Or maybe it’s just Rufus reminding us that music can be messy, loud, and beautiful all at once.
So yeah, give this wild ride a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up belting “Stormy Weather” in your car at 2 AM. Trust me, we’ve all been there.
