Folkocracy

Released in 2023 to celebrate his 50th birthday, Folkocracy is Rufus Wainwright's explicit return to the folk music of his upbringing. Produced by Mitchell Froom, the album features an extensive list of collaborators including Brandi Carlile, John Legend, Anohni, and Sheryl Crow, as well as his own family members. While Wainwright's career has largely been defined by 'Baroque Pop' and operatic compositions, this record serves as a curated anthology of the songs that informed his musical DNA. The tracklist spans traditional standards, 60s folk-rock, and even German Lieder, all unified by a sophisticated chamber-folk aesthetic. Critics noted that while the production is cleaner than the raw field recordings of the 60s folk revival, Wainwright's vocal prowess adds a layer of 'high-art' to the material that is uniquely his. It stands as a companion piece to his more theatrical works, proving his versatility as an interpreter of song.