Rufus Wainwright’s life is full of drama. In 2009, Rufus earned a Grammy nomination for his recreation of Judy Garland’s famous Carnegie Hall concert and saw the premiere of his opera, Prima Donna. More recently, he experienced the death of his mother, singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle, the birth of his daughter, Viva, and his engagement to arts administrator Jörn Weisbrodt.

Now Wainwright reflects on his tumultuous past with the exquisite Out of the Game, which he calls “the most pop album I’ve ever made.” Featuring contributions from his sister Martha, Sean Lennon and retro-soul crew the Dap Kings, the CD includes tributes to Kate (the accordion-flecked “Candles”), Viva (the breezy “Montauk”) and Jörn (the saloon-flavored “Respectable Dive”). But the irresistible gems are the horn-driven “Jericho,” the carnivalesque “Welcome to the Ball” and the glam-rocker “Rashida.” When all of his vocal and melodic gifts are in full roar, Rufus the pop prince is unbeatable.

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